SICK GL6-P4211 G6 Retro-Reflective Photoelectric Sensor, M8

The GL6-P4211, SICK part no. 1059241, is a retro-reflective sensor from the G6 family: one housing holds emitter and receiver, a reflector returns the beam, and an object in the path switches the output. The sensing range maximum is 0.03 m … 6 m (sensing range value 0.07 m … 5 m). Output: PNP, light/dark switching; connection: Male connector M8, 4-pin.

Retro-reflective sensing with the GL6-P4211

The data sheet describes a dual-lens system with a minimum distance to the reflector. Place the reflector beyond that minimum distance; closer than that the beam geometry no longer works as intended, and the sensing range figures only apply from there outwards. A polarisation filter is fitted: it passes only light that the reflector has rotated, so shiny objects are less likely to be mistaken for the reflector. Reflective tape works instead of a reflector, but its sensing range is shorter, so check the data sheet before substituting one for the other. Where a polarisation filter is fitted, glossy objects that return the beam unrotated are not mistaken for the reflector. Without a filter a shiny object can defeat the sensor.

Light source: PinPoint LED, visible red light, light spot Ø 8 mm (350 mm). Adjustment: potentiometer, 270°. Response time < 625 µs.

Technical specifications

Type code GL6-P4211 and part number 1059241

GL6-P4211 is the type code and 1059241 the part number. The prefix GL6 covers more than one electrical version, so a replacement should be matched by part number rather than by the visible housing, and the reflector must be considered separately.

Comparable active types from the same family are:

• GL6-P4212 (part no. 1062110)
• GL6G-P4212 (part no. 1060810)
• GL6L-P4212 (part no. 1115573) – Light source: Laser
• GL6-N4212 (part no. 1063491) – Switching output: NPN
• GL6L-N4212 (part no. 1115576) – Light source: Laser, Switching output: NPN

Mounting, wiring and alignment notes

Electrical supply: 10 V DC … 30 V DC. Environmental limits: IP67 and –25 °C … +55 °C ambient in operation. The body measures 12 mm x 31.5 mm x 21 mm and weighs 20 g. No reflector is listed as supplied, so add a suitable reflector to the order and check the operating reserve against the distance you need. Verify the supply and ripple of your 24 V DC source against the limits in the table; marginal supplies are a frequent cause of random switching.

Documents and quotation

The SICK data sheet for GL6-P4211 (part no. 1059241) is attached to this page as a PDF, exactly as SICK publishes it, so you can check it against your wiring and mounting drawings. To request a price, give us the part number, the quantity and where the goods should go, using the RFQ form. Related items are listed under Sensors & Transmitters. Confirm before ordering that the version matches your installation: connection, output type and ratings. The data sheet prevails over this summary.