Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor GL6-N1211S27 – 6 m, NPN, IP67
Overview
The GL6-N1211S27 is a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor from the G6 product family of SICK, designed for object detection in industrial automation applications.
The sensor utilizes a 650 nm PinPoint red LED light source combined with a polarization filter, enabling stable detection performance with a sensing range of up to 6 m when used with the PL80A reflector.
Featuring an NPN output, Light/Dark switching mode, 10 – 30 V DC supply voltage, and IP67 protection rating, the GL6-N1211S27 is suitable for conveyor systems, packaging machinery, logistics equipment, and other industrial automation applications requiring high operational reliability.
Product Overview of the Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor GL6-N1211S27
The GL6-N1211S27 belongs to the compact G6 sensor series, featuring a rectangular housing design measuring 12 × 31.5 × 21 mm for installation in space-constrained environments.
The sensor integrates TwinEye technology and a dual-lens optical system to enhance signal transmission and reception stability during object detection. Its PinPoint LED light source generates a focused light spot of Ø 8 mm at a sensing distance of 350 mm, enabling accurate detection of small objects.
The device is equipped with a sensitivity adjustment potentiometer, status indication LEDs, and configurable Light ON / Dark ON operating modes for flexible system integration. With fast response time and high resistance to ambient light interference, the GL6-N1211S27 is well suited for high-speed industrial automation and material handling systems.
Key Features
- Sensing range: 0.03 … 6 m (with PL80A reflector); typical 0.07 … 5 m
- Output: NPN
- Supply voltage: 10–30 V DC
- Current consumption: 30 mA (no load)
- IP67 protection rating
- 3-wire PVC cable, 2 m length
Technical Specifications – GL6-N1211S27
| Parameter |
Value |
| Model |
GL6-N1211S27 |
| Part Number |
1062937 |
| Functional principle |
Retro-reflective sensor |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) |
12 × 31.5 × 21 mm |
| Sensing range max. |
0.03–6 m (PL80A) |
| Sensing range (typical) |
0.07–5 m (PL80A) |
| Light source |
PinPoint LED, visible red, 650 nm |
| Light spot size |
Ø 8 mm at 350 mm |
| Polarization filter |
Yes |
| Adjustment |
Potentiometer, 270° |
| Supply voltage (UB) |
10–30 V DC |
| Current consumption |
30 mA (no load) |
| Output type |
NPN |
| Switching mode |
Light/Dark switching (selectable via rotary switch) |
| Output current max. |
≤ 100 mA (≤ 50 mA when UB > 24 V) |
| Response time |
< 625 µs (resistive load) |
| Switching frequency |
1,000 Hz (light/dark ratio 1:1) |
| Circuit protection |
A, B, D |
| Connection |
3-wire cable, 2 m (PVC) |
| Housing material |
ABS/PC |
| Optical window material |
PMMA |
| Weight |
60 g |
| Enclosure rating |
IP67 |
| Ambient operating temperature |
–25°C … +55°C |
| Ambient storage temperature |
–40°C … +70°C |
| Certifications |
EU/UK/ACMA/Morocco CoC, China RoHS, cULus, DIN EN 62471 |
Source: SICK Official Datasheet – Download datasheet link PDF
Circuit Protection Notes A = Reverse polarity protection for supply voltage B = Reverse polarity protection for inputs and output D = Overcurrent and short-circuit protection for outputs
Applications in Industry of the GL6-N1211S27
- Packaging & Food Industry: High switching frequency (1,000 Hz) and fast response time enable reliable detection on high-speed conveyor lines. Light/Dark switching allows flexible adaptation to different packaging materials and colors.
- Logistics & Material Handling: 6 m sensing range is ideal for pallet detection, large containers, and long conveyor sorting systems. The focused PinPoint LED minimizes false triggers from ambient light.
- Machinery & Manufacturing: 270° potentiometer enables precise sensitivity tuning for various object sizes and surface types. Polarization filter eliminates interference from shiny surfaces.
- Pharmaceutical & Chemical Industry: IP67 rating ensures reliable operation in wash-down environments. ABS/PC housing and PMMA lens are resistant to common cleaning agents.
- Access Control & Gates: Suitable for automatic gates, parking systems, and warehouse entry/exit monitoring.
Implementation Experience: AUMI has supplied the GL6-N1211S27 for numerous high-speed sorting lines in logistics warehouses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, achieving up to 99.8% detection accuracy and significantly reducing false readings caused by reflections.
Comparison: GL6-N1211S27 vs GL6-N1212
Both models share identical core technical specifications. The main difference lies in the included accessories:
| Parameter |
GL6-N1211S27 |
GL6-N1212 |
| Part Number |
1062937 |
1060814 |
| Sensing Range |
6 m (PL80A) |
6 m (PL80A) |
| Output |
NPN |
NPN |
| Switching Mode |
Light/Dark |
Light/Dark |
| Connection |
3-wire cable, 2 m |
3-wire cable, 2 m |
| Items Supplied |
Sensor only |
Sensor + Reflector P250 + BEF-W100-A |
| Protection Rating |
IP67 |
IP67 |
| Recommended For |
Cost optimization (when reflector is already available) |
Complete ready-to-install solution |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can the GL6-N1211S27 reliably detect dark objects or shiny surfaces?
Yes. Thanks to the PinPoint red LED, polarization filter, and dual-lens system, the sensor delivers stable detection across a wide range of surfaces, including dark, glossy, and transparent objects.
Q2. Which reflector should be used with the GL6-N1211S27?
The sensor performs optimally with the PL80A reflector (as specified in the SICK datasheet), achieving a maximum sensing range of 6 m. Other reflectors can be used, but the sensing distance will be reduced.
Q3. What is the output type of the GL6-N1211S27?
NPN output with selectable Light ON or Dark ON mode via the rotary switch on the sensor housing.
Q4. Is the GL6-N1211S27 suitable for dusty and wet environments?
Yes. With an IP67 rating, the sensor is fully dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets, making it ideal for industrial, packaging, logistics, and wash-down applications.
Q5. What is the difference between GL6-N1211S27 and GL6-N1212?
Both models have identical technical specifications.
- GL6-N1211S27: Sensor only (no reflector or bracket included).
- GL6-N1212: Includes reflector P250 and stainless steel mounting bracket BEF-W100-A.
Choose GL6-N1211S27 for cost savings when you already have reflectors. Choose GL6-N1212 if you need a complete plug-and-play solution.
Contact AUMI to Purchase GL6-N1211S27
AUMI – Official Distributor of SICK in Vietnam. Full manufacturer warranty, CO/CQ documents, and 24/7 technical support.
Hotline: 0917 991 589 (Hanoi) | 0932 226 100 (Ho Chi Minh City)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://aumi.com.vn/
Addresses:
- Hanoi: B44, Viet Hung Urban Area, Viet Hung Ward
- Ho Chi Minh City: 2nd Floor, HS Building, 260/11 Nguyen Thai Binh, Bay Hien Ward
- Da Nang: 9th Floor, PV Bank Building, 2 Road 30-4, Hoa Cuong Ward
