IR Break Beam Sensor – Through-Beam Object Detection Module
IR Break Beam Sensor – Through-Beam Object Detection Module
IR Break Beam Sensor – Precise Through-Beam Detection for Automation & DIY Projects
Upgrade your automation, counting, or access-control projects with this high-speed Infrared (IR) Break Beam Sensor Module. Using a reliable through-beam design, this sensor creates an invisible infrared tripwire — the moment an object interrupts the beam, it instantly triggers a clean NPN output signal. No contact, no wear, no fuss. Made in Mainland China.
Key Features
- High-Speed, Stable Detection: 2ms response time with a modulated IR beam ensures fast, accurate object detection regardless of the target's color, material, or surface finish — no more false reads from dark or reflective surfaces.
- Ambient Light Resistant: Optimized modulated IR beam design actively rejects interference from sunlight and indoor lighting, delivering consistent performance in industrial workshops, maker spaces, and home automation setups.
- Universal Compatibility: Operates on DC 5V and provides an NPN normally-open signal output, making it compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and most mainstream microcontrollers — no external power supply or complex regulators required.
- Non-Contact & Maintenance-Free: Through-beam detection means zero physical contact with objects, ensuring a long service life even in high-cycle counting or gate applications.
- Easy Integration: Simply add a 1KΩ pull-up resistor between the signal wire and positive rail to connect directly to your microcontroller's I/O pin. Up and running in seconds.
- Wide Operating Temperature: Rated from -25°C to 60°C, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use cases.
Technical Specifications
- LED Size: 5mm (0.20 in) — 850nm launch wavelength
- Detection Distance: 30 cm / 100 cm (11.81 in / 39.37 in)
- Launch Angle: ~45° (varies with distance)
- Receiving Angle: <10°
- Working Voltage: DC 5V
- Launch Tube Power: 100 mA
- Working Current: 20 mA
- Response Time: 2 ms
- Output Mode: NPN Normally Open
- Cable Length: 26 cm (10.24 in)
- Module Size: 20 × 10 × 8 mm (0.78 × 0.39 × 0.31 in)
- Operating Temperature: -25°C to 60°C
- Wiring — Transmitter: Red = 5V VCC, Black = GND
- Wiring — Receiver: Red = 5V VCC, Black = GND, White = Signal OUT (NPN)
⚠ Note: Do not reverse the positive and negative power supply connections.
What's in the Box
- 2 × IR Break Beam Sensor (1 Transmitter + 1 Receiver)
Pair With These Store Picks
Looking for more tools and gadgets for your projects? Check out our 10-Piece Gardening Tool Kit or the 1/2" Drive 8-Piece Hex Short Socket Set for your workshop needs.
Learn more: OSHA on personal protective equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a through-beam IR sensor and how does it work?
A: A through-beam infrared sensor uses a separate transmitter and receiver placed opposite each other. The transmitter emits a continuous infrared beam aimed directly at the receiver. When an object passes between them and breaks the beam, the receiver detects the interruption and triggers an output signal. This makes it highly reliable for object detection, counting, and automation tasks.
Q: Is this IR break beam sensor compatible with Arduino or Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes! The sensor operates at DC 5V and outputs a standard NPN normally-open signal, making it fully compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and most other popular microcontroller platforms. Simply add a 1KΩ pull-up resistor between the signal wire and the positive rail to connect to your board's I/O pin.
Q: What is the maximum detection distance of this sensor?
A: This sensor supports detection distances of 30 cm and 100 cm (approximately 11.8 in and 39.4 in) depending on the configuration. The launch angle is approximately 45° and may vary with distance, while the receiving angle is less than 10°.
Q: Can this sensor be used outdoors or in bright lighting conditions?
A: Yes. The modulated infrared beam design helps resist interference from ambient light sources, including sunlight and standard indoor lighting. The sensor is also rated for operating temperatures from -25°C to 60°C, making it suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor environments.
Production & Packaging Notice
To maintain high stock availability and fast shipping times, our items are sourced from multiple verified manufacturing facilities. While the core quality, materials, and product specifications remain identical, you may notice slight variations in the packaging design, manufacturing origin, or the wording of the printed instructions.