Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor GL2S-N0311S26 – 3 m, NPN, IP67
Overview
The GL2S-N0311S26 is a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor from SICK’s G2 series. With an ultra-compact design (7.7 × 21.8 × 13.5 mm, 14 g), it is ideal for space-constrained systems, high-speed conveyors, and industrial automation applications.
It features a PinPoint red LED (640 nm), a maximum sensing range of 3 m with PL40A reflector, NPN output, Light/Dark switching capability, 800 Hz switching frequency, and < 0.6 ms response time. The sensor comes with a 250 mm JST 4-pin cable and achieves an IP67 protection rating, making it suitable for packaging, robotics, conveyors, and automated production lines.
Product Overview of the Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor GL2S-N0311S26
The GL2S-N0311S26 operates on the retro-reflective principle, with the emitter and receiver integrated in a single housing. The emitted light beam is reflected back by a reflector to the receiver. When an object interrupts the beam, the sensor changes its output state to provide a control signal. This design simplifies installation and alignment compared to through-beam sensors.
Equipped with a dual-lens optical system and PinPoint LED technology, the sensor produces a highly focused light spot for precise detection of small or fast-moving objects. It offers stable sensing performance and excellent immunity to ambient light interference.
The rugged ABS housing, PMMA optics, IP67 rating, and operating temperature range of –30 °C to +50 °C ensure reliable performance in demanding industrial environments. The sensor fully complies with international certifications including EU, UK, ACMA, Morocco CoC, China RoHS, cULus, and DIN EN 62471.
Key Features
- Maximum sensing range: 0.02 m … 3 m (with PL40A reflector)
- NPN output, max. output current ≤ 50 mA
- Supply voltage: 10–30 V DC, no-load current consumption 20 mA
- IP67 protection rating, suitable for dusty and wet environments
- Connection: Pre-wired JST 4-pin cable, 250 mm (M8 x 1 compatible)
Technical Specifications – GL2S-N0311S26
| Parameter |
Value |
| Model |
GL2S-N0311S26 |
| Part No. |
1140105 |
| Functional principle |
Retro-reflective photoelectric sensor |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) |
7.7 × 21.8 × 13.5 mm |
| Sensing range max. |
0.02–3 m (PL40A) |
| Sensing range (standard) |
0.03–2.5 m (PL40A) |
| Light source |
Visible red light, 640 nm (PinPoint LED) |
| Light spot size |
Ø 11 mm at 250 mm |
| Adjustment |
None (fixed) |
| Supply voltage (UB) |
10–30 V DC |
| Current consumption |
20 mA (no load) |
| Switching output |
NPN |
| Switching mode |
Light/Dark switching |
| Output current max. |
≤ 50 mA |
| Response time |
< 0.6 ms (resistive load) |
| Switching frequency |
800 Hz (light/dark ratio 1:1) |
| Connection type |
JST 4-pin cable, 250 mm (M8 x 1 compatible) |
| Cable material |
PUR |
| Cable diameter |
Ø 3 mm |
| Housing material |
ABS plastic |
| Optics material |
PMMA |
| Weight |
14 g |
| Enclosure rating |
IP67 |
| Ambient operating temperature |
–30 °C … +50 °C |
| Ambient storage temperature |
–40 °C … +75 °C |
| Certifications |
EU/UK/ACMA/Morocco CoC, China RoHS, cULus, DIN EN 62471 |
Source: SICK Datasheet GL2S-N0311S26. Download datasheet link
Industrial Applications – GL2S-N0311S26
GL2S-N0311S26 is designed for high-precision, high-speed, and space-constrained automation environments:
- Packaging & Food Processing Lines: Reliable object detection on high-speed conveyors thanks to 800 Hz switching frequency and < 0.6 ms response time. Light/Dark switching allows easy adaptation to different packaging materials.
- Collaborative Robots & Compact Equipment: Ultra-compact size and low weight (14 g) enable direct integration into robot arms, grippers, and end-of-arm tooling.
- Logistics & Material Sorting: 3 m sensing range supports pallet monitoring, long conveyor systems, and automated sorting applications. M8-compatible connection meets standard industrial control cabinet requirements.
- Electronics & Semiconductor Industry: Focused PinPoint light spot (Ø 11 mm at 250 mm) ensures precise detection of small components while minimizing false triggers.
- Food & Pharmaceutical Machinery: IP67 rating provides excellent protection against dust and water splash in wash-down environments. Easy-to-clean M8 connection supports fast maintenance and replacement.
Comparison: GL2S-N0311S26 vs GL2S-N0311S18
Both models in the SICK G2 series share identical dimensions and sensing ranges, but differ in connectivity and functionality:
| Parameter |
GL2S-N0311S26 |
GL2S-N0311S18 |
| Switching mode |
Light/Dark switching (selectable) |
Light switching (fixed) |
| Connection type |
JST 4-pin cable, 250 mm (M8 x 1) |
JST 3-pin cable, 250 mm |
| Number of wires |
4 wires (BN/WH/BU/BK) |
3 wires (BN/BU/BK) |
| Switching output |
NPN |
NPN |
| Sensing range max. |
3 m (PL40A) |
3 m (PL40A) |
| Enclosure rating |
IP67 |
IP67 |
| Circuit protection |
No |
A (reverse polarity) + C (interference suppression) + D (output short-circuit/overcurrent protection) |
| Supply voltage |
10–30 V DC |
10–30 V DC |
| Weight |
14 g |
12 g |
| Part No. |
1140105 |
1139225 |
Recommendation
- Choose the GL2S-N0311S26 when flexible Light/Dark switching and standard 4-pin M8-compatible connection are required.
- Choose the GL2S-N0311S18 for simple Light-on operation, fewer wires, and enhanced circuit protection (A+C+D).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What type of sensor is the GL2S-N0311S26? It is a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor from SICK’s G2 series (made in Germany). It uses a PL40A reflector and achieves a maximum sensing distance of 3 m.
Q2. What switching modes does the GL2S-N0311S26 support? The sensor supports Light/Dark switching. Users can select Light-on or Dark-on mode via wiring configuration without hardware changes.
Q3. What power supply does the GL2S-N0311S26 require? It operates on 10–30 V DC (ripple < 5 Vpp) with a maximum no-load current consumption of 20 mA.
Q4. What applications is the GL2S-N0311S26 suitable for? It is ideal for high-speed conveyors, packaging machines, logistics systems, industrial robots, electronics manufacturing, and any automation requiring compact size and IP67 environmental resistance.
Q5. What are the main differences between GL2S-N0311S26 and GL2S-N0311S18?
- GL2S-N0311S26: Supports Light/Dark switching and uses a 4-pin JST cable (M8 x 1 compatible).
- GL2S-N0311S18: Fixed Light switching, 3-pin JST cable, and enhanced circuit protection (A+C+D).
Contact Information for Purchasing AUMI – Official authorized distributor of SICK in Vietnam. Full manufacturer warranty, complete CO/CQ documentation, and 24/7 technical support.
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