GL2S-N2311 SICK Retroreflective Photoelectric Sensor 3m NPN – Light/Dark Switching, 4-Wire
Highlights
- Miniature retro-reflective photoelectric sensor from SICK’s G2 product family (Germany), optimized for packaging and automation applications
- Sensing range up to 3 m with NPN output and 4-wire cable connection
- Supports flexible switching between Light switching and Dark switching modes
- Compact housing design with IP67 protection rating for industrial environments
- Ideal for applications requiring flexible control logic or output state inversion
- Officially distributed by AUMI – authorized SICK distributor in Vietnam
Overview of GL2S-N2311 SICK Photoelectric Sensor
The GL2S-N2311 is the 4-wire variant within SICK’s G2 miniature photoelectric series, delivering enhanced output flexibility compared to the 3-wire GL2S-N1312. The sensor uses the same proven retro-reflective dual lens system and 640 nm PinPoint LED technology, ensuring reliable object detection and easy alignment in industrial environments.
The defining feature of GL2S-N2311 is its Light/Dark switching mode – the user can select whether the output activates when light is received (Light switching) or when light is blocked (Dark switching) using the fourth wire. This eliminates the need to physically replace or rewire the sensor when the control logic needs to be inverted, providing significant flexibility in complex PLC-controlled systems.
The GL2S-N2311 shares the identical ABS plastic housing dimensions (7.7 × 21.8 × 13.5 mm) as GL2S-N1312, ensuring full mechanical interchangeability between models without modifying mounting brackets or drilling new holes. IP67 protection allows operation in dusty, wet, or regularly cleaned environments.
5 Key Specifications:
- Sensing range: up to 3m maximum (with PL40A reflector), 2.5m typical
- Output: NPN, Light/Dark Switching mode (selectable via 4th wire)
- Connection: 4-wire PVC cable (BN/WH/BU/BK), Ø 3 mm, 2 m
- Protection rating: IP67 – fully dustproof, withstands temporary immersion
- Light source: PinPoint LED, 640 nm red light.
Technical Specifications – GL2S-N2311 SICK Photoelectric Sensor
| Parameter |
Value |
| Model |
GL2S-N2311 |
| Part No. |
1067404 |
| Operating Principle |
Retro-reflective – Dual lens system |
| Sensing Range (Typical) |
0.03 m – 2.5 m (with PL40A reflector) |
| Sensing Range (Maximum) |
0.02 m – 3.0 m (with PL40A reflector) |
| Light Type |
Visible red light |
| Light Source |
PinPoint LED, wavelength 640 nm, service life up to 100,000 hours at +25°C |
| Light Spot Size |
Ø 11 mm at 250 mm distance |
| Supply Voltage |
10 VDC – 30 VDC |
| Current Consumption |
20 mA (no load) |
| Switching Output |
NPN |
| Switching Mode |
Light/Dark Switching (selectable) |
| Output Current |
≤ 50 mA |
| Response Time |
< 0.6 ms |
| Switching Frequency |
800 Hz |
| Connection Type |
4-wire PVC cable (BN/WH/BU/BK), Ø 3 mm, 2 m |
| Wiring Diagram |
Cd-094: BN(+), BU(−), BK(Q output), WH(Q̄ complementary output) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) |
7.7 mm × 21.8 mm × 13.5 mm |
| Polarisation filter |
Yes |
| Housing Material |
Plastic ABS |
| Optics Material |
Plastic PMMA |
| Enclosure Rating |
IP67 |
| Ambient Operating Temperature |
–25°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature |
–40°C to +75°C |
| Weight |
33.7 g |
| Circuit Protection |
Reverse polarity (A), Interference suppression (C), Short-circuit (D) |
| Certifications |
CE, cULus, UK, ACMA, China RoHS, Morocco, Photobiological Safety (DIN EN 62471) |
| Items Supplied |
No reflector (order PL10F – Part No. 5311210 separately) |
| Origin |
SICK AG, Waldkirch, Germany |
Specifications from SICK official datasheet
Industrial Applications of GL2S-N2311 Photoelectric Sensor
The Light/Dark switching capability of GL2S-N2311 opens applications that a fixed 3-wire sensor cannot address with the same flexibility:
- Multi-criteria Sorting Systems on Conveyors: When sorting logic requires output polarity to change between product batches (e.g., activate on light for batch A, activate on dark for batch B), the 4th wire allows the PLC to switch modes on-the-fly without stopping the line or replacing the sensor.
- Blister Packaging and Pharmaceutical Blister Lines: Detecting empty cavities (Dark) versus filled cavities (Light) within the same sensing cycle enables tighter quality control in pharmaceutical packaging. Response time < 0.6 ms handles high-speed indexing machines.
- Automated Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Detect pallet entry/exit from rack positions at up to 3m range, using Light/Dark logic to determine movement direction without requiring a second sensor.
- SMT Electronics Assembly Lines: The 7.7 mm miniature housing fits within pick-and-place machines and SMT conveyors to detect PCBs. Light/Dark flexibility ensures compatibility with different PLC brands and HMI configurations in the same factory.
- Retrofit and Upgrade Applications: GL2S-N2311 can replace comparable miniature retro-reflective sensors from other brands (Omron E3Z, Banner QS18) with the same footprint, enabling upgrades without modifying the mounting structure.
GL2S-N2311 vs GL2S-N1312 – Which Model to Choose?
Both GL2S-N1312 and GL2S-N2311 share the same G2 hardware platform, differing only in switching mode and cable wiring. The table below provides a clear comparison:
| Comparison Criteria |
GL2S-N2311 |
GL2S-N1312 |
| Part No. |
1067404 |
1064423 |
| Output |
NPN |
NPN |
| Switching Mode |
Light/Dark Switching (selectable) |
Light Switching (fixed) |
| Cable Wires |
4-wire |
3-wire |
| Accessory Connector |
M8 4-pin (STE-0804-G) |
M8 3-pin (STE-0803-G) |
| Included Accessories |
No reflector (order PL10F – 5311210 separately) |
PL10F reflector included |
| Weight |
33.7 g |
37 g |
| Sensing Range |
0.03 – 2.5 m (3 m max) |
0.03 – 2.5 m (3 m max) |
| Housing Dimensions |
7.7 × 21.8 × 13.5 mm |
7.7 × 21.8 × 13.5 mm |
| Supply Voltage |
10 – 30 VDC |
10 – 30 VDC |
| Protection Rating |
IP67 |
IP67 |
| Operating Temperature |
–25°C to +50°C |
–25°C to +50°C |
| Relative Cost |
Slightly higher (more functionality) |
Lower (simpler design) |
| Best Choice When |
Need flexible 2-mode switching, complex PLC integration |
Simple fixed logic, single output, cost savings priority |
Recommendation:
Choose GL2S-N1312 if: your application requires straightforward presence detection with a fixed output logic, you want to save cost, and a reflector is already included. Choose GL2S-N2311 if: your PLC requires logic inversion capability, you need two complementary signal outputs from a single sensing point, or you want flexibility for future system modifications without hardware changes.
Why Choose SICK Sensors from AUMI?
You can purchase the genuine SICK GL2S-N2311 photoelectric sensor at AUMI – SICK’s official authorized distributor in Vietnam – with competitive pricing, full warranty, and 24/7 technical support.
- 100% genuine SICK products with original labels, CO/CQ documentation and full traceability
- 12-month manufacturer warranty, technical team on-site support in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang
- Expert advice on accessories: PL10F reflector (5311210), BEF-W2S-A mounting bracket, M8 4-pin connector STE-0804-G
Frequently Asked Questions about GL2S-N2311 SICK Photoelectric Sensor (FAQ)
Q1: How much does the GL2S-N2311 sensor cost?
The price of GL2S-N2311 depends on quantity and accessories required (note: PL10F reflector is not included and must be ordered separately). Contact AUMI at 0917 991 589 for the best quote with complete accessory configuration.
Q2: What is the difference between GL2S-N2311 and GL2S-N1312?
Two key differences: (1) GL2S-N2311 offers selectable Light/Dark switching; GL2S-N1312 has fixed Light switching only. (2) GL2S-N2311 uses a 4-wire cable; GL2S-N1312 uses 3-wire. Housing dimensions and sensing range are identical.
Q3: What industries use the GL2S-N2311 photoelectric sensor?
GL2S-N2311 is used in pharmaceutical packaging, electronics assembly, automotive manufacturing, warehouse logistics automation, and any application requiring flexible output logic inversion based on PLC commands.
Q4: Does GL2S-N2311 include a reflector?
No. Unlike GL2S-N1312 which includes a PL10F reflector, the GL2S-N2311 does not ship with a reflector. You need to order PL10F (Part No. 5311210) separately. AUMI provides free consultation on selecting the right reflector for your target sensing distance.
Q5: Where to buy genuine SICK GL2S-N2311 in Vietnam?
AUMI is SICK’s official authorized distributor in Vietnam, guaranteeing 100% genuine SICK products with complete CO/CQ documentation and manufacturer warranty. Hotline: 0917 991 589 (Hanoi) | 0932 226 100 (Ho Chi Minh City). Website: https://aumi.com.vn
Contact to Purchase GL2S-N2311 SICK Sensor
AUMI – Official SICK Distributor in Vietnam. Genuine products, CO/CQ documentation, 24/7 technical support.
📞 Hotline: 0917 991 589 (Hanoi) | 0932 226 100 (Ho Chi Minh City)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://aumi.com.vn
📍 Offices:
- Hanoi: B44, Garden Housing, 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, No. 2 Street 30-4, Hoa Cuong Ward
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