Omron E3FA-TP11 2M Through Beam Photoelectric Sensor

A. Product Overview

The Omron E3FA-TP11 2M 20m PNP Through Beam Photoelectric Sensor belongs to the Omron E3FA series of cylindrical industrial photoelectric sensors. Omron identifies this model as a straight type sensor with plastic housing, through beam sensing method, PNP output, cable connection, and 2 m cable length.

The E3FA-TP11 2M is supplied as a through beam set consisting of an emitter and receiver. The emitter sends light toward the receiver, creating a detection beam across the sensing area. The model provides a maximum sensing distance of 20 m.

Omron designed the E3FA family for easy installation and alignment, with compact construction, visible LED light, high EMC protection, high light immunity, and a robust housing suitable for demanding industrial automation environments.

Key Specifications

These ratings are specified in the Omron E3FA series datasheet.

B. Working Principle

The Omron E3FA-TP11 2M works using the through beam photoelectric sensing principle.

A through beam system uses two separate units:

1. An emitter
2. A receiver

The emitter continuously sends a red light beam toward the receiver. When there is no object between them, the receiver detects the incoming light.

When a box, machine component, product, bottle, package, or other opaque object passes between the emitter and receiver, the light beam is interrupted. The receiver detects this change and switches its PNP output.

This output can then be connected to compatible PLC inputs, counters, relays, controllers, or other industrial automation equipment.

The sensor offers Light ON and Dark ON operation selectable by wiring and has a 0.5 ms response time for fast detection.

C. Why is the Omron E3FA-TP11 2M Used?

The Omron E3FA-TP11 2M is used when long distance and reliable object detection is required without physical contact.

Its 20 m sensing range makes it particularly suitable for applications where the emitter and receiver must be installed on opposite sides of a conveyor, production line, machine opening, or material handling system.

Typical uses include:

1. Product detection on conveyor systems
2. Counting boxes and cartons
3. Object presence detection
4. Position monitoring
5. Conveyor control
6. Packaging machine automation
7. Production line monitoring
8. Material handling systems
9. Sorting machinery
10. Warehouse automation
11. Machine sequence triggering
12. Industrial component detection

Omron states that E3FA sensors are commonly used in industrial plants including food and beverage, textiles, ceramics, brick production, and logistics applications.

The series is also designed for continuous industrial operation and provides high EMC protection and light immunity, while the high-power LED helps maintain sensing stability in environments where dust or vibration may be present.

D. Suitable Buyers

The Omron E3FA-TP11 2M photoelectric sensor is suitable for:

Machine manufacturers, automation system integrators, PLC panel builders, conveyor manufacturers, packaging machine manufacturers, warehouse automation companies, logistics companies, production plants, OEM machine builders, electrical control panel manufacturers, factory maintenance departments, automation engineers, material handling companies, industrial electrical contractors, manufacturing facilities, food and beverage plants, textile machinery manufacturers, ceramic plants, and industrial distributors.

It is particularly useful for buyers who require a 20 m PNP through beam sensor for long distance industrial object detection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Omron E3FA-TP11 2M?

The Omron E3FA-TP11 2M is a PNP through beam photoelectric sensor from the E3FA series. It uses separate emitter and receiver units for reliable object detection.

2. What is the sensing distance of the E3FA-TP11 2M?

The sensor provides a 20 m sensing distance.

3. Is the E3FA-TP11 2M PNP or NPN?

The E3FA-TP11 2M is a PNP output model. Omron's model number legend defines P as PNP output.

4. Is the E3FA-TP11 2M a through beam sensor?

Yes. The letter T in the model designation indicates through beam sensing.

5. Does the E3FA-TP11 2M include both emitter and receiver?

Yes. Omron lists the E3FA-TP11 2M as a through beam set, and the datasheet states that the set type includes the emitter and receiver.

6. What power supply is required?

The sensor operates on 10 to 30 VDC.

7. What type of light source does it use?

The sensor uses a red LED with a wavelength of 624 nm.

8. What is the response time?

The response time is 0.5 ms, making it suitable for high-speed industrial object detection.

9. Does the E3FA-TP11 2M support Light ON and Dark ON?

Yes. Light ON and Dark ON operation can be selected through wiring.

10. What is the output capacity?

The PNP open collector output supports a load current of up to 100 mA, with a maximum load supply voltage of 30 VDC.

11. What is the cable length?

The E3FA-TP11 2M uses a 2 m pre-wired cable. The E3FA dimensional drawing also identifies 2 m as the standard cable length for pre-wired models.

12. What is the protection rating?

The E3FA series straight type sensors have IP67 and IP69K protection.

13. What size of object can the E3FA-TP11 2M detect?

For the through beam model, Omron specifies an opaque object with a minimum diameter of 7 mm as the standard sensing object.

14. Can the E3FA-TP11 2M be connected to a PLC?

Yes. Its PNP open collector output can be connected to compatible PLC digital inputs, provided the PLC input configuration and electrical specifications are suitable.

15. Where is the Omron E3FA-TP11 2M commonly used?

Typical applications include conveyors, packaging machines, production lines, material handling systems, warehouse automation, product counting, positioning, sorting systems, and general factory automation.

16. Is the E3FA-TP11 2M suitable for safety applications involving people?

No. Omron states that this product is not designed or rated for directly or indirectly ensuring the safety of persons.