Overview
Eaton 12100RQD07 is a high-performance photoelectric sensor in the Comet 18mm tubular series, purpose-built for industrial automation, motion control, and machine vision applications. This through-beam detector uses a visible red sensing beam and employs Eaton’s Perfect Prox® technology for reliable target detection while rejecting background interference. The sensor’s industry-standard 18mm threaded body with flat sides enables flexible mounting on tubular fixtures or flat surfaces.
Key Features
- Through-beam sensing method with 20-foot (6 m) detection range for extended coverage
- Visible red sensing beam allows quick visual alignment and setup verification
- Perfect Prox® technology delivers exceptional background rejection; detects targets regardless of color, reflectance, or surface finish while ignoring nearby objects
- NPN/PNP dual output with open collector configuration; selectable light or dark operation modes
- 3.5 ms response time ensures fast, reliable detection in dynamic applications
- Solid polyurethane housing provides high resistance to shock, vibration, and environmental stress
- M12 4-pin connector interface for quick, secure connection
- Output LED indicator visible from multiple angles for real-time status feedback
Technical Specifications
| Sensing Method | Through-Beam Detector |
| Sensing Range | 20 feet (6 m) |
| Sensing Beam | Visible Red |
| Operating Voltage | 10–30 VDC |
| Output Current | 100 mA (light on) / 250 mA (dark on) |
| Power Consumption | 1 W nominal |
| Output Type | NPN/PNP Open Collector |
| Response Time | 3.5 ms |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Connection | 4-Pin M12 Connector |
| Housing Material | Polyurethane |
| Body Diameter | 18 mm threaded with flat sides |
| Dimensions | 2.55 in L × 0.47 in W × 0.71 in H |
| Operating Temperature | −4 to 158 °F (−20 to 70 °C) |
| Vibration Rating | 30 g |
| Enclosure Rating | NEMA 1/3/4/4X/6/12/13 and IP69K |
| Certifications | UL 508; CSA-C22.2 No. 14; IEC60947-5-2; CE marking |
| Series | Comet 18 mm Photoelectric Sensor |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 12100RQD07 |
| UPC | 782113843490 |
Typical Applications
- Assembly line object detection and position sensing
- Conveyor system presence/absence detection
- Packaging machine fill-level and container detection
- Robotic vision and pick-and-place guidance
- Machine guarding and safety interlock systems
- Printing and web-feed control
- Parts counting and sorting in manufacturing
- Any application requiring long-range, reliable optical detection with background suppression
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- PLC systems accepting 10–30 VDC NPN/PNP input signals
- Industrial control modules and logic controllers with discrete digital inputs
- Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix I/O modules
- Siemens S7-1200, S7-1500, and SIMATIC controllers
- Mitsubishi, Omron, and other major PLC platforms via standard 24 VDC/NPN-PNP interfaces
- Modular motion control and servo systems
- All industrial automation platforms requiring dual-output photoelectric sensors
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Eaton Comet Series through-beam models with identical 18mm body and M12 connector footprint
- CUT12100RQD07 (alternate OEM designation)
- Other Eaton/Cutler-Hammer 20-foot sensing range through-beam detectors in the Comet lineup
Works With
- Connection: Standard M12 micro-connectors and IP-rated connectors
- Protocols: Discrete digital I/O (no special protocol); integrates directly into any VDC control architecture
- Software: All major industrial automation software packages (Studio 5000, TIA Portal, Mitsubishi GX Works, Omron CX-Programmer, etc.) via standard NPN/PNP input cards
- Fiber-optic accessories: Optional fiber-optic light guides available for the Comet series for remote sensing applications














