Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric sensors detect the presence, absence, or position of an object without physical contact by emitting a light beam - typically infrared or visible red - and measuring whether that beam is interrupted, reflected, or returned. Photoelectric sensors are used in industrial automation, conveyor systems, packaging lines, material handling equipment, and HVAC controls.

Through Beam Photoelectric Sensors
A through beam photoelectric sensor uses a separate emitter and receiver mounted opposite each other. When an object breaks the beam between them, the sensor triggers. Through beam sensors offer the longest sensing ranges - up to 30 meters - and perform reliably in dusty, dirty, or high-ambient-light environments.

Retroreflective Photoelectric Sensors
A retroreflective photoelectric sensor houses the emitter and receiver in a single unit and uses a reflective target to return the beam. Sensing ranges reach up to 15 meters. Retroreflective sensors require only one-sided mounting, reducing installation complexity compared to through beam types.

Diffused Photoelectric Sensors
A diffused photoelectric sensor detects objects by bouncing emitted light directly off the target surface back to the integrated receiver - no separate reflector required. Diffused sensors are ideal for short-range detection up to 1 meter and are widely used on conveyor lines and packaging equipment where mounting space is limited.