The SICK WL9-3P2430 is a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor from the W9-3 series, built for presence detection on packaging lines, conveyor divert gates, and palletising cells where washdown is routine. It throws a PinPoint visible red LED beam up to 4 m to a reflector and switches a PNP output when the beam is made or broken — selectable Light-ON or Dark-ON via the teach-in. The 500 µs response catches fast-moving small parts at typical line speeds without missing a count.
The 4 m sensing distance is the rated range with the recommended reflector (e.g., SICK P250 or PL80A); real-world margin on a dusty or misaligned conveyor is about 3–3.5 m. The IP66/IP67/IP69K rating means the sensor body and optics survive high-pressure hot-water washdown cycles — essential for food-and-beverage or dairy lines where sanitation chemicals and 80 °C water hit the housing. The M12 male connector (4-pin) mates directly to standard M12 cordsets; no pigtail splicing needed.
The sensor body measures 12.2 mm wide by 52.5 mm tall by 23.6 mm deep — it fits the standard 12 mm slot on SICK mounting brackets or any M3 through-hole bracket. The M12 connector exits the rear, so plan for a right-angle cordset if the sensor is mounted flush against a frame rail. The teach-in button on top sets Light-ON or Dark-ON without a separate programming tool; a green LED confirms power and a yellow LED shows the switching state.