PLG3-360F431 Sick

What does this device do in an automation system?

It is a switching automation light grid used to detect when an object interrupts one or more light beams across a monitored height, producing a switching output signal for machine automation tasks.

How does the sensing principle work?

It operates as a photoelectric retro-reflective light grid, using a reflector to return the emitted light back to the receiver; an output change occurs when at least one beam is blocked.

What detection height does it cover?

The monitored (detection) height is 360 mm.

What are the beam spacing and number of beams?

It has 13 beams with 30 mm beam separation.

What is the minimum detectable object size?

The minimum detectable object (MDO) is 35 mm (typical application-dependent performance varies with range and reflector setup).

What is the sensing range?

Typical operating range is 1.3 m, with a minimum range of at least 110 mm and a maximum range up to 2 m (depending on reflector and conditions).

What is the response time?

Response time is less than 80 ms (typical, specified with a resistive load).

What output type and switching logic does it use?

It provides a PNP switching output (Q) with dark-switching logic: Q is active when at least one beam is interrupted, and /Q is active when all beams are free.

What supply voltage does it require?

It operates on DC 15 V to 30 V supply voltage.

What is the maximum output load current?

The maximum output current (Imax) is up to 100 mA.

How is it connected electrically?

It uses a cable with an M12 4-pin male connector (A-coded) and an integrated cable length of 280 mm. Typical pinning is: Pin 1 (brown) = L+, Pin 3 (blue) = M, Pin 4 (black) = Q, Pin 2 (white) = Job-LED control.

What indicators are on the unit?

There is a green power-on indicator, a yellow beam-status indicator, and a green Job LED (which can be set to steady or flashing depending on configuration).

Can the switching behaviour be configured on the device?

Yes. Configuration is via on-device switches, including selecting whether the output is active or inactive when beams are blocked, and setting the Job LED behaviour (steady or flashing at 3 Hz).

What are the physical dimensions and weight?

Overall dimensions are 19.2 mm (W) x 429.8 mm (H) x 36.6 mm (D), and the weight is approximately 450 g.

What enclosure rating and materials does it have?

It is rated IP54, with an aluminium housing and a PMMA front screen.

What mounting features are provided?

It includes mounting holes with a diameter of 5.3 mm, and it is designed for straightforward installation on common machine profiles using suitable mounting hardware.

What ambient conditions is it specified for?

Operating temperature range is -10 °C to +55 °C, and storage temperature range is -40 °C to +70 °C. It is also specified for 10 g shock (16 ms) and 5 g vibration (10 Hz to 55 Hz).

What reflector options are commonly used with it?

It can be used with a screw-on reflective tape on an aluminium profile (e.g., REF-PLG360) or a self-adhesive reflective tape roll (e.g., REF-PLUS-R25-K). These help complete the retro-reflective sensing path.

Does the unit include electrical protection features?

Yes. It includes reverse polarity protection on the supply connections, short-circuit protection on output Q, and interference pulse suppression.