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_-_198052_-_sensor__92237.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    198052

    GL30-IR/32/40A/98A (Returns Must Be Approved by Manufacturer)

    Photoelectric Slot Sensor, 10-30VDC, 0.3mm Target, 30mm/35mm Slot Width/Depth, Infrared Light, Light/Dark On Switch, PNP, M8 3 Pin Connector, Powder Coated Die-Cast Zinc, Glass Optics, -20 to +60°C Ambient Temperature, IP67

  • Baumer_FZCK_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FZCK 07P6901

    10151056

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference- Subminiature, 20...150 mm Sensing Distance, NPN, Teach-in Adjustment, 2 Meter Long Rear Side Cable, IP 65

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_132616_-_sensor__74685.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    132616

    DK12-11/124/136

    Print Mark Contrast Sensor, Diffuse Mode, 10-30VDC, 11mm ± 2 mm Range, Teach-In, Light/Dark On, 2 Push-Pull O/P, M12 5 Pin, Nickel Plated Die-Cast Zinc, Plastic Optics, -20 to 60°C Ambient Temp., 41.5 x 49 x 15mm (WHD), IP67

  • baumer_fhdk10_870x630_1_3__46008.jpg

    Baumer

    FHDK 10P3101/KS35

    10146074

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Sensor, Receiver, 5m Sb/6m Sn Range, 270° Potentiometer, 10-30VDC, Dark Operate, PNP, <100mA, Rectangular 27 x 10.4 x 14mm (HWD), Plastic (ASA) Housing, PMMA Optics, Flylead Connector M8 3-Pin, -25 to +65°C, IP65

  • Baumer_FVDK_Primary.png

    Baumer

    FVDK 10P5101

    10162866

    Fiber Optic Sensor, Pulsed Red LED, PNP, Light/Dark Operate, Potentiometer, 270°, 2m Cable, 27 x 14 10.4mm (HWD), Plastic ASA Housing, -25 to +55°C, IP40

  • Baumer_FZCK_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FZCK 07N6901

    10152087

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference-Subminiature, 20...150 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Red LED, NPN, Teach-in Adjustment, 2 Meter Long Rear Side Cable, IP 65

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_297897_-_distance_sensor__44477.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    297897

    VDM28-15-L1-IO/73c/110/122, This is the Recommended Replacement for 232769

    Distance Photoelectric Sensor, Analog Output, IOLink, Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT), Laser

  • Baumer_OZDM_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    OZDM 16P1901

    10123266

    Diffuse Contrast Sensor, < 250 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Red Laser Diode, PNP/Analog 4...20 mA, 14 Turn Potentiometer, 2 Meter Cable Length (4 Pin)0, IP67

    $1,410.49
    $1,410.49

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