This long-range reflector photocell is a key safety part for any automated entry system. It’s a retro-reflective sensor that finds things blocking your gate or door. It comes with a waterproof cover and works with both 12-24V AC and DC power, so it fits many setups. Features and Benefits
- Single-Sided Wiring - The sensor and reflector design means you only need to run wires to one side of the opening. This makes installation simpler than with through-beam types.
- 7-Meter (23 ft) Sensing Range - The infrared beam has a long reach. This makes it good for wide driveways and commercial entryways.
- Polarized Reflector System - This helps the sensor ignore misleading reflections from shiny surfaces like cars. This reduces false alarms and makes it more dependable.
- All-Weather Housing - The included IP55-rated waterproof cover protects the outdoor sensor from rain, snow, and dust. It works reliably all year. Applications
- Automatic Gates - Install this sensor to stop a sliding or swing gate from closing on a vehicle or person.
- Garage Door Openers - Add this safety beam sensor to your garage door system. It will stop the door from closing if something is in the way.
- Warehouse & Loading Docks - Use it to watch conveyor belts or barrier arms. This makes commercial areas safer.
How They Work
A photoelectric sensor, also known as an optical sensor or light sensor, operates by detecting changes in light. This particular model is a reflector photocell sensor. It works by emitting a beam of light and then detecting if that beam is reflected back. When an object breaks the beam, the sensor registers this interruption. This Photoelectric Sensor has a detection range of 15m and is designed for 12-24V DC/AC systems. Its waterproof cover ensures reliable operation in various conditions, making it suitable for automatic gate applications.
3 Main Types of Photoelectric Sensors
There are three main types of photoelectric sensors. The first is through-beam, where the emitter and receiver are in separate housings, and detection occurs when an object breaks the beam between them. The second is retro-reflective, like this Photoelectric Sensor, which uses a single unit containing both the emitter and receiver, with a reflector placed opposite to bounce the light back. The third is diffuse-reflective, where the sensor detects light directly reflected from the object itself. Each type offers different advantages depending on the application.
Common Applications
Photoelectric sensors are widely used for various detection tasks. This Photoelectric Sensor is specifically designed for automatic gate applications, where its 15m detection range and waterproof cover make it ideal for ensuring safety and automated operation. Other common uses include counting items on a conveyor belt, detecting the presence or absence of parts in machinery, or positioning objects in industrial automation. Their ability to detect objects without physical contact reduces wear and tear and increases operational efficiency.
The Core Components
The core components of a photoelectric sensor include an emitter, a receiver, and the associated electronics. The emitter generates a beam of light, typically infrared, as used in this long-range infrared beam sensor. The receiver, often a photodiode or phototransistor, detects this light. For reflector photocell sensors, a separate reflector is also a key component, bouncing the emitted light back to the receiver. The internal electronics process the received signal and trigger an output when the light path is interrupted or restored.
The 3 Main Operating Modes
Photoelectric sensors typically operate in three main modes. Light-on mode means the output is activated when the receiver detects light. Dark-on mode means the output is activated when the receiver does not detect light. The third mode is programmable, allowing the user to select between light-on and dark-on operation. This Photoelectric Sensor, being a reflector photocell type, is likely to operate in a mode where an interruption of the reflected beam (dark-on) or the presence of the reflected beam (light-on) triggers the desired action, such as opening or closing an automatic gate.
Operating Voltage: 12-24V DC/AC. Application: Automatic Gate. Brand: FD. Detection Range: 15m. Feature: Waterproof Cover. Product Type: Reflector Photocell Sensor. Sensor Type: Photoelectric Sensor. Housing Material: ABS Plastic. Operating Voltage: 12-24V DC/AC. Output Type: Relay Output (NO/NC). Operating Temperature: -25°C to 70°C. Enclosure Rating: Waterproof Cover. Beam Type: Infrared. Current Consumption: < 30mA. Detection Distance: 15 meters. Light Source: Infrared LED. Product Type: Reflector Photocell / Photoelectric Sensor. Protection Degree: IP65. Response Time: < 30ms. Q: What is the maximum sensing distance for this photoelectric sensor? A: This sensor has a pretty long reach for its type. It can reliably detect the reflection from its included reflector panel from up to 15 meters away.. Q: Is this sensor suitable for outdoor installation on an automatic gate? A: Yes, it's made for that kind of use. It includes a protective cover that gives it an IP55 rating, which means it's shielded from dust and jets of water like rain.. Q: What type of power input does this photocell need? A: It's quite flexible with its power requirements. It can run on a wide voltage range from 12 to 24 volts, and it works with either AC or DC power sources.. Q: What do I get in the box with this sensor kit? A: The package includes the main sensor unit, the reflector panel, the clear waterproof cover, and the necessary mounting hardware. It's a complete set for a standard installation.. Q: How does this sensor connect to a gate control board? A: It uses a standard relay output with both Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC) contacts. This makes it compatible with nearly any gate opener or automation system that uses a simple sensor input..