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.
🔍 Click to enlarge · 1/6Technical Specifications
| Threaded Barrel Size | M8 (H08 series) / M12 (R12 series) |
|---|---|
| Line-up | 20 models (5 sensing-range variants x N1/P1/N2/P2 outputs) |
| Sensing Mode | Diffuse-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 Source | Infrared, 850/940 nm |
| Housing Material | Nickel-plated brass |
| Supply Voltage | 10-30VDC |
| Ingress Protection | IP65 |
| Output Types | N1 = 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
Models & Ordering Information
H08 Series (M8 threaded barrel)
R12 Series (M12 threaded barrel)
How to Select
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
Can this sensor detect non-metallic objects?
Does this sensor need a separate reflector or receiver unit?
Can I mount this sensor in the same hole as an existing M8 or M12 inductive proximity switch?
What output options are available?
What is the housing material and ingress protection rating?
What supply voltage does the sensor require?
What light source does the sensor use?
Is the sensing distance adjustable?
What is the difference between the H08 and R12 series?
How do I obtain certification documentation for this sensor?
Works Well Together
On the same machine or line, H08 is typically ordered together with: Proximity Sensors · Laser Switch Sensors · Relay & Timer Modules