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.

Additional Sensor Categories:
Proximity | Ultrasonic | Pressure | Temperature | Level | Tilt

 

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    Pepperl+Fuchs

    909112

    ML17-8-450/115B/136 | Limited Stock Savings: 1 unit available at this price

    Photoelectric, Light On/Dark On, Diffuse Mode, IP67, 150mm Cable, 10-450mm

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    Pepperl+Fuchs

    905793

    ML17-54/115B/136

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor with Polarization Filter, 10-30VDC, 3.5m Detection Range, Light On/Dark On, 2-Push-Pull (4-in-1 Outputs), 150mm PVC Cable with M12 4-Pin Connector, IP67

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    pf_glv18__57642.jpg
    Available Now!

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    188552

    GLV18-6/25/102/159, Non-Cancellable, No Returns, Advertised Pricing Limited to MWA Stock!

    Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Threaded, 10-30VDC, 6.5m Detection Range, NPN, Light On, 4 LED Indicators for 360° Visibility, M12 3-Pin x 1 Connector, PC Housing, PMMA Optical Face, -25 to +60°C (-13 to +140°F) Ambient Temperature, IP67, NCNR

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    pf_rlk31_1__99024.jpg
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    Pepperl+Fuchs

    205234

    RLK31-8-2500-IR/31/115

    Photoelectric, Light On, AC/DC, DiffuseIP67, 2500mm, 2m Cable

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    Pepperl+Fuchs

    267075-0069

    OBT350-R100-2EP-IO-0.3M-V1 

    Photoelectric, DC, Background Suppression, LED, 5 … 350 mm, M12 Quick Disconnect with 300mm Cable

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    Takex

    GS20RSN

    Mini-G Series

    Photoelectric, NPN, Diffuse Reflective, 400mm Rng, 12-24VDC, Light ON/Dark ON, 2m Cable, IP67

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    Takex

    NA-M7RF

    NA Series

    Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 24-240VAC/DC Power Supply, 0.03 to 7mm Range, Mirror-Like Opaque Detection, Relay Ouput 1a, Light ON/Dark ON Selectable, Timer Function Selectable, Delay Time: 0.1-5 s, Terminal Block (M3.5 Screw), IP66

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    takex_na_throughbeam_2__23124.jpg
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    Takex

    NA-M7R

    NA Series

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 24-240VAC/DC Power Supply, 0.03 to 7m Range, Mirror-Like Opaque Detection, Relay Output 1a, Light ON/Dark ON Selectable, No Timer, Terminal Block (M3.5 Screw), IP66

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    takex_na_diffusereflect_2__24571.jpg
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    Takex

    NA-R10F

    NA Series

    Diffuse Reflective Sensor, 24-240VAC/DC ±10% 50/60Hz Power Supply, 1m or Less Range (200x200mm White Drawing Paper), Opaque Translucent Detection Object, Relay Output 1a, Light ON/Dark ON Selectable, Timer Function Selectable, Delay Time: 0

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    Leuze

    50137154

    PRK3C/6G-M8 | Limited Stock Savings: 1 unit available at this price

    Polarized Retroreflective Photoelectric Sensor, 10-30VDC, 5m Range

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    Autonics

    BRQT400-DDTA

    Sensor, Photoelectric, Diffuse Reflective, 400mm Sensing Distance, Stainless Steel Cylindrical Case, Light ON/Dark ON Selectable, NPN Output, 10-30VDC

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

Additional Sensor Categories:
Proximity | Ultrasonic | Pressure | Temperature | Level | Tilt

 

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