H08 / R12 Series Micro Diffuse-Reflective Photoelectric Sensor (M8/M12)

Standard M8/M12 threaded photoelectric sensors that drop into inductive-switch mounts, sensing up to 300 mm.

Technical Specifications

Threaded Barrel SizeM8 (H08 series) / M12 (R12 series)
Line-up20 models (5 sensing-range variants x N1/P1/N2/P2 outputs)
Sensing ModeDiffuse-reflective
Sensing Distance — H08150 (M8)up to 150 mm
Sensing Distance — H08200 (M8)20-200 mm
Sensing Distance — R12100 (M12)20-100 mm
Sensing Distance — R12200 (M12)20-200 mm
Sensing Distance — R12300 (M12)30-300 mm
Light SourceInfrared, 850/940 nm
Housing MaterialNickel-plated brass
Supply Voltage10-30VDC
Ingress ProtectionIP65
Output TypesN1 = NPN N.O.; P1 = PNP N.O.; N2 = NPN N.C.; P2 = PNP N.C.

Overview

The H08/R12 series is a family of 20 micro diffuse-reflective photoelectric sensors housed in industry-standard M8 (H08) and M12 (R12) threaded metal barrels. Each model uses an infrared emitter (850/940 nm) and detects objects by reflected light, without requiring a separate reflector or receiver.

The series is intended for machine builders and system integrators who need object or part detection in the same compact mounting footprint traditionally occupied by inductive proximity switches, but with longer sensing range and the ability to detect non-metallic targets.

Features & Benefits

Standard M8/M12 threaded mounting — drop-in upgrade from inductive sensors

Fits existing proximity-sensor mounting holes, brackets, and clamps. Upgrading from an inductive switch to this diffuse photoelectric sensor extends sensing distance from a few millimetres to as much as 300 mm without modifying the fixture.

Nickel-plated brass metal housing with IP65 protection

The metal barrel resists mechanical knocks and abrasion better than plastic-bodied micro sensors, and the IP65 rating keeps out dust and water jets in workshop environments.

Five sensing-range variants across two barrel sizes

M8 offers two ranges (up to 150 mm, 20-200 mm) and M12 offers three (20-100 mm, 20-200 mm, 30-300 mm), letting buyers pick the tightest range that covers the working distance and reduces background-reflection interference.

Complete NPN/PNP x N.O./N.C. line-up — 20 models

Every sensing-range variant is offered in NPN sinking, PNP sourcing, normally-open, and normally-closed output, so the series connects directly to sinking-input or sourcing-input PLC systems without an interposing relay.

Infrared emitter (850/940 nm) for ambient-light immunity

Using infrared wavelengths rather than visible light helps the sensor distinguish its own emitted signal from workshop lighting and other stray light sources.

10-30VDC wide supply range for common industrial control voltages

Operates across the 24VDC nominal range typical of PLC and automation control cabinets, with margin for supply fluctuation.

Applications

Retrofitting existing M8/M12 proximity-switch mounts with longer-range sensingBecause the barrel thread and diameter match standard proximity-switch mounts, the sensor can be installed in the same hole while extending detection range up to 300 mm.
Gap detection between conveyor rollers or on machine frame cross-membersThe compact M8/M12 barrel suits the narrow mounting spaces common around conveyor frames and roller gaps.
Fixture and pallet presence detection on automated production linesDiffuse-reflective sensing detects the fixture or pallet surface directly without needing a separate reflector, simplifying installation in tooling stations.
Carton or product presence detection inside packaging equipmentThe wide sensing-distance options (up to 300 mm) and compact housing fit the tight internal spaces typical of packaging machinery.
Non-metallic target detection where inductive sensors cannot respondAs a photoelectric (light-based) sensor, it detects plastic, cardboard, wood, and other non-metallic objects that inductive proximity switches cannot sense.
Short-to-medium range object detection needing PLC-direct wiringThe full NPN/PNP, N.O./N.C. output matrix allows direct wiring into either sinking or sourcing PLC input cards without additional interface hardware.

Models & Ordering Information

H08 Series (M8 threaded barrel)

H08150N1H08150P1H08150N2H08150P2H08200N1H08200P1H08200N2H08200P2
H08150: sensing distance up to 150 mm. H08200: sensing distance 20-200 mm.

R12 Series (M12 threaded barrel)

R12100N1R12100P1R12100N2R12100P2R12200N1R12200P1R12200N2R12200P2R12300N1R12300P1R12300N2R12300P2
R12100: sensing distance 20-100 mm. R12200: sensing distance 20-200 mm. R12300: sensing distance 30-300 mm.

How to Select

  1. By sensing distance: identify the maximum sensing distance required at the installation point, then choose the variant whose range just covers it — shorter-range variants have a narrower field of view and better resist background-reflection interference.
  2. H08150 (M8) offers the shortest range in the series, suited to compact working stations; H08200 (M8) offers the longest range within the M8 barrel size.
  3. R12100 (M12) offers the shortest range within the M12 barrel size and the best interference resistance; R12300 (M12) offers the longest sensing range in the entire series, at 30-300 mm.
  4. By barrel/thread size: M8 (H08 prefix) suits more space-constrained installations; M12 (R12 prefix) has a larger thread and offers three sensing-range variants instead of two. Match the mounting hole size to the existing bracket.
  5. By output type: choose N1/N2 (NPN) for sinking-input PLCs or control cabinets, or P1/P2 (PNP) for sourcing-input PLCs or control cabinets common in European/North American equipment.
  6. By switching logic: N.O. models (N1/P1) turn the output on when a target is detected; N.C. models (N2/P2) turn the output off when a target is detected and stay on otherwise, which suits fail-safe interlock applications where a missed detection must not go unnoticed.
  7. By supply and IP environment: the entire series shares a common 10-30VDC supply and IP65 ingress protection rating, so this does not need to be a differentiating factor in model selection.

📘 Need the full method? NPN vs PNP Sensor Outputs Explained

When NOT to specify the H08 — and what to use instead

Dark, low-reflectivity, or steeply angled targets

Why not: All five sensing-range variants (up to 150/200mm on M8, 100/200/300mm on M12) are diffuse-reflective and depend on reflected light, so darker or angled targets reduce the actual working distance below the rated figure.

Use instead: a through-beam sensor pair, unaffected by target color or angle

Working distance beyond 300mm

Why not: The longest range in the series is the R12300 (M12) at 30-300mm; no model exceeds this.

Use instead: the M18 diffuse series (up to 3 m) or a through-beam pair for longer range

The application requires a confirmed adjustable sensing distance

Why not: The FAQ states that sensing-distance adjustability 'is not specified in current factory documentation' for this series.

Use instead: the H-series M3-M6 micro diffuse sensors, whose adjustable ranges are explicitly documented

Personnel guarding or a safety interlock

Why not: No safety rating is documented for this series; it is a general presence/part sensor.

Use instead: a safety-rated light curtain or safety interlock

Specifications we do not publish yet

We only publish a figure once we are confident it is true. The items below are still being validated through further testing and real-world customer feedback, so for now we would rather leave them open than guess. If one of them matters to your design, ask us for the latest validated status.

  • Whether sensing distance is adjustable or fixed within each range variant
  • Response time (operate/reset)
  • Hysteresis
  • Minimum detectable object size
  • Operating and storage temperature range
  • MTBF or expected service life
  • Certification documentation beyond 'available on request'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum sensing distance in the H08/R12 series?
The longest range in the line-up is the R12300 model (M12 barrel), rated at 30-300 mm. The M8 (H08) barrel size tops out at 20-200 mm (H08200 model).
Can this sensor detect non-metallic objects?
Yes. As a diffuse-reflective photoelectric sensor using an infrared light source (850/940 nm), it detects any object that reflects light — including plastic, cardboard, and wood — not only metal targets.
Does this sensor need a separate reflector or receiver unit?
No. It operates in diffuse-reflective mode, meaning the emitter and receiver are built into the same sensor head and it detects the light reflected directly off the target object.
Can I mount this sensor in the same hole as an existing M8 or M12 inductive proximity switch?
The H08 (M8) and R12 (M12) barrels use the same industry-standard threaded barrel dimensions as common inductive proximity switches of the same size, so it can typically be installed in an existing M8/M12 mounting hole. Confirm hole depth and thread pitch against your specific fixture drawing.
What output options are available?
Each sensing-range model is offered in four output variants: NPN normally-open (N1), PNP normally-open (P1), NPN normally-closed (N2), and PNP normally-closed (P2) — 20 models in total across the series.
What is the housing material and ingress protection rating?
The housing is nickel-plated brass, and the sensor carries an IP65 ingress protection rating.
What supply voltage does the sensor require?
10-30VDC, compatible with standard 24VDC industrial control power.
What light source does the sensor use?
An infrared emitter at 850/940 nm, chosen for immunity to visible ambient light sources such as shop-floor lighting.
Is the sensing distance adjustable?
This is not specified in current factory documentation for the H08/R12 series.
What is the difference between the H08 and R12 series?
H08 uses an M8 threaded barrel with two sensing-range options (up to 150 mm, 20-200 mm); R12 uses a larger M12 threaded barrel with three sensing-range options (20-100 mm, 20-200 mm, 30-300 mm), including the longest range in the family.
How do I obtain certification documentation for this sensor?
Certification documents are available on request.

Works Well Together

On the same machine or line, H08 is typically ordered together with: Proximity Sensors · Laser Switch Sensors · Relay & Timer Modules

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