Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric sensors detect the distance, absence or presence of an object. These sensors are great for sensing long distances and detecting most materials.

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  • autonics_-_bx700-dfr_-_photoelectric_sensor__07685.jpg

    Autonics

    BX700-DFR

    Diffuse Reflective Sensor, 24-240VAC/DC, 700mm Sensing Distance, Opaque/Translucent Target, Infrared LED (940nM), Light On/Dark On Selectable, Relay Contact Output, Terminal Block Connection Type, IP66

  • Available Now!
    pf_obt60-r101__44580.jpg
    Available Now!

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    267075-100535

    Photoelectric Sensor, BGS, 60mm Fixed Range, No User Adjustments, Visible Red LED Light Source, 10-30VDC, 2 4-in-1 Outputs Inverted, IO-Link, M8 4-pin Connector, Approvals: UL, c-UL, CE, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • takex_f85rn__74300.jpg

    Takex

    F85RN

    Fiber Optic Sensor, Dual Display, 12-24VDC, NPN/PNP, Dark On/Light On, M8 Connector, 0.065 - 4.000ms Response Time, IP40, Replacement for F1, F10, F11, F5, F7, F80 Series. Please review specifications for your application.

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    Available Now!

    Baumer

    FHDK 10P5101/S35A

    Miniature Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression, Pulsed Red LED, 20-120mm Range Tw, Mech. 5-Turn Adj., 10-30VDC, Light/Dark Operate, PNP, <100mA, M8 4-Pin Connector, 27 x 10.4 x 14mm (HWD), Plastic ASA Housing, PMMA Optics, -25 to +65°C, I

  • Available Now!
    takex_ft105bc__29312.jpg
    Available Now!

    Takex

    FT105BC-CS

    Fiber Optic Cable, 2m Length, Diameter: 2.2mm Cable and 1.5mm Core, 45R Bending Radius, Polyethylene Sheath with Plastic Core, -30 to +70°, for CS Color Sensor

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    pf_ml17_mconnect__35837.jpg
    Available Now!

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    905779

    Photoelectric, Light On/Dark On, Retroreflective, IP67, M12 Connector, 3.5m Sensing, DC, Polarized

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_obr6000-r103-2ep-io-0.3m-v1_-_sensor__04284.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    267075-100277

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Miniature Design with Versatile Mounting Options, 10-30VDC, 6m Range, 100mA, Light On/Dark On Changeover Switch, IO-Link Interface, Polycarbonate Housing, PMMA Optical Face, Extended Temperature

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    pepperl_fuchs_-_216895_-_photoelectric_sensor__20007.jpg
    Available Now!

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    216895

    Photoelectric Sensor, Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 4 Pin M8 Connector, Light On, PNP, Non-Metallic, IP57, Visible Red Beam, ML100 Series

Photoelectric sensors detect the distance, absence or presence of an object. These sensors are great for sensing long distances and detecting most materials.

How Does a Photoelectric Sensor Work?

Generally a photoelectric sensor consists of the following:

  • Transmitter - emits the light beam
  • Receiver - detects the light beam and converts it to an electrical signal

Photoelectric sensors detect changes in the light beam caused by the presence/absence, movement or properties of an object.

Types of Photoelectric Sensors:

  • Through-Beam (Thru-Beam)
    • Transmitter and receiver are two separate units that are directly opposite of each other. The sensor detects when an objects breaks the light beam
    • Great for long distance detection
    • Ideal for conveyors, counting or monitoring door openings
  • Retroreflective (Reflective Mode)
    • Transmitter and receiver are in one housing; light beam is reflected back by a reflector. Detection is triggered when an object breaks the beam.
    • Medium range detection and easier to install than a through beam
    • Ideal for package detection and pallet positioning
  • Diffuse (Proximity Mode)
    • The transmitter and receiver in one housing; the sensor detects light reflected directly off the target object (no reflector needed)
    • Best for short range applications
    • Ideal for detecting objects on assembly lines, verifying presence or checking fill level
  • Specialized Types:

Categories Related to Photoelectric Sensors:

  • Stack lights - signal towers visually communicate the data or alerts that the photoelectric sensors are generating
  • Smart relays - photoelectric sensors provide input signals which can process the data and control outputs
  • Pushbuttons and estops - if your sensor detects a fault, an operator can use a pushbutton to reset the system
  • HMIs - HMIs can dispay the data from the photoelectric sensor which allows you to monitor processes