SICK GRSE18-N2442 GR18 Through-Beam Sensor

GRSE18-N2442, part no. 1067985, is a SICK GR18 through-beam sensor pair for long-range, high-reliability detection of objects that interrupt the light beam. The catalogue summary lists: functional principle: Through-beam photoelectric sensor; switching output: NPN; switching mode: Light/dark switching; connection type: Male connector M12, 4-pin; light source: PinPoint LED.

What the GRSE18-N2442 does in a machine

Through-beam is the most robust photoelectric principle. The usable range is the longest of all photoelectric principles and is largely independent of the object surface.

Because the light travels once, not twice as with a reflex sensor, the signal reserve is large. That reserve lets the sensor keep working in dusty or humid surroundings and detect dark, shiny or small objects that would be marginal for other principles. Both halves need a power supply and a separate cable.

Technical specifications

Type code GRSE18-N2442 and what to check before ordering

On the electrical side, the data sheet gives supply: 10 V DC … 30 V DC; frequency: 1,000 Hz; range: 0 m … 15 m; connection: male connector M12, 4-pin; current: 30 mA; outputs: NPN; response time: < 500 µs.

Before choosing the mounting position, check operating temperature –25 °C … +55 °C; dimensions 18 mm x 18 mm x 73.5 mm; enclosure rating IP67; light source visible red light; housing metal, Nickel-plated brass and ABS; wavelength 650 nm.

Before ordering, confirm the sensing range, the output type, the connection and whether you need the complete pair; the data sheet lists the sender and receiver part numbers separately.

Rigid brackets matter, since a long path magnifies small movements. Typical uses are counting and presence detection on conveyors, gate and door barriers, fill monitoring in transparent hoppers, and detection of long or tall objects.

Related SICK products: SICK GSE6-P4212 G6 Through-Beam Photoelectric Sensor Set, SICK WS/WE100-2P4439 W100 Through-Beam Photoelectric Sensor Set, SICK GRL18S-F2336 Short M18 Retro-Reflective Sensor, SICK GRL18-P2432 M18 Retro-Reflective Photoelectric Sensor, SICK GL6G-P4211 Retro-Reflective Sensor and SICK VL180-2P42436 M18 Retro-Reflective Sensor, 6 m.

Sender and receiver as a matched pair

As a through-beam sensor, the GRSE18-N2442 is supplied as a pair: SICK’s data sheet lists the individual components as the sender GRS18-D2441 (part no. 2072237) and the receiver GRE18-N2432 (part no. 2073766). The sender is mounted on one side of the conveyor or opening and the receiver directly opposite, and an object is detected when it interrupts the beam. Through-beam operation gives the longest range in the GR18 family: up to 15 m maximum, with a recommended sensing range of 0 to 10 m. The PinPoint LED produces visible red light at 650 nm, so the beam can be aligned by eye; the light spot is about Ø 250 mm at 10 m. Average service life of the LED is given as 100,000 hours at 25 °C.

Test input for checking the sender

The sender has a test input: applying 0 V switches the sender off. A PLC can use this to confirm that the receiver output changes state when the beam is switched off, which detects a failed sender or a receiver that is being triggered by stray light. This is a useful check for doors, gates and long conveyors.

Electrical and installation notes

• Supply 10 to 30 V DC (ripple below 5 Vpp), current consumption 30 mA.
• Complementary NPN outputs, light/dark switching, up to 100 mA. SICK notes the maximum output current falls to 50 mA above 24 V supply or above 49 °C ambient, which is relevant for panels in hot climates.
• Response time below 500 µs and switching frequency 1,000 Hz.
• Reverse polarity protection on supply, inputs and output; outputs overcurrent and short-circuit protected.
• M18 × 1 nickel-plated brass and ABS housing, 18 × 18 × 73.5 mm, PMMA optics, IP67, with four fastening nuts supplied.
• M12 4-pin male connector; operating temperature −25 to +55 °C. The data sheet also lists an ECOLAB certificate and cULus approval (UL file E348498).

Typical uses for a through-beam pair

Because the beam travels in one direction only, from sender to receiver, a through-beam sensor is less affected by the colour, gloss or surface of the object than a diffuse or retro-reflective sensor. This makes the GRSE18-N2442 a good choice for detecting dark or shiny products on conveyors, monitoring the opening of doors and gates, checking for vehicles or pallets at loading points and counting objects across wide openings. When ordering, please confirm the cable or connector type you need, since the sender and receiver each need their own M12 cable.

Documents and quotation

Use the attached SICK data sheet (GRSE18-N2442, part no. 1067985) to check wiring, mounting and approvals. Send the type code, quantity and delivery location through the RFQ form and Seven Star LLC, an independent supplier in Muscat, will respond with a quotation. Similar products sit under Sensors & Transmitters. Confirm the full code against the device it replaces; if this page and the data sheet ever disagree, follow the data sheet.