Omron Photoelectric Sensors — Diffuse, Reflective, and Through-beam Sensors
Omron Photoelectric Sensors perform non-contact object detection in industrial automation systems by using defined optical emission and reception principles across diffuse, retro-reflective, and through-beam configurations. These sensors operate with standardized LED or laser light sources, support Light-ON or Dark-ON control modes, and use transistor-based outputs compatible with machine-level input circuits. Structural formats include compact rectangular or cylindrical housings, fixed optical axes, standard mounting brackets, and sealed front surfaces designed to maintain stable optical alignment in varied environments.
The Omron Photoelectric Sensor, manufactured by Omron, incorporates NPN, PNP, two-wire, and three-wire output formats with cable or connector terminations available through the Omron portfolio. Optical elements are arranged in emitter–receiver or emitter–reflector paths that provide consistent detection behaviour without physical contact. As a defined sensing unit, an Omron photoelectric sensor functions as an optical detection technology structured as an emitter–receiver device, classified under non-contact object-presence sensing and interfaced through discrete electrical signal connections.
Omron E3AS Series — Distance-settable Photoelectric Sensors
- Sensing Distance: Up to 1,500 mm.
- Response Time: As low as 1.5 ms.
- Material: Stainless steel / PBT.
- Light Type: Laser diode (infrared or red).
- Power Supply: 10–30 VDC.
- Output Types: NPN, PNP, IO-Link.
- Protection: IP67, IP67G, and IP69K for some models.
Distance-settable sensor for precision and long-range detection in harsh environments.
Omron E3Z Series — Compact Photoelectric Sensors
- Sensing Distance: Up to 1,000 mm
- Response Time: 1 ms
- Light Type: Infrared and Red LED
- Power Supply: 12–24 VDC
- Output: NPN, PNP, some models with IO-Link
- Protection: IP67 / IP69K
- Housing: Compact PBT body
Compact automation sensor balancing small size and stable sensing; widely used in packaging and logistics.
Omron E3JK Series — Multi-voltage Photoelectric Sensors
- Voltage Range: 24 to 240 VAC/DC.
- Output Types: Models with PNP/NPN transistor output and relay output.
- Sensing Distance: Up to 2,500 mm for diffuse reflective models; up to 11,000 mm for retro-reflective models; up to 40,000 mm for through-beam models.
- Response Time: 1 ms for transistor output models, 20 ms for relay output models.
- Light Type: Red LED and infrared LED options.
- Housing Material: ABS.
- Protection: IP64.
Universal sensor with multi-voltage compatibility for machine builders and material handling lines.
Omron E3FA / E3FB / E3RA / E3RB — Cylindrical Photoelectric Sensors
- Sensing Methods: Diffuse reflective, retro-reflective, and background suppression.
- Sensing Distance: Up to 1,000 mm for diffuse reflective, 4,000 mm for retro-reflective, and up to 500 mm for coaxial retro-reflective.
- Response Time: 0.5 ms
- Thread Size: M18
- Material: ABS
- Output: NPN/PNP
- Protection: IP67/IP69K
Cylindrical photo sensors are designed for packaging and assembly environments.
Omron E3T Series — Ultracompact Photoelectric Sensors
- Housing: Miniature plastic, cuboid shape with M2 or M3 mounting.
- Sensing Methods: Diffuse reflective, background suppression, through-beam, limited reflective, retro-reflective.
- Sensing Distance: Varies by model, up to 1,000 mm for through-beam models.
- Response Time: 1 ms
- Material: PBT
- Voltage: 12–24 VDC
- Output: NPN / PNP
- Protection: IP67
Compact, ultrathin sensor for limited-space automation and precision assembly.
Omron E3JM Series — Multi-voltage and Relay Output Sensors
- Voltage: 12–240 VDC / 24–240 VAC.
- Output: Relay / Solid-state Relay.
- Sensing Distance: Up to 10,000 mm (through-beam), 700 mm (diffuse reflective), 4 m (retro-reflective).
- Response Time: 5–30 ms
- Material: ABS
- Protection: IP66
Industrial-grade, high-voltage sensor ideal for mixed AC/DC automation panels.
Omron E3ZM Series — Stainless Steel Photoelectric Sensors
- Sub-Series: E3ZM-B, E3ZM-C
- Sensing Methods: Retro-reflective, Through-beam, Diffuse, and Limited Reflective
- Sensing Distance: Up to 500 mm (E3ZM-B) and 20 m (E3ZM-C Through-beam)
- Light Source: Red LED or Infrared LED, with polarized options for reflective models
- Response Time: 1–2 ms for fast and stable detection
- Power Supply Voltage: 10–30 VDC with PNP/NPN output configurations
- Operation Modes: Light-ON / Dark-ON selectable
- Material: High-grade SUS316L Stainless Steel housing for durability and hygiene
- Protection Rating: IP67 / IP69K, ensuring complete washdown resistance
Both the E3ZM-B (Retro-reflective) and E3ZM-C (Through-beam) variants offer quick response, wide sensing ranges, and flexible outputs—making them ideal for hygienic applications, food packaging, and process industries where reliability under washdown conditions is essential.
Omron E3NC Series — Smart Laser Sensors
- Sensing Distance: Up to 1.2 m for diffuse-reflective, 70±15 mm for limited reflective, and 8 m for coaxial retro-reflective.
- Light Source: Red laser diode.
- Beam Size: As small as 0.1 mm.
- Response Time: 80 µs–16 ms.
- Voltage: 10–30 VDC.
- Output: NPN / PNP.
- Protection: IP65 / IP67.
Precision laser sensors for fine detection and positioning tasks.
Omron E3Z-LS Series — Compact Photoelectric Sensor
- Sensing Method: Distance-settable.
- Output Types: NPN and PNP; Sensing Distance: Up to 200 mm.
- Light Source: Red LED; Voltage: 12 to 24 VDC.
- Response Time: 1 ms max.
- Protection: IP67; Material: PBT case, polyarylate lens.
- Connection: Pre-wired or M8 connector.
Omron E3C Series — High-Accuracy Diffuse and Convergent Sensors
- Sensor Types: Through-beam, Diffuse-reflective, Convergent-reflective
- Sensing Range: Up to 2 m (through-beam), 100 mm (diffuse), 30 ± 3 mm (convergent)
- Light Source: Infrared LED (940–950 nm), Red LED (680 nm for convergent)
- Accuracy: Differential travel as low as ±3%
- Protection: IP50 to IP66 (model-dependent, indoor use only)
- Build: Polycarbonate, ABS, or Zinc body with Polycarbonate/Acrylic lens
- Mounting: Includes brackets or screws depending on the model
High-accuracy reflective sensors for optical inspection and small object detection.
Omron E3S Series — Retro-reflective and Diffuse Sensors
- Sensor Types: Through-beam, Retro-reflective, Diffuse-reflective, Convergent-reflective
- Sensing Distance: Up to 5 m (through-beam), 0.1–2 m (retro), 100–300 mm (diffuse), 30–250 mm (convergent)
- Light Source: Infrared LED (950/945 nm), Red LED (660 nm)
- Response Time: Fast 1–3 ms
- Output: NPN/PNP solid-state, Load current: 80 mA max
- Adjustments: Built-in sensitivity adjuster with indicators
- Operating Temp: −25 to 55°C
Rugged photoelectric sensors for industrial machinery and conveyors.
Omron EE Series — Photomicro Sensors
- Sensing Method: Through-beam, various types (Slot, Reflective, Limited-reflective, Diffuse-reflective, Retro-reflective).
- Sensing Distance: 5 mm (slot width typical)
- Connection: System connector.
- Output: NPN, PNP.
- Voltage: 5–24 VDC.
- Operation Modes: Dark-ON, Light-ON.
- Response Time: 0.17 ms.
- Material: PBT.
- Light Type: Infrared; Dimensions: Varies by shape (Straight, T-shaped).
Miniature photomicrosensors for compact, high-speed position detection in assembly automation.
Omron Photoelectric Sensors from Omron Corporation are precision-engineered sensing solutions designed for accurate, touch-free object detection in industrial automation systems. The product family includes multiple sensor types—Through-beam, Diffuse, and Retro-reflective—each serving distinct industrial applications. The through-beam sensors detect objects that interrupt a light beam between the emitter and receiver, ensuring reliable long-range detection. Diffuse sensors detect objects by sensing reflected light, making them suitable for close-range or irregular surfaces. Retro-reflective sensors use a built-in emitter-receiver with a reflector, ideal for transparent or reflective materials in packaging and bottling lines.
Models such as the Omron E3Z Series for compact installations, E3JK Series for AC/DC multi-voltage operation, and E3FA Series for cylindrical applications provide high-speed performance and flexibility. Each sensor operates on 10–30 VDC with PNP or NPN outputs and features durable ABS or stainless-steel housings rated up to IP69K for protection against dust, water, and chemicals. Designed to ensure fast response and consistent accuracy, Omron Photoelectric Sensors deliver stable performance even under harsh industrial conditions.
At IndMALL Automation, engineers can find the complete range of Omron Photoelectric Sensors—from compact diffuse sensors to retro-reflective models with reflectors. Popular series like Omron E3Z, E3JK, and E3FA are available with multiple configurations to match various automation requirements. With competitive Omron photoelectric sensor prices and trusted sourcing, IndMALL ensures access to genuine sensors that enhance accuracy, speed, and reliability in production, packaging, and material-handling systems.
People Also Ask
What are the three types of photoelectric sensors?
There are 3 Types of Photoelectric Sensors are there
- Through Beam Photoelectric Sensors
- Retro Reflective Photoelectric Sensors
- Diffuse Photoelectric Sensors
Thru Beam Photo Sensor: It has Emitter & Receiver Seperatly. Continuously emitter will emit the light and the receiver will receive the light. When an object passes through the beam light the receiver won’t receive the light from Emitter, then Receiver will send the Output signal to the controllers.
Reflective Photo Sensor: It has an emitter & Receiver in one device. Same as thru beam sensor emitter will emit the light and the receiver will receive the light, But here is there a difference here we need to use one reflector separately. We should place the device on one side exact opposite side we need to place the Reflector. the emitter will emit the light, and that light through the reflector will reflect and receives by the Receiver. When an object interrupts the light receiver won’t receive the signal then the receiver will send the output signal to the Controller.
Diffuse Photo Sensor: Same as Reflective Photoelectric Sensor, Emitter & Receiver in one device but there is no Reflector required. The emitter will emit the light when the object passes opposite to the Sensor device light will reflect and reflected light will receive to the Receivers. Then Receiver will send the output signal to the Controllers.
Sensing Distance:
Thru Beam Photo Sensor (20+Meters ) >> Reflective Photo Sensor (1-5 Meters) >> Diffuse Photo Sensor (100mm to 1Meter)
Now it’s your time to decide which sensor is suitable for you.
What does OMRON photoelectric sensor do?
These sensors can be configured with adjustable distances and may feature built-in or separate amplifiers, along with fiber optic units. This flexibility makes them suitable for diverse applications in detecting the presence and position of objects in automated setups.
What is photoelectric sensors used for?
Photoelectric Sensors are regularly used to detect the object’s presence or Absence by using a light transmitter. Based on your application you should select the Thru Beam Photo sensor, Reflective Photo Sensor, and Diffuse Photo Sensor.
What is the range of photoelectric sensor?
As you know there 3 types of Photo Sensors that is Thru Beam, Reflective Type, and Diffuse Sensor.
- Thru Beam Photoelectric Sensor based on different brands Sensing distance will come from 1 Meter to 20+ Meters.
- Retro Reflective Photoelectric Sensor based on different brands Sensing distance will come from 500 mm to 5+ Meters.
- Diffuse Photoelectric Sensor based on different brands Sensing distance will come from 200mm to 1+ Meters.
Which type of photoelectric sensor has the longest range?
In Simple Answer is Through Beam Photoelectric Sensors. Sensing distance from 1 Meter to 20+ Meters. It’s available in Rectangular types & Cylindrical Photo sensors. Here is a there better thing, you can use 10 Meter sensor for 5 Meter purposes which means the Sensing Distance can adjust. For more sensors in diffuse type sensors then you go for Distance Sensor.
Distance Sensors available in Pepperl Fuchs, Leuze etc.,
Can photoelectric sensors detect plastic?
Yes, a Photoelectric sensor can detect any object including Plastic, Metal, Wood, Rubber, Glass, Liquid etc., Photo Sensor’s main job is to check the object presence & absence of any object. If an object passes through Photo Sensor it will give an indication to the controller.
How to Select the Photoelectric Sensor?
When you want to purchase any Photoelectric sensors you should be very clear about these technical details. Through-beam Photoelectric sensors will have Emitter & Receiver Seperatly. The emitter will emit the signal Receiver will receive the signal when any object crosses the light between Emitter & Receiver, then Receiver will give a signal to the controller. Whenever you are purchasing Through-beam Photoelectric sensor you should know how much sensing distance we required generally it will come in Meters, What is the output you want like PNP, NPN, etc., Cable Type or Connector Type, Light On/Dark On, Light Infrared or RED Light, etc.,
Retro-reflective Photoelectric sensors will have Emitter & Receiver in one Device And Seperatly Reflector we need to purchase, Same Principle for retro-reflective, Emitter emits the light we need to keep the reflector in opposite direction emitted light will reflect through the Reflector and it will receive to the Receiver. When any object crosses the signal Receiver won’t get a signal then Receiver will send the signal/output to the controllers. Same As Through-beam photo Sensors we must know how much sensing distance we need, Output: PNP, NPN; Cable or Connector Type, etc.,
Diffuse Photoelectric sensor will have Emitter & Receiver in the Same device, Any separate reflector is not required. Diffuse reflective Photo Sensor The emitter will emit light when an object came that light reflects through an object and that light/Signal will receive by the Receiver. Same as Thru Beam Photoelectric sensor & Retro reflective Photoelectric sensor we need to select a Diffuse Photo Sensor But here we need to check Background Suppression is it required, the Remaining Sensing distance, Output, Cable or Connector type.
Photoelectric Sensor Working Principle
A photoelectric sensor works by emitting a light beam (visible or infrared) from its light source. When an object interrupts this beam, the sensor detects the change in light intensity. The sensor then triggers a response, such as a signal output, to indicate the presence or absence of the object.
