The Omron E3Z-T61K 2M is a through-beam photoelectric sensor set — transmitter and receiver in a single prewired pair. It delivers a 15 m sensing range on 12-24V DC, outputs NPN, and carries IP67 for washdown environments. The selectable light-on/dark-on switching mode adds flexibility across presence or absence applications.
Ratings that drive the fit
Sensing distance is a full 15 m, which covers long conveyor spans or wide machine entries. Minimum detectable object is 12 mm diameter opaque — so small parts pass through the beam unless they trip it. Response time sits at 1 msec, adequate for most material handling but not micro-fast part counting. The NPN output sinks up to 100 mA at 12-24V DC, matching the typical PLC sinking input card. Selectable Light On/Dark On via a switch means one SKU covers both modes — keep that in mind if a predecessor was fixed-mode. Body is PBT (good chemical resistance), rectangular at 7 mm wide × 20 mm deep × 31 mm tall. The right-angle face directs the beam perpendicular to the cable exit, useful in tight side-mount positions. The 2 m prewired cable is PVC-jacketed, bare-wire termination — no connector to source.
How it compares to immediate siblings
The closest alternative is the E3Z-T61, which shares the same optics, range, and NPN output, but terminates in an M8 connector instead of a prewired cable. If your panel already uses M8 pigtails, the E3Z-T61 saves field wiring; the E3Z-T61K 2M eliminates a connector and its potential moisture failure point. The prewired version is also less picky about mating-cycle corrosion in wet areas. The E3Z-T81K 2M shares the same 7 mm width, 2 m cable, and 15 m range with PNP output.