Photointerrupters

Photointerrupters — also called U-sensors or slot sensors — combine a photoelectric transmitter and receiver in a single U-shaped housing. The detected object passes through the slot, breaking the beam. They are used for small-part position sensing, end-of-stroke detection, label sensing, and rotary index plate counting.

Enicstra stocks photointerrupters from Omron, Sharp, Banner, Keyence, and Panasonic — including current production, discontinued slot widths, and specialty variants for high-temperature or transparent-object detection. Slot widths range from 1 mm to 50+ mm; outputs include PNP/NPN open-collector, line-driver, and analog. Every unit is bench-tested with the standard 12-month functional warranty.

Photointerrupter selection depends on the object size, transparency, slot clearance, and required output. If a specific photointerrupter isn't listed, send the OEM part number along with the slot width and output type. Most quote inquiries reply within 1–2 business days.

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Buying guide

Choosing Photointerrupters components

Photointerrupter selection is mostly about geometry — the slot must be wide enough for the object plus mechanical tolerances, but narrow enough that the beam isn't easily fooled by adjacent parts. The output type then needs to match what your controller expects.

Specifications to confirm before ordering:

Slot width (mechanical clearance for the detected object)
Object size and material — opaque, translucent, or reflective
Detection mode — straight-through, edge-trigger, or analog level
Output type — PNP open-collector, NPN open-collector, line-driver, or analog
Supply voltage (5 VDC, 12 VDC, 24 VDC)
Mounting style — surface-mount, panel-mount, or PCB
Operating temperature range
IP rating if exposed to coolant, dust, or contamination

Application guidance:

Rotary disc/encoder detection: small slot width (1–5 mm) with fast response time
Label sensing on web converting lines: compact U-sensor mounted across the web path
Cylinder end-of-stroke detection: wider slot (10+ mm) with metal flag
Small object presence detection: medium slot (5–20 mm) with PNP output to PLC
Coin or token validation: precise slot width matching the object thickness

For transparent or translucent objects (glass bottles, clear plastic film), specialized photointerrupters with adjustable threshold or polarized optics are required — standard models won't reliably detect transparent materials.

Related categories Frequently asked questions

Can you source obsolete Omron or Sharp photointerrupters?

Yes. Legacy Omron EE-SX series and Sharp GP-series photointerrupters are common requests, often used in older assembly equipment and printing machinery. Send the part number for availability.

What slot width should I use?

The slot must be wide enough for the detected object plus mechanical clearance for vibration and misalignment, but narrow enough that the beam path is short and easy to maintain. For a 3 mm pin, use a 5–6 mm slot; for a flag arm, allow at least 2 mm clearance on each side.

Can a photointerrupter detect transparent objects?

Standard models cannot — they're designed for opaque object detection. For glass, clear plastic film, or other transparent targets, use a photointerrupter with adjustable threshold or specialized polarized optics. We stock both types.

What output type do I need?

Most modern PLCs expect PNP (sourcing) output. NPN (sinking) is common on legacy Japanese controllers. Line-driver outputs are for high-speed counting where electrical noise is a concern. Check your PLC input specifications before ordering.

Are these new, surplus, or used?

Most stock is new-old-stock — unused, often in original packaging. Some legacy photointerrupters come from tested system removals. Each product page lists condition where known.