SICK GL10G-N4251 Photoelectric Retro-Reflective Sensor – Transparent Object Detection, 12 m, NPN, M12 Connector
Key Takeaways
- Specialized retro-reflective photoelectric sensor for reliable detection of transparent objects up to 12 m
- Ideal for detecting glass bottles, PE/PP stretch film, and clear plastic materials
- Equipped with a standardized M12 4-pin male connector (Cd-066) for fast sensor replacement and flexible cabling
- Well suited for modular machinery and automated systems requiring quick maintenance
- Part of the G10 product family from SICK AG, designed for stable performance in logistics and packaging applications
Overview of the SICK GL10G-N4251 Photoelectric Sensor
The GL10G-N4251 belongs to the GL10G sub-family – SICK‘s retro-reflective sensor variant optimized for transparent material detection. Integrating a polarization filter and dual-lens optics, it detects the characteristic minimum 20% signal attenuation that occurs when transparent objects (glass, PE/PP film, clear PET) cross the light path between the sensor and reflector. The M12 4-pin interface provides a standardized, IP67-rated electrical connection compatible with the full SICK cable accessory range and third-party M12 wiring infrastructure.
Key technical highlights:
- Sensing range up to 12 m with PL80A reflector (10 m with P250 reflector)
- Clear material detection – reliably detects glass, PE/PP stretch film, clear PET and transparent plastics
- NPN open-collector output, ≤ 100 mA output current, response time ≤ 1 ms
- M12 4-pin male connector (Cd-066) – tool-free sensor replacement in under 30 seconds
- IP67 – fully dust-tight, withstands water immersion; operating range –30°C to +60°C
Technical Specifications – SICK GL10G-N4251
| Parameter |
Value |
| Operating Principle |
Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor |
| Detection Principle |
Clear material detection |
| Maximum Sensing Range |
0.15 m – 12 m (with PL80A reflector) / 0.15 m – 10 m (with P250 reflector) |
| Effective Sensing Range |
0.3 m – 9.5 m (PL80A) / 0.3 m – 8 m (P250) |
| Light Type |
Visible red light, wavelength 625 nm |
| Light Source |
PinPoint LED (avg. service life 100,000 h at +25°C) |
| Light Spot Diameter (at 5 m) |
Ø 58 mm |
| Switching Output |
NPN, open collector |
| Switching Mode |
Light/dark-switching (selectable via light/dark selector) |
| Max. Output Current (Imax) |
≤ 100 mA |
| Response Time |
≤ 1 ms |
| Max. Switching Frequency |
500 Hz |
| Supply Voltage |
10 VDC – 30 VDC |
| Current Consumption (no load) |
≤ 20 mA |
| Connection Type |
M12 male connector, 4-pin (connection diagram Cd-066) |
| Adjustment |
Potentiometer, 270° |
| Housing Material |
Nhựa ABS/PMMA |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) |
20 mm × 50 mm × 39 mm |
| Weight |
≈ 35 g |
| Enclosure Rating |
IP67 |
| Ambient Operating Temperature |
–30°C to +60°C |
| Ambient Storage Temperature |
–40°C to +70°C |
| Circuit Protection |
A (reverse-polarity), B (I/O protection), C (interference suppression), D (output overcurrent & short-circuit) |
| EMC Standard |
EN 60947-5-2 |
| UL Certification |
UL File No. E348498 |
| Protection Class |
Class III |
| Polarization Filter |
Yes (✔) |
| Part No. |
1138263 |
Specifications sourced from SICK G10 Product Information. Official datasheet: https://www.sick.com/media/pdf/4/44/044/dataSheet_GL10G-N4251_1138263_nl.pdf
Industrial Applications of the SICK GL10G-N4251
| Application |
Description |
| Roller conveyor systems (logistics) |
The M12 connector enables tool-free sensor replacement in under 30 seconds – critical for high-uptime sortation systems. The patented Q-Lock bracket mounts the sensor on Ø12 mm round bars without tools, enabling rapid installation and 360° angular adjustment. |
| Transparent bottle & container inspection |
Clear material detection reliably identifies glass and PET bottles, even when the object is nearly transparent. Signal attenuation detection (≥ 20%) distinguishes empty vs. filled positions in high-speed filling lines. |
| Cold-chain food & pharmaceutical environments |
IP67 rating combined with an operating temperature range of –30°C to +60°C makes the GL10G-N4251 suitable for cold-storage warehouses and refrigerated production lines. The M12 IP67 connector maintains ingress protection integrity under low-pressure wash-down. |
| Pallet stretch-wrap inspection |
Polarized optics eliminate false triggers from reflective film surfaces; only the genuine P250/PL80A reflector signal is registered. Reliable detection of stretch-film-wrapped pallets in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). |
| PLC integration via M12 cabling |
The standardized M12 4-pin interface is compatible with SICK DOL-1204 cables (2–20 m), as well as third-party M12 cables, reducing panel wiring time and supporting modular machine designs. |
AUMI has deployed SICK GL10G sensors across automated logistics and packaging installations in Vietnam, leveraging the M12 connector to minimize planned maintenance downtime through rapid sensor changeout.
GL10G-N4251 vs. GL10G-N1252 – Which Model to Select?
| Criteria |
GL10G-N4251 |
GL10G-N1252 |
| Connection Type |
M12 male connector, 4-pin |
Cable, 3-wire, 2 m PVC |
| Part No. |
1138263 |
1065895 |
| Best for |
Modular systems; rapid sensor swap; M12 infrastructure |
Fixed wiring; no M12 connector needed; simpler installation |
| Output Type |
NPN |
NPN |
| Max. Range |
12 m (PL80A) |
12 m (PL80A) |
| Enclosure Rating |
IP67 |
IP67 |
Both models are technically equivalent. The selection criterion is purely the connection interface: choose GL10G-N4251 (Part No. 1138263) for M12 connector-based systems; choose GL10G-N1252 (Part No. 1065895) for permanent cable wiring without connector hardware.
Why Source the SICK GL10G-N4251 from AUMI?
Purchase the SICK GL10G-N4251 from AUMI – the authorized SICK distributor in Vietnam – with guaranteed genuine products, competitive pricing, 12-month manufacturer warranty and round-the-clock technical support.
- 100% genuine SICK products with traceable certificates of origin (CO/CQ) and manufacturer documentation
- 12-month manufacturer warranty; 24/7 technical hotline for commissioning and troubleshooting
- Nationwide delivery; stock in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; free application engineering advisory
Frequently Asked Questions – SICK GL10G-N4251 Photoelectric Sensor (FAQ)
Q1: What is the SICK GL10G-N4251 photoelectric sensor?
The SICK GL10G-N4251 is a photoelectric retro-reflective sensor engineered for transparent object detection. Part of the G10 product family, it features Clear material detection technology (minimum 20% signal attenuation), NPN output, M12 4-pin connector, and a maximum sensing range of 12 m with PL80A reflector – making it the standard choice for logistics and packaging automation.
Q2: What is the difference between GL10G-N4251 and GL10G-P4251?
The distinction lies solely in the switching output type. GL10G-N4251 has an NPN (sink) output that pulls the signal line to GND (0 V) when activated – compatible with sink-type DI. GL10G-P4251 has a PNP (source) output that switches to supply voltage when activated – compatible with source-type DI. Verify your PLC input card polarity before ordering.
Q3: How do I connect the GL10G-N4251 M12 connector to my system?
The GL10G-N4251 uses an M12 4-pin male connector (Cd-066 wiring). Use a SICK DOL-1204-GxxM (straight) or DOL-1204-WxxM (right-angle) female-to-open cable (2–20 m available), or any standard M12 4-pin female cable: Pin 1 (Brown) = +V (10–30 VDC); Pin 3 (Blue) = GND; Pin 4 (Black) = NPN output Q; Pin 2 (White) = not connected.
Q4: Can the GL10G-N4251 be used outdoors?
The sensor is rated IP67 (dust-tight, withstands temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 min) and operates from –30°C to +60°C, making it suitable for sheltered outdoor or harsh indoor environments. For fully exposed outdoor installations, SICK recommends the optional weather protection hood BEF-G10WSG to extend service life.
Q5: Where to buy the SICK GL10G-N4251 in Vietnam?
AUMI is the authorized SICK distributor in Vietnam, supplying 100% genuine products with certificates of origin (CO/CQ), 12-month manufacturer warranty and 24/7 technical application support.
AUMI – Authorized GL10G-N4251 Distributor in Vietnam. Genuine products guaranteed, full CO/CQ documentation, 24/7 technical support.
📞 Hotline: +84 917 991 589 (Hanoi) | +84 932 226 100 (Ho Chi Minh City)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://aumi.com.vn/
Offices:
- Hanoi: B44, Garden House Lot, Viet Hung Urban Area, Long Bien District
- Ho Chi Minh City: Floor 2, HS Building, 260/11 Nguyen Thai Binh, Tan Binh District
- Da Nang: Floor 9, PV Bank Building, 2 Road 30-4, Hoa Cuong Ward
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