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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  • takex_-_dln-s4v_-_sensor__80016.jpg

    Takex

    DLN-S4V

    Photoelectric Sensor, BGS/FGS Selectable, Infrared LED (850nm), 12-24VDC, 10-100mm Detecting Distance, NPN/PNP, Light ON/Dark ON Selector, 2m Cable,, PBT Housing, Polycarbonate Lens, IP67 (Mounting Bracket Options to Order Separately: BK-00

  • takex_dln_shortrange_m8_3__07496.jpg

    Takex

    DLN-S5RV-J

    Photoelectric Sensor, Background Suppression (BGS) / Background Recognition (FGS), 12-24VDC, 10-50mm Detecting Distance, Short Range/NPN, BGS/FGS Selector, Light On/Dark On Selector, 100mA, PBT Housing, Polycarbonate Lens, M8 4-Pin Connecto

  • takex_dln_shortrange_m8_2__46162.jpg

    Takex

    DLN-S5RVP-J

    Photoelectric Sensor, Background Suppression (BGS) / Background Recognition (FGS), 12-24 VDC, 10-50mm Detecting Distance, Short Range/PNP, BGS/FGS Selector, Light On/Dark On Selector, 100mA, PBT Housing, Polycarbonate Lens, M8 4-Pin Connect

  • cg_eo1804ppas-1_1__10138.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    EO1804PPAS

    Photoelectric Diffuse Reflective Sensor, M18, 10-40VDC, 400mm Range, PNP, 4-Wire Complementary, NO/NC, 2m PVC Cable, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, LED Indication, IP67

  • carlo_gavazzi_-_ep1820ppas-1_-_sensor__23739.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    EP1820PPAS-1

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, Red Polarized Modulated Light 660nm, 270° Single Turn Potentiometer, 10-40VDC Power Supply, 2m Range, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 Quick Disconnect Plug, IP67

  • carlo_gavazzi-er1830npas1__75301.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    ER1830PPAS-1

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, M18, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, 10-40VDC, 3m Range, PNP, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 Plug

  • Leuze_50122600_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    ET28.3/2N-200-M12

    Energetic Diffuse Sensor, M18 Thread Size, 10-30VDC, NPN, Light/Dark Switching, LED Display, Teach Button, 0.2m Cable with M12 Male 4-Pin A-Coded Connector, 15 x 46.5 x 31.8mm (WHL), Plastic Housing/Lens, -40 to +60C, IP67, 28 Series

  • Leuze_50122597_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    ET28.3/4P-200-M12

    Energetic Diffuse Sensor, M18 Thread Size, 10-30VDC, PNP, Light/Dark Switching, Red LED, 620nm, Teach Button, 0.2m Cable with M12 Male 4-Pin A-Coded Connector, 15 x 46.5 x 31.8mm (WHL), Plastic Housing/Lens, -40 to +60C, IP67, 28 Series

  • Leuze_50122564_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    ET318B.3/2N-M12

    Energetic Diffuse Sensor, 10-30VDC, Red LED Light Source, 620nm, NPN, Light/Dark Switching, Teach Button, M12 Male 4-Pin A-Coded Connector, 18 x 46mm, Plastic Housing/Lens, -40 to +60C, IP67, 318B 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