Product Overview

The H18 Sure Sense is a through-beam photoelectric sensor designed for reliable, long-term detection in demanding industrial environments. Utilizing a hybrid housing design with visible red light emission, it ensures precise object detection over extended distances. With a maximum sensing range of 0 m to 25 m and a standard operational range up to 20 m, the H18 Sure Sense delivers consistent performance across various applications. Its compact dimensions (16.2 mm × 48.5 mm × 31.8 mm) and robust M18 thread mounting make it ideal for integration into tight or space-constrained systems. The sensor features a blue housing and is engineered with a service life of up to 100,000 hours at +25 °C, ensuring durability and minimal maintenance over time.

Key Features and Technology

The H18 Sure Sense employs a through-beam functional principle where an emitter and receiver are positioned opposite each other to detect objects by interrupting the light beam. The sensor uses a PinPoint LED as its light source, delivering a focused visible red light with a spot size of 400 mm × 200 mm at a distance of 10 m. This precise beam ensures high accuracy and minimal false detection. The hybrid housing design enhances reliability by combining mechanical strength with optical performance. With reverse-polarity protection on both inputs (A, B) and outputs (D), the sensor provides enhanced safety during installation and operation. Additionally, output overcurrent and short-circuit protection ensures safe operation under fault conditions.

Technical Characteristics

The H18 Sure Sense operates within a supply voltage range of 10 V DC to 30 V DC, with ripple less than 5 V pp. Current consumption is limited to ≤ 20 mA, ensuring energy efficiency. The sensor offers two switching outputs: Q1 (PNP, dark switching) and Q2 (NPN, dark switching), enabling compatibility with a wide range of control systems. The maximum output current (I max.) is ≤ 100 mA. Light emission occurs via visible red light, and the sensing range spans from 0 m to 25 m, with a standard operational range up to 20 m. All electrical connections are reverse-polarity protected, and the sensor maintains performance within specified voltage tolerances without exceeding or falling below U V limits.

Configuration and Integration

The H18 Sure Sense is configured for dark switching operation, meaning it activates when no object is detected (i.e., beam unbroken). This configuration is ideal for applications where the presence of an object interrupts the light path. The sensor supports both PNP and NPN output types via Q1 and Q2, allowing seamless integration with a variety of PLCs or control systems. Mounting is achieved using an M18 thread with head/side mounting options (24.1 mm to 25.4 mm), providing flexibility in installation orientation. The sensor includes overcurrent and short-circuit protection on outputs (D), ensuring safe operation during electrical faults. All connections are protected against reverse polarity, reducing the risk of damage during wiring.

Operating Environment

The H18 Sure Sense is designed for use in industrial environments with ambient temperatures within standard operating ranges. It operates reliably under supply voltages from 10 V DC to 30 V DC and maintains performance within specified tolerances, including ripple of less than 5 V pp. The sensor is rated for long-term service life (up to 100,000 hours at +25 °C), making it suitable for continuous operation in harsh conditions. It is protected against reverse polarity on inputs (A and B) and outputs (D), ensuring safe performance even during accidental wiring errors. The sensor's design ensures stable operation within defined voltage limits without exceeding or falling below U V tolerances, contributing to consistent detection accuracy over time.

Industrial Applications

The H18 Sure Sense is well-suited for applications requiring reliable object detection over long distances, such as in material handling, packaging lines, and conveyor systems. Its through-beam design ensures accurate detection of objects like parts, products, or containers that interrupt the light beam between emitter and receiver. The sensor’s maximum sensing range of 25 m allows it to be used in large-scale production environments where extended reach is required. With dark switching operation and dual output options (PNP/NPN), it integrates easily into automated control systems. Its robust construction, reverse-polarity protection, and long service life make it ideal for continuous industrial use in cleanroom or high-dust environments where reliability is critical.