Receiver Through-Beam Photoelectric Sensor — 20 m Range, PNP, IP65
The SICK WE18-2P430 is a receiver unit for a through-beam photoelectric sensor pair, designed to detect the presence or absence of an opaque object across a 20 m gap. The 20 m sensing range means the emitter and receiver can be placed 20 meters apart and still reliably break the beam — typical for long conveyor runs, automated warehouse aisles, or wide access gates where a fork-truck or pallet must be detected before a door or transfer point. Switching output is PNP, rated 100 mA, with selectable light-on or dark-on mode. The 100 mA output current drives most PLC inputs or small relays directly; the PNP (sourcing) configuration is standard for European-sourced control panels. Supply voltage range is 10 to 30 V DC, with nominal 24 V DC — the 10 V floor means it operates through a sagging battery or long cable run, and the 30 V ceiling accommodates unregulated supplies. The rectangular plastic housing (ABS/PMMA optics) measures 17 × 75 × 32.5 mm and carries an IP65 enclosure rating. Ambient operating temperature spans -40 to 60 °C, covering freezer-warehouse to hot-mill environments. Connection is via a male M12 4-pin connector — a standard industrial quick-disconnect. The 4-pin M12 carries power (pins 1 and 3) and the PNP output (pin 4); pin 2 is typically unused or reserved for a teach/configuration line depending on the variant. The M12 connector simplifies field replacement: unplug the old receiver, plug in the WE18-2P430, no rewiring of a gland plate required.