Overview
The Allen-Bradley 42SML-7100 is an infrared transmitted beam photoswitch from Rockwell Automation’s Series 7000 photoelectric sensor family. This sensor operates as a standalone beam source and pairs with complementary receiver units to create a complete transmitted beam detection system. The 42SML-7100 is designed for industrial automation applications requiring reliable long-distance object detection with a sensing range extending to 30 feet.
Key Features
- DC transmitted beam infrared emitter at 880 nanometers
- Compact design with 3-wire connector for straightforward integration
- Operating range: 10mm to 9.2 meters (0.39 inches to 30 feet)
- Built-in LED status indicator for real-time monitoring and diagnostics
- Durable housing rated for harsh industrial environments with protection against dust and moisture
- Non-adjustable sensitivity for consistent, stable performance
Technical Specifications
- Input Voltage: 11–28V DC
- Current Consumption: 45mA
- Power Output: 1.2 watts
- Sensing Range: 10mm to 9.2m (0.39 in to 30 ft)
- Field of View: 3°
- Wavelength: 880 nm (infrared)
- Connector Type: 3-wire DC
- Output Type: Light source (source unit)
- Series: 7000 PHOTOSWITCH
- Maximum Load Current: 100mA at 30V DC
- Dimensions: 5.5 × 2.75 × 1 inch
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
- Series Designation: B (as marked on unit)
Typical Applications
- Assembly line object and position detection
- Conveyor and material handling monitoring
- Packaging and sorting system controls
- Safety gate and presence detection
- Product flow monitoring in automated production
- Precise motion control and triggering in industrial processes
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Allen-Bradley Series 7000 PHOTOSWITCH receiver models (42SMU, 42SMR, 42SMF families)
- Industrial automation systems supporting 11–28V DC photoelectric sensors
- Standard 3-wire DC photoswitch networks
- Industrial control panels using photoswitch-based logic
- Most PLC and relay-based motion control systems
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Previous versions of Allen-Bradley transmitted beam sources rated for equivalent voltage and current specifications
- Generic infrared transmitted beam sources with matching 11–28V DC ratings and 3-wire connectors
- Verify exact compatibility with your receiver model before ordering, as this is a source-only unit
Works With
- Allen-Bradley PHOTOSWITCH receiver units (42SMR-7100, 42SMU-7100, 42SMF-7100)
- Standard DC photoelectric sensing protocols
- Industrial relay logic and discrete control circuits
- PLC input modules accepting 3-wire DC photoswitch signals
