The photo control unit is a mains-powered beam detection system with a relay output. A transmitter emits an infrared beam, a receiver detects it, and when the beam is interrupted the relay changes state — driving a motor, alarm, lamp or gate directly, without a PLC in between.
A complete solution, not just a sensor
Many applications need beam detection to switch something substantial — a conveyor motor, a warning siren, an entrance light — but have no PLC and no 24 V DC supply. The photo control unit covers all of it in one enclosure: 230 V AC input, beam detection, and volt-free relay contacts on the output.
How it works
- The transmitter emits an infrared beam across the monitored zone.
- The receiver detects that beam continuously.
- When the beam is interrupted by a passing object, or ambient light conditions change, the relay switches.
- The Relay On LED lights to confirm activation; the Power On LED confirms the unit is live.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | WEE |
| Type | Transmitter–receiver beam detection with relay output |
| Input voltage | 230 V AC, single phase |
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Output | Relay contacts — NO / NC / Common |
| Indicators | Relay On LED, Power On LED |
| Housing material | ABS plastic |
| Corrosion resistance | Yes |
| Automation grade | Automatic |
| Application | Electric and industrial installations |
Wiring and installation
- Input: 230 V AC — live, neutral and earth.
- Output: relay terminals (NO, NC, Common) to the device being controlled — motor starter, alarm or lamp.
- Transmitter and receiver must be mounted facing each other and aligned before commissioning.
Safety note. Mains-voltage wiring must be carried out by a qualified electrician with the supply isolated. Check that the load current is within the relay contact rating, and use a contactor for motor loads rather than switching them directly.
Typical applications
- Object detection on conveyor belts and packaging machines.
- Security and intrusion detection across doorways and passages.
- Automatic lighting control for warehouses and yard lights.
- Industrial automation — counting, positioning and safety gate indication.
How to order
Tell us the sensing gap, the target material, your supply voltage and the output type your controller needs. If you are replacing an existing sensor, a photograph of the body markings is usually enough for us to identify an equivalent. We will confirm the specification and quote — normally the same day.
Related products
Frequently asked questions
Can the relay switch a motor directly?
Only very small ones, and we do not recommend it. Use the relay to energise a contactor coil and let the contactor handle the motor current. That protects the relay contacts and gives you proper overload protection on the motor.
Is the photo control unit a safety device?
No. It is a general-purpose detection and switching unit. To guard a hazardous machine zone you need our IR safety light curtain, which is designed for that duty.
Need a quote for the Photo Control Unit (230 V AC)?
Send us your application — target material, sensing distance, supply voltage and housing constraint. We will recommend a part, quote it, and ship from Mumbai.