Photocells | McMaster-Carr

	Input Voltage Input Voltage

	Environment Environment

High-
Pressure
Washdown

Corrosive

Oily

Hazardous

	Wattage Wattage

	Mounting Location Mounting Location

	Housing Material Housing Material

	Sensor Type Sensor Type

	Time Delay Adjustability Time Delay Adjustability

Automatic

Manual

	Wire Connection Type Wire Connection Type

Wire Leads

Screw Terminals

Spring-Clamp Terminals

Terminal Block

	System of Measurement System of Measurement

Inch

Metric

	Depth Depth

	Switch Type Switch Type

Light

Noncontact

Button

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

DFARS Specialty Metals
COTS-Exempt

	Sensor Style Sensor Style

Direct Sensing

Receiver

Reflector

	Maximum Sensing Distance Maximum Sensing Distance

	Maximum Time Delay Maximum Time Delay

5 sec.

2 min.

	Width Width

	Height Height

	Specifications Met Specifications Met

	Signal Output Type Signal Output Type

PNP

NPN

NAMUR

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

RoHS Compliant

RoHS Compliant with
Exemptions

	Minimum Time Delay Minimum Time Delay

	Electrical Connection Type Electrical Connection Type

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

REACH Compliant

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356 Products

Choosing a Proximity Switch

Light-Sensing Light Controls

Wire these controls to light fixtures.

Light-Sensing Controls for Light Bulbs

Screw these controls into a light bulb socket.

Proximity Switches

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.

Harsh Environment Photoelectric Switches

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

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.

Reflectors for Photoelectric Switches

Precision Photoelectric Switches

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

Light Beam Safety Barrier Switches

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

Time-Delay Fiber-Optic Photoelectric Switches

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

Fiber-Optic Photoelectric Switches

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

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.

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.

Mounting Brackets for Proximity
and Photoelectric Switches

Testers for Proximity and Photoelectric Switches

Verify the signal output type of DC switches—a red light indicates NPN, and a green light indicates PNP.

Building and Machinery Hardware

Rotating Sensor and Switch Mounting Brackets

To provide more mounting flexibility than other sensor and switch mounting brackets, the head rotates 360°.

Sensor and Switch Mounting Brackets

Position proximity, photoelectric, and light beam sensors and switches.

Impact-Resistant Sensor and Switch Mounting Brackets

The spring-loaded design absorbs impact to protect sensors and switches from damage.

Clamp-Style Sensor and Switch Mounting Brackets

Clamp around sensors and switches for a secure hold.

Limit Switch Mounting Brackets

Designed to fit most limit switches, these brackets allow switch-position adjustments after they are fastened to equipment.

Heavy Duty Ball-Grip Positioning Arms

With strength for higher load capacities than other ball-grip positioning arms, these arms have a heavy duty construction.

Lighting

Dusk-to-Dawn Wall Lights

Mount these lights near entry doors, loading areas, and driveways to cast an even glow of light.

Dusk-to-Dawn Pole-Top Lights

Mount this light on a pole to illuminate pedestrian areas such as streets and walkways.

Adjustable-Head Dusk-to-Dawn Wall Lights

Heads adjust to any angle so you can direct light where needed.

Solar-Powered Motion-Sensing Security Lights

Powered by the sun, these security lights function in areas that don’t have access to electricity. They’re often used to shine light on parking lots, landscaping, signs, entryways, and other outdoor spaces.

Solar-Rechargeable Portable Lights

Use sun energy to bring light to remote areas and storage spaces without electrical wiring. These lights come with a solar panel to recharge their battery.

Light Meters

Measure light quality and intensity with these meters.

Signal Lights and Alarms

Verbal Alarms

This alarm plays a recorded message when it detects someone passing within 6 1/2 feet.

Motion-Sensing Door Chimes

A chime announces when someone passes through the infrared light beam and a counter keeps track of each entrance and exit.

Solar-Powered Flashing Lights

Place these lights in full sun and their batteries charge during daylight hours. Lights automatically switch on at dusk and off at dawn.

Barricade Lights

360° View Barricade Lights

Solar Flagpole Lights

Illuminate outdoor flags without connecting to an electric power source. These lights have a built-in solar panel that gathers energy from the sun throughout the day to power them at night.