Sick WL170-N122 Photoelectric Retro-reflective Sensor NPN electrician tool

Sick WL170-N122 Retro-reflective Sensor

The Sick WL170-N122 is a photoelectric retro-reflective sensor built for industrial detection tasks. It operates on a 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply and provides an NPN switching output with selectable light/dark switching via an L/D control cable. The rectangular stainless steel housing measures 12 mm x 37 mm x 28.6 mm and carries an IP67 enclosure rating. A 2 m PVC cable with 0.18 mm² conductors handles the connection.

Suited for short-range presence detection

This sensor suits automation engineers who need reliable object detection between 0.1 m and 0.6 m using visible red light. The 0.7 ms response time supports fast cycling on conveyors or packaging lines. Buyers who require longer sensing distances beyond 0.8 m or a PNP output type should look at alternative sensor models. The fixed cable connection also limits use where quick-disconnect connectors are preferred.

Stable output under continuous operation

Under sustained load the sensor maintains consistent switching performance thanks to its low 30 mA power consumption and ±10 % ripple tolerance. The stainless steel and ABS housing resists mechanical stress while the plastic PC optics withstand repeated exposure in harsh environments. Operating temperatures from –25 °C to +55 °C ensure dependable behaviour across extended shifts without thermal drift affecting the 20 % attenuation specification.