Overview
The Allen-Bradley 42GRF-9000-QD is a proven photoswitch photoelectric sensor from the Series 9000 family. This fiber optic sensor provides standard on/off detection using large aperture fiber optic (LAFO) sensing technology, ideal for applications requiring precise object detection in confined or high-temperature environments. The unit operates on 10-40V DC, making it compatible with most industrial control systems and power supplies.
Key Features
- Large Aperture Fiber Optic (LAFO) — enables detection through color barriers and translucent materials
- Infrared 880 nm light source — provides reliable sensing across varied ambient lighting conditions
- Quick Disconnect (QD) connector — 4-pin DC Micro (M12) for fast, tool-free installation and replacement
- Dual-output circuit — selectable NPN or PNP transistor output for flexible system integration
- Fast response time — 2 millisecond reaction for time-critical applications
- Robust enclosure rating — NEMA 3, 4X, 6P, 12, 13 for washdown and corrosive environments
Technical Specifications
- Input Voltage: 10-30 VDC at 30 mA
- Output Current: 250 mA
- Sensing Technology: Large Aperture Fiber Optic (LAFO)
- Light Source: Infrared 880 nm
- Output Type: NPN and PNP
- Response Time: 2 Millisecond
- Connection Type: 4-Pin DC Micro (M12) Integral Quick Disconnect
- Operating Temperature: -34 to 70 degrees C
- Material: Valox
- Enclosure Type: NEMA 3, 4X, 6P, 12, 13
- Brand: Allen-Bradley
- Sub-Brand: Photoswitch®
Typical Applications
The 42GRF-9000-QD is widely deployed in:
- Packaging and labeling machinery — detecting packages, cartons, and product presence on conveyors
- Food and beverage processing — washdown-rated detection in hygiene-critical environments
- Automotive assembly — monitoring part positioning and flow through work cells
- Filling and sealing operations — confirming container presence before fill cycles
- Color and material sorting — fiber optic sensing through translucent barriers
- High-temperature furnace applications — sensor head mounted at safe distance from heated zones
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLCs
- Siemens S7-300, S7-1200, and S7-1500 controllers
- Mitsubishi FX and Q series programmable controllers
- Omron CP and CJ series industrial PCs
- Any 10-40V DC industrial control system with discrete digital inputs
- EtherNet/IP and PROFINET networks via appropriate I/O interface modules
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Earlier Allen-Bradley Photoswitch Series 9000 fiber optic sensors
- Legacy 42GRF models with equivalent 4-pin QD quick disconnect interfaces
- General-purpose LAFO photoelectric sensors from competing brands with matching pinout
Works With
- Studio 5000 Logix Designer — standard digital input module configuration
- TIA Portal (Siemens) — discrete DI terminal wiring
- GX Works2 and GX Works3 (Mitsubishi) — basic pulse detection or alarm input
- CX-Programmer (Omron) — standard PLC I/O tags
- Allen-Bradley CompactLogix I/O modules (analog and mixed signal)
- Third-party M12 quick disconnect cables and splitters
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