The Omron E3Z-R61 2M is a compact photoelectric sensor with a built-in amplifier, retro-reflective type, with an NPN output and a sensing distance of 4 m. It runs on 12 to 24 VDC and is supplied with a 2 m pre-wired cable. The reflector E39-R1S is ordered separately.
Retro-reflective means one unit facing a reflector, with the object breaking the beam in between. Only one side needs wiring. The MSR function in this model suppresses false readings from shiny objects that reflect light straight back into the receiver.
The E3Z is the sensor Omron put on the map for general machine building: a small plastic body, an amplifier already inside, a response time of one millisecond and IP67 sealing. On a packaging or filling line it is what counts bottles, confirms a carton is present before the flap folds, detects a label roll running out, or stops a conveyor when product backs up.
Ratings and Characteristics
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensing method | Retro-reflective |
| Sensing distance | 4 m |
| Output | NPN open collector |
| Supply voltage | 12 to 24 VDC plus or minus 10 percent, ripple (p-p) 10 percent max. |
| Current consumption | 30 mA max. |
| Control output | Load current 100 mA max. |
| Response time | 1 ms max. |
| Protection degree | IEC IP67 |
| Enclosure material | PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) |
| Ambient temperature | Operating -25 to 55 degrees C |
| Weight (pre-wired 2 m) | Approx. 65 g |
| Cable | 2 m pre-wired |
All E3Z Pre-wired Models
| Model | Sensing method | Output | Sensing distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| E3Z-T61 2M | Through-beam | NPN | 15 m |
| E3Z-T81 2M | Through-beam | PNP | 15 m |
| E3Z-R61 2M | Retro-reflective (MSR) | NPN | 4 m with E39-R1S reflector |
| E3Z-R81 2M | Retro-reflective (MSR) | PNP | 4 m with E39-R1S reflector |
| E3Z-D61 2M | Diffuse-reflective | NPN | 100 mm |
| E3Z-D81 2M | Diffuse-reflective | PNP | 100 mm |
| E3Z-D62 2M | Diffuse-reflective | NPN | 1 m |
| E3Z-D82 2M | Diffuse-reflective | PNP | 1 m |
E3Z models are also available with M8 connectors instead of a pre-wired cable, and in narrow-beam, laser and liquid-detection versions. Send us the code printed on the sensor body and we will match it exactly.
NPN or PNP
The output type must match the input card it is wired to. An NPN sensor switches the negative side and suits a PLC input group with its common on the positive rail; a PNP sensor switches the positive side and suits a common on the negative rail. Fitting the wrong type will not usually damage anything, but the PLC will never see the signal and the machine will stop. In this family the 6 series is NPN and the 8 series is PNP, so E3Z-D61 and E3Z-D81 are the same sensor with different outputs.
Typical Applications
- Bottle, can and carton counting on filling and packaging lines
- Product-present confirmation before a sealing, labelling or capping station
- Jam and backup detection on conveyors
- Label and film roll end detection
- Position and end-of-travel detection where a mechanical limit switch would wear out
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Omron E3Z-R61?
It is a compact retro-reflective photoelectric sensor with a built-in amplifier, NPN output and 4 m sensing distance, supplied with a 2 m cable.
What is the difference between the 61 and 81 models?
The 6 series has an NPN output and the 8 series a PNP output. Everything else about the sensor is the same.
What supply voltage does it need?
12 to 24 VDC plus or minus 10 percent, with ripple no greater than 10 percent peak to peak.
Is it suitable for a wash-down area?
It is sealed to IP67, which covers dust and temporary immersion. For high-pressure hot-water cleaning a sensor rated IP69K is the correct choice instead.
Which reflector does the retro-reflective version use?
The E39-R1S reflector, which gives the rated 4 m sensing distance. It is ordered separately.
Why does a diffuse sensor miss dark objects?
It measures the amount of light bounced back, and a black surface returns very little. Where objects vary in colour, use a through-beam or retro-reflective model, or a background-suppression sensor.
