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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  • pf_obt15-r2-e0__93560.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    225915

    Photoelectric LED Triangulation Sensor with Background Suppression for Standard Applications, Miniature Design, 15mm Detection Range, Red Light, Light On, NPN, 2m PUR Cable, 24H x 7.5W x 11.2D mm, IP67

  • pf_ml100_2__52413.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    235962

    Photoelectric Sensor, Diffuse Mode with Rectangular Light Spot for Clear Object Detection, 200mm Range, Red Light, Light/Dark On, Sensitivity Adjuster, DC Version, NPN Output, M8 Plug, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_obr1500-r2f-e0-l_-_photoelectric_sensor__66524.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    253565

    Photoelectric DuraBeam Laser Retroreflective Sensor, Flat Design, Space-Saving M2 Mounting, 12-24V, 1.5m Detection Range, Red Light, Dark On, NPN Output, 2m PUR Cable, 25.5H x 12W x 4.1Dmm, IP67, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_obr1500-r2f-e2-l_-_photoelectric_sensor__48559.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    253566

    Photoelectric DuraBeam Laser Retroreflective Sensor, Flat Design, Space-Saving M2 Mounting, 12-24V, 1.5m Detection Range, Red Light, Dark On, PNP Output, 2m PUR Cable, 25.5H x 12W x 4.1Dmm, IP67, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_253568_-_obt15-r2f-e2_-_photoelectric_triangulation__42537.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    253568

    Photoelectric Triangulation Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), Flat Design, Space Saving M2 Mounting, 10-30VDC, 15mm Range, Red Light, Light On, NO, PNP Output, 2m PUR Cable, IP67, 25.5 x 12 x 4.1mm (HWD), OBT Series

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_253572_-_obt15-r2f-e2-l_-_photoelectric_triangulation__31994.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    253572

    Photoelectric DuraBeam Laser Triangulation Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), Flat Design, Space Saving M2 Mounting, 12-24VDC, 15mm Range, Red Light, Light On, PNP Output, 2m PUR Cable, IP67, 25.5 x 12 x 4.1mm (HWD), OBT Series

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_obr50m-r300-2pp-v1_-_photoelectric_sensor__27970.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    254271

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT), 10-30VDC, 0-50m Detection Range, M12 4-Pin Connector, 88H x 25.8W x 54.3Dmm, IP67, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_obr2500-12gm40-e4_-_photoelectric_sensor__80971.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    257817

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Ø12mm Cylindrical M12 Threaded Housing Design, Metal Housing, Front Optical Face, 10-30VDC, 2.5m Detection Range, Red Light, Light/Dark On, 1 NPN Output, 2m Cable, IP67, Returns of

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_obr2500-12gm40-e4-v1_-_photoelectric_sensor__66773.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    257818

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Ø12mm Cylindrical M12 Threaded Housing Design, Metal Housing, Front Optical Face, 10-30VDC, 2.5m Detection Range, Red Light, Light/Dark On, 1 NPN Output, M12 4-Pin Plug, IP67, Retur

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_obr2500-12gm40-e5_-_photoelectric_sensor__60437.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    257819

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Ø12mm Cylindrical M12 Threaded Housing Design, Metal Housing, Front Optical Face, 10-30VDC, 2.5m Detection Range, Red Light, Light/Dark On, 1 PNP Output, 2m Cable, IP67, Returns of

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_obr2500-12gm40-e5-v1_-_photoelectric_sensor__07819.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    257821

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor with Polarization Filter, Ø12mm Cylindrical M12 Threaded Housing Design, Metal Housing, Front Optical Face, 10-30VDC, 2.5m Detection Range, Red Light, Light/Dark On, 1 PNP Output, M12 4-Pin Plug, IP67

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