Optical Sensors | McMaster-Carr

	System of Measurement System of Measurement

Metric

Inch

	Maximum Sensing Distance Maximum Sensing Distance

	Sensor Style Sensor Style

Direct Sensing

Receiver

Reflector

	Input Voltage Input Voltage

	Signal Output Type Signal Output Type

PNP

NPN

NAMUR

	Light Beam Switch Operation Light Beam Switch Operation

On When Object Absent

On When Object Present

	Electrical Connection Type Electrical Connection Type

Hardwire

Plug

Socket

	Environment Environment

High-Pressure Washdown

	Light Beam Adjustability Light Beam Adjustability

Adjustable

Nonadjustable

	Number of Wire Leads Number of Wire Leads

	Housing Material Housing Material

	Light Beam Type Light Beam Type

LED

Laser

	Sensor Direction Sensor Direction

Straight

90° Angle

	Light Beam Frequency Light Beam Frequency

Visible

Infrared

	Environmental Rating Environmental Rating

IEC Zone 1 Groups IIC, IIB,
IIA

IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC,
IIIB, IIIA

	Diameter Diameter

18 mm

30 mm

	Length Length

	Shape Shape

	Maximum Temperature Maximum Temperature

	RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

RoHS Compliant with
Exemptions

RoHS Compliant

	DFARS (Defense Acquisition Regulations Supplement) DFARS (Defense Acquisition Regulations Supplement)

DFARS Specialty Metals
COTS-Exempt

	Specifications Met Specifications Met

	REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

REACH Compliant

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257 Products

Choosing a Proximity Switch

Photoelectric Switches

Detect the presence or absence of an object moving at high speeds with a light beam. These switches have a longer sensing distance than proximity and ultrasonic switches.

Easy-Install Photoelectric Switches

These switches have a receiver built into the housing, eliminating the need to align components and measure sensing distance during installation.

Precision Photoelectric Switches

For optimal performance in tight spaces, these switches have a smaller beam and can detect smaller objects than standard photoelectric switches.

Photoelectric Switches with Relay Output

A built-in relay produces AC voltage output. These switches are often used with older programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Time-Delay Photoelectric Switches with Relay Output

Set these switches to delay activation by up to five seconds after detecting an object.

Space-Saving Photoelectric Switches

With a narrow, flat body, these switches fit in tight spaces.

Fiber-Optic Photoelectric Switches

The highly flexible fiber-optic cable and small sensing end help you position these switches in hard to reach areas.

Time-Delay Fiber-Optic Photoelectric Switches

Set these switches to delay activation by up to fifteen seconds after detecting an object.

Reflectors for Photoelectric Switches

Harsh Environment Photoelectric Switches

Rated IP69K, these switches can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns and temporary submersion.

Light Beam Safety Barrier Switches

Light beams travel up to 32 ft. between the transmitter and receiver.

Wide-Angle Safety Barrier Switches

Scanning 275° side-to-side for people and objects, these switches (known as safety laser scanners) cover large areas and send signals to machinery to prevent accidents.

Hazardous Location Photoelectric Switches

Safely detect the presence or absence of an object moving at high speeds with a light beam. These switches produce a low-current, low-voltage NAMUR signal, so they won’t create sparks or ignite. ATEX and IECEx certified, they protect against explosion in environments containing flammable gases and combustible dust.

Machine Vision Inspection and Sorting Cameras

Inspect objects on your conveyor line for defects such as surface flaws, crooked labels, and missing screws.