Omron Photoelectric Sensors — E3Z, E3FA, E3JK, E3T
Four Omron families cover most photoelectric work: E3Z is the general-purpose workhorse with the widest range of sensing modes, E3FA adds transparent-object detection, E3JK runs on universal AC/DC power with a relay output, and E3T is an ultrathin series built for battery machines. All four are photoelectric — inductive proximity switches are on a separate page, because the two are routinely confused.
Lifecycle status
All four families are in production
Omron lists E3Z, E3FA, E3JK and E3T with active product pages across its regional sites and no end-of-production notices. E3Z-D62 carries an explicit "Product Life Cycle: Active" flag. Transparent-object detection, which buyers often expect from E3T, actually lives in E3FA-V.., E3Z-B.. and E3Z-L63/L83.
What to fit instead: None required — all four remain current
Key specifications
- E3Z model format: E3Z-sensing mode-output-connection-[special]-[light]-[option]-[set/ emitter/receiver]-connector-cable
- E3Z output digit 6 means NPN open collector, 8 means PNP open collector. Light source A is red, blank is infrared
- E3Z trailing 2M and 5M are cable lengths in metres; M1, M3 and M5 connectors are M12, M8 and M8 3-pin respectively
- E3Z sensing distances: through-beam 15 m (T6x) or 30 m (T67/T87), retro-reflective 3–4 m with an E39-R reflector, diffuse 100 mm to 1 m
- E3FA runs on 10–30 VDC with 0.5 ms response and adds limited-reflective sensing (V..) for transparent bottles and film at 10–50 mm
- E3JK is the free-power family: 24–240 V AC/DC universal input with a relay SPDT output rated 250 VAC 3 A, IP64
- E3T is the ultrathin series for battery machines: ST through-beam 1 m, FT 500 mm, FD diffuse 5–30 mm, FL background-suppression 1–15 mm
How to read an E-series photoelectric model number
Read the sensing mode second and the output digit third — those two decide whether the sensor will work in your panel at all.
| Element | E3Z | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sensing mode (2nd char) | T through-beam, R retro-reflective, D diffuse, B clear-bottle, L narrow-beam / limited-reflective, C oil-resistant, LS distance-setting | A sensing-mode letter is mandatory — E3Z-61 and E3Z-82 are not valid model numbers |
| Housing | blank = plastic, M = metal SUS316L | M is material, not a connector |
| Output | 6 = NPN open collector, 8 = PNP open collector | Reversing these is the most common wiring error |
| Connection | 1/2/3/4 = pre-wired cable, 6/7/8/9 = connector | 5 is not a valid connection code |
| Light source | A = red light, blank = infrared | Red is easier to align but can be defeated by sunlight |
| Cable length | 2M = 2 m, 5M = 5 m | Blank means a connector is fitted instead |
| E3FA output | N = NPN, P = PNP; trailing 1 = cable, 2 = M12 connector | E3FA voltage is 10–30 VDC, not 12–24 V |
Brackets are series-specific and do not cross over: E3Z uses E39-L43/L44/L98/L142/L143/L144/L150/L151/L153, E3JK uses E39-L40, E3FA uses E39-L182 or E39-L183, and inductive E2B/E2E use the Y92E range.
Where these parts get used
- Bottle and carton detection on a packaging line using an E3FA-V.. limited-reflective head for PET and clear plastic
- Long-reach conveyor presence detection with an E3Z-T67 through-beam pair at 30 m
- Compact assembly cell where panel depth is critical and an E3T-FD or E3T-FL fits where a standard sensor will not
Which model do you need
- Choose E3Z-T.. for through-beam and the longest sensing distances, E3Z-R.. for retro-reflective on a reflective target, E3Z-D.. for diffuse on a plain target.
- Choose E3FA-V.. when the target is transparent or semi-transparent — standard diffuse sensors will not see it reliably.
- Choose E3JK when the panel has no 24 VDC available; it runs on 24–240 V AC/DC and switches a relay, so it drops straight into a relay wiring diagram.
- Choose E3T only when space is the binding constraint — it is ultrathin and aimed at battery-powered machines, not a general replacement for E3Z.
All 44 Omron Photoelectric Sensors SKUs
Every part number below links to its own page with full specifications, compatibility notes and stock status.
E3FA-BP12 2ME3FA-DN12E3FA-DP12E3FA-DP13E3FA-DP21E3FA-RN11E3FA-RN21E3FA-RP11 2ME3FA-RP21E3FA-TN21 2ME3FA-TP11 2ME3FA-TP21E3JK-DR11-CE3JK-DR12-CE3JK-RR11-CE3JK-RR12-CE3JK-TR11-CE3T-FD11E3T-FL22E3T-ST11 2ME3T-ST12 2ME3T-ST13E3T-ST21 2ME3Z-B61 2ME3Z-B86E3Z-D61E3Z-D62E3Z-D62 2ME3Z-D81E3Z-D82E3Z-D86E3Z-LL61E3Z-LL86E3Z-LR61E3Z-LR81E3Z-LR86E3Z-LS61E3Z-LS61 2ME3Z-LS66E3Z-R61 2ME3Z-R86E3Z-T61A-M1J 0.3ME3Z-T81E3Z-T86
Frequently asked
What is the difference between E3Z-6 and E3Z-8?
The output type. 6 is NPN open collector and 8 is PNP open collector. Most European and Asian panels are PNP, North American practice is often NPN — check your controller input before ordering, because this is the most common wiring mistake on these sensors.
Does the D in E3Z-T61-D mean IP67?
No. In the E3Z numbering the D at the end marks the receiver half of a through-beam set. Every E3Z is rated IP67 regardless of the suffix, so you do not need a D for weather resistance.
Is E3Z-M12 an M12 connector?
No. In the E3Z model number the M after the prefix denotes a metal (SUS316L) housing. Connector type is specified further along the model number as M1, M3 or M5 for M12 4-pin, M8 4-pin and M8 3-pin respectively.
What bracket do I need for an E3Z sensor?
E3Z uses the E39-L bracket range: E39-L43 for horizontal mounting, E39-L44 for rear mounting, E39-L104 for mounting the sensor, E39-L98 as a protective cover, and E39-L142/L143/L144/L150/L151/L153 for adjuster and accessory variants. Brackets are series-specific — E39-L parts do not fit E3JK or E3FA sensors.
Can an E3JK run without a 24 VDC supply?
Yes. The E3JK family takes 24–240 V AC or DC universal input and switches a relay output rated 250 VAC 3 A SPDT. That makes it the right choice for a panel with only mains available and relay-style wiring.
Which sensor detects liquid level in a transparent pipe?
Not the E3T — it is an ultrathin general photoelectric series for battery machines. For transparent targets Omron uses E3FA-V.. limited-reflective sensors at 10–50 mm, E3Z-B.. for clear plastic bottles, and E3Z-L63 / L83 limited-reflective models.
Specification sources
Specifications on this page were checked against Omron's own documentation. If a figure here disagrees with your datasheet, the datasheet wins — tell us and we will correct it.
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