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    Photoelectric sensor

    Looking to select a photoelectric sensor? Take a look at Eaton's.
    Eaton's photoelectric sensors

What is a photoelectric sensor?  

A photoelectric sensor is a type of switch that is turned off and on by the presence or absence of received light. The inherent advantages of such a "non-contact" switch have resulted in widespread application throughout the industrial world.

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How does a photoelectric sensor work?

In its simplest form, a photoelectric sensor sends out light energy (depicted as the outgoing red beam in the drawing below) from the face of the sensor to create a detection zone.  A detection occurs and the sensor switches on when a target passes into the area of the sensor beams and the light is returned to the sensor (depicted as the returning red beam).  The sensor switches off when the target moves away from the detection zone.  As a result, a photoelectric sensor does not need to come into physical contact with the target itself.  
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How to select a photoelectric sensor

 

Deciding which sensor to purchase and selecting the right one for your application can be a confusing task. 

Learn how to select the right photoelectric sensor 

Photoelectric sensor components

  • Sensor Housing: This portion of the sensor provides the means for mounting and protects sensor internals
  • Sensing Face: Light from the sensor emanates from here
  • Mounting Nuts: Supplied with each sensor
  • Sensor Endbell: Indicator LEDs typically appear in this área of the sensor
  • Connection Interface: A sensor may be equipped with a factory installed cable, cordset, or built-in pin connector
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Types and modes of detection for photoelectric sensors

 

The successful application of the sensors depends on the selection of the appropriate mode of detection for the application. 

Learn about photoelectric sensor types and modes of detection.

Features and limitations of photoelectric sensors

Features:

  • The presence or absence of an object can be detected without direct contact.
  • There are no mechanical parts or levers to wear out.
  • The switch can be mounted a great distance from the object to be detected.

Limitations:

  • Over coarse of time lens get contaminated.
  • Its sensing range is affected due to color and reflectivity of the target.
  • Thru beam type requires transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) at two separate locations. Retroreflective type requires reflector in addition to Tx/Rx. This makes system installation complex.

Discover Eaton’s most powerful photoelectric sensors

Commet 18 mm tubular

Eaton's commet photoelectric sensors series is a complete line of high performance, 18 mm tubular devices with a variety of models and modes to solve virtually any sensing problem. The commet Series includes AC/DC and DC-only models with two-, three- and four-wire circuitry. Choose from cable or micro-connector. 

Unique features and benefits

  • Perfect Prox technology provides exceptional background rejection and application problem-solving
  • The industry's only background rejection sensors with a 2-wire circuit design
  • Solid polyurethane housing completely encapsulates internal circuits for high resistance to shock and vibration
  • Adaptable modulation circuit provides immunity to crosstalk from other closely mounted sensors
 
 

Enhanced 50 photoelectric sensor

Enhanced 50 series high-performance sensors offer flexibility, durability and high optical performance with a fully potted construction that makes these sensors ideal for use in areas subject to washdown, high shock and high vibration.

 

Unique features and benefits

  • High optical performance models including a 500 ft (152 m) thru-beam and a 10 ft (3 m) diffuse reflective unit 
  • Logic options include ON-delay, OFF-delay, ON/OFF-delay and oneshot delay 
  • Fully potted construction for use in areas subject to washdown, high shock and/or vibration
  • All units offer light/dark selection

E58 harsh-duty sensors

The E58 harsh duty series by Eaton’s electrical sector was designed to withstand your harshest physical, chemical and optical environments. Extensive research dictated the choice of materials used in this sensor. 

 

Unique features and benefits

  • Highly refined optics provide long sensing ranges through high levels of contamination.
  • PerfectProx technology allows for excellent background rejection and high excess gain.
  • The industry's only background rejection sensors with a 2-wire circuit design.
  • Ideal for automotive applications where exposure to lubricants, cutting fluids, coolants and glycols is common.

Photoelectric sensors FAQs

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What are the two basic components of a photoelectric sensor?

There are two major components in photoelectric sensor. They are a transmitter (light source) and receiver (sensor).

How do you test a photoelectric sensor?

Once the sensor has been installed. Place an obstruction in the sensor beam path and run the operator, the gate will stop and reverse. 

How do you align a photoelectric sensor?

There are 3 easy steps to align the sensorYou need to reconnect power to the operator.

  1. Align the sensor. Red LED indicates that the sensor is misaligned or blocked. Blue LED indicates that the signal is strength. If there is a slow blinking, it indicates that there is a weak signal and if there is a fast blinking, it indicates that the signal is strong. Solid blue LED indicates an optimal alignment.
  2. When the sensor is properly align, tight the sensor bracket screws until it grips the sensor in place.
  3. Plice the white cover into the sensor bracket. Make sure the tabson the wire cover slide into the slots on the top of the sensor bracket.

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