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.

Style:
Product Price Rating Action
  • pepperl_fuchs_-_117302_-_thru_beam_sensor__61246.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    117302

    Safety Thru-Beam Sensor, Transmitter, 0.2-10m Effective Detection Range, LED, 660nm Light Source, Power Supply via Control Unit, Operation on Control Units of SB4 (SafeBox), M12 5-Pin 90° Rotatable Connector, IP67, Returns are subject to Ma

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_117304_-_thru_beam_sensor__82557.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    117304

    Safety Thru-Beam Sensor, Receiver, 0.2-10m Effective Detection Range, LED, 660nm Light Source, Power Supply via Control Unit, Operation on Control Units of SB4 (SafeBox), M12 5-Pin 90° Rotatable Connector, IP67, Returns Subject to Manufactu

  • pf_sla29-73-receiveronly_1__73630.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    118431

    Safety Thru-Beam Sensor (Emitter), Plastic, M12 4-Pin Connector, IP67 for Operation on SB4 Series Control Units (SafeBox), Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • pf_sla29_1__73047.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    118433

    Machine Safety Photoelectric Sensor, Safety Thru-Beam Sensor, Emitter: SLA29-T/116, 0.2 to 30m Detection Range (40m Threshold Range), ABS Plastic, RLA 1021 (Yellow) Painted, Terminal Compartment Connection, IP67, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved

  • pf_sla29-73-receiveronly__91532.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    118435

    Machine Safety Thru-Beam Photoelectric Sensor (Receiver), Plastic, M12 4-Pin Connector, IP67 for Operation on SB4 Series Control Units (SafeBox), Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • pf_sla29__55582.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    118437

    Machine Safety Photoelectric Sensor, Safety Thru-Beam Sensor, Receiver: SLA29-R/116, LED Functional Display and Pre-Fault Indicator on the Receiver, 0.2 to 30m Detection Range, (40m Threshold Range), ABS Plastic, RLA 1021 (Yellow) Painted, Terminal

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