The SICK GL6-P4211 is a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor from the SICK G6 series, SICK part number 1059241. It has a sensing range of 0.07 m to 5 m with a PL80A reflector, a pnp output and an M8 4-pin plug. The housing measures just 12 x 31.5 x 21 mm, runs on 10 to 30 V DC and is rated IP67.
The retro-reflective principle puts a reflector opposite the sensor and detects the interruption of the returned beam. That gives far more range than a diffuse sensor, and detection no longer depends on the colour or the finish of the object. A polarisation filter and the dual lens system stop shiny objects from being read as a reflector, which is the usual failure mode of cheaper retro-reflective sensors.
The G6 body is the reason this family is fitted so widely. At 12 mm wide it goes where a standard sensor will not, the two through-holes take an M3 screw or the standard SICK brackets, and the whole series shares the same mounting pattern, so a diffuse, a retro-reflective and a through-beam version can be swapped on the same fixture without redrilling anything. Adjustment is by potentiometer, and the output can be set to light switching or dark switching.
The M8 4-pin plug version is the one to choose when the sensor has to be changed quickly during production: unplug, unscrew, replace, and the machine runs again. It also keeps the cabinet wiring tidy because the cable is a separate standard item.
Technical specifications
| Brand | SICK |
|---|---|
| SICK part number | 1059241 |
| Type code | GL6-P4211 |
| Product family | SICK G6 |
| Product type | Retro-reflective photoelectric sensor with polarisation filter and dual lens system |
| Sensing range | 0.07 m to 5 m with a PL80A reflector |
| Reflector required | Yes, PL80A recommended |
| Light source | PinPoint LED, visible red light, 650 nm |
| Switching output | PNP |
| Switching mode | Light or dark switching, selectable |
| Output current | <= 100 mA |
| Response time | < 625 µs |
| Adjustment | Potentiometer |
| Supply voltage | 10 V DC to 30 V DC |
| Current consumption | 30 mA without load |
| Electrical connection | Male connector M8, 4-pin |
| Enclosure rating | IP67 |
| Ambient operating temperature | -25 to +55 degrees C |
| Storage temperature | -40 to +70 degrees C |
| Housing material | Plastic, ABS/PC |
| Front screen material | Plastic, PMMA |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 12 mm x 31.5 mm x 21 mm |
| Weight | 60 g |
| Protection class | III |
| Circuit protection | Reverse polarity, short-circuit and interference pulse protected |
What the GL6-P4211 is used for
- Part presence and position checks on assembly, packaging and bottling machines
- Counting and gap detection on conveyors
- End position and jam detection on feeders, pushers and diverters
- Label, carton and tray detection on packaging lines
- Machine guarding interlocks and simple presence checks where a safety device is not required
Frequently asked questions
What does the type code GL6-P4211 mean?
SICK builds the G6 code from the sensing principle and the electrical version. GL6 is the principle: GTB6 is background suppression, GTB6L the laser version of it, GTE6 energetic diffuse, GL6 retro-reflective, GL6G retro-reflective for clear objects, GL6L the laser version, GSE6 a through-beam pair, GE6 a through-beam receiver and GS6 a through-beam sender. In the block after the dash, the first letter is the output, P here, so PNP, and the first digit is the connection: 1 for a 2 m cable and 4 for an M8 4-pin plug. This unit is male connector m8, 4-pin.
Is the output NPN or PNP, and does it matter?
This model is PNP. It matters because the PLC input card decides it, not the sensor. A PNP output switches the positive line into the input and is the normal choice in Europe and the Middle East; NPN switches the negative line and is common on Japanese and older Chinese machines. Fitting the wrong one means the input simply never sees the signal, so check the input card before ordering. Everything else in the GL6 range is identical between the two.
Which reflector do I need with the GL6-P4211?
This model is rated with the PL80A reflector, and that is the one we quote with it. The reflector is not an accessory you can skip: the range figure, 0.07 m to 5 m with a PL80A reflector, is only valid with it. Reflective tape is possible for short distances but the range drops sharply, so use the proper reflector where you can.
How far can the GL6-P4211 detect?
The rated sensing range is 0.07 m to 5 m with a PL80A reflector. Real range depends on the target: a matt black surface returns far less light than white card, and dust, spray or a dirty lens all cut into the margin. Size the sensor so the working distance is comfortably inside the rated range rather than at its limit.
Can it be used in a washdown or dusty area?
The G6 is rated IP67, which covers dust and temporary immersion, and the housing is ABS/PC with a PMMA front screen. It handles a normal factory environment, including packaging and bottling lines. It is not rated for high pressure washdown, aggressive chemicals or continuous immersion; for those SICK offers stainless steel and IP69K families and we can quote those instead.
Is this a genuine SICK sensor?
Yes. RendatSP supplies new original SICK parts in factory packaging. This item is type code GL6-P4211, SICK part number 1059241. The technical data on this page is taken from the official SICK datasheet for this model, and we can send you that datasheet before you order.
Do you ship to Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other Arab markets?
Yes. We ship worldwide from our warehouses and we have local agents in 11 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Oman, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Yemen, Algeria and Jordan. Send us the type code and the quantity and we will quote delivery to your city.
All SICK GL6 models we supply
Every version of the GL6 in the SICK standard range, with the official SICK part number where it is published.
| Model | SICK part number | Output | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL6-N1111 | 1050709 | NPN | Cable, 3-wire, 2 m |
| GL6-N1112 | 1051780 | NPN | Cable, 3-wire, 2 m |
| GL6-N1211 | 1059923 | NPN | Cable, 3-wire, 2 m |
| GL6-N1212 | 1060814 | NPN | Cable, 3-wire, 2 m |
| GL6-N4111 | 1050707 | NPN | Male connector M8, 4-pin |
| GL6-N4112 | 1051778 | NPN | Male connector M8, 4-pin |
| GL6-N4211 | 1059631 | NPN | Male connector M8, 4-pin |
| GL6-P1111 | 1050708 | PNP | Cable, 3-wire, 2 m |
| GL6-P1112 | On request | PNP | Cable, 3-wire, 2 m |
| GL6-P1211 | 1059922 | PNP | Cable, 3-wire, 2 m |
| GL6-P1212 | On request | PNP | Cable, 3-wire, 2 m |
| GL6-P4111 | 1050706 | PNP | Male connector M8, 4-pin |
| GL6-P4112 | On request | PNP | Male connector M8, 4-pin |
| GL6-P4211 (this page) | 1059241 | PNP | Male connector M8, 4-pin |
| GL6-P4212 | On request | PNP | Male connector M8, 4-pin |
| GL6-P7111 | On request | PNP | Special connection variant |
| GL6-P7112 | On request | PNP | Special connection variant |
The rest of the SICK G6 family
The SICK G6 family covers five sensing principles in the same 12 x 31.5 x 21 mm housing, so the mounting and the wiring stay the same whichever one the application needs.
- SICK GTB6 — photoelectric proximity sensor with background suppression, 35 mm to 140 mm, up to 250 mm on highly reflective targets, 14 models
- SICK GTB6L — laser photoelectric proximity sensor with background suppression, 30 mm to 180 mm, up to 400 mm, 4 models
- SICK GTE6 — energetic photoelectric proximity sensor, 15 mm to 250 mm, up to 300 mm on highly reflective targets, 11 models
- SICK GL6 — retro-reflective photoelectric sensor, 0.07 m to 5 m with a PL80A reflector, 17 models (this family)
- SICK GL6G — retro-reflective photoelectric sensor for transparent objects, 0.07 m to 5 m with a PL80A reflector, 8 models
- SICK GL6L — laser retro-reflective photoelectric sensor, 0.08 m to 10 m with a P250F reflector, up to 12 m, 1 models
- SICK GSE6 — through-beam photoelectric sensor, 0 m to 10 m, up to 15 m, 14 models
- SICK GE6 — through-beam photoelectric receiver, 0 m to 10 m, up to 15 m, 4 models
- SICK GS6 — through-beam photoelectric sender, 0 m to 10 m, up to 15 m, 2 models
A side by side comparison of all 75 models is on our SICK G6 sensor selection guide.
Reflectors, cables and brackets
The parts most often ordered together with a SICK G6 sensor are listed below. Send us the type code and we will quote the matching items in the same offer.
- Reflectors PL80A, PL40A and P250F for the retro-reflective models
- Connecting cables with an M8 4-pin socket, straight or angled, 2 m and 5 m
- Mounting brackets and rod mounts for the G6 housing
- The matching sender or receiver where a through-beam pair is being built
- Protective covers and front screen cleaning kits for dusty lines
Ordering and delivery
RendatSP supplies genuine SICK GL6-P4211 sensors, SICK part number 1059241, new and in original packaging. Prices are quoted on request because they depend on quantity and destination. Send the type code and the quantity through the order form on this page, by email to info@rendatsp.com, or on WhatsApp at +86 181 5871 1787, and we normally reply with a price and a delivery time within 24 hours.
We hold more than 100,000 industrial spare parts on request, serve over 500 factories, and ship worldwide with local agents in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Oman, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Yemen, Algeria and Jordan. If a sensor on your machine has failed and you are not sure of the code, send a photo of the label and our engineers will identify it.
