OL5021 - Photoelectric sensor IFM - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Laser photoelectric barrier (separate emitter/receiver)
Brand	IFM
Model	OL5021
Category	Photoelectric sensor
Maximum range	Up to 10 m (depending on model, see label)
Light source	Red laser, class 2
Power supply	10-30 V DC (according to label)
Output	PNP or NPN (depending on model), max current 100 mA
Diagnostic output	fc-output, max 10 mA
LED indicators	Green (operational), yellow (output active), red (error)
Connection	M12 connector (4-pin) for receiver, M12 connector (3-pin) for emitter
Adjustment functions	Teach-in with static or moving object, sensitivity adjustment, output inversion NO/NC
Mounting	On mounting bracket, precise alignment required
Protection rating	IP67 (estimated)
Operating temperature	-10 to 60 °C (estimated)
Dimensions (approximate)	Emitter/receiver: M18 cylindrical, length 70 mm
Weight (approximate)	50 g per unit
Maintenance and cleaning	Clean the lenses with a soft dry cloth; do not use solvents
Safety	Do not look into the laser beam; laser class 2
Spare parts and repairability	Contact IFM support for spare parts; no user repair
General information	efector200® series, manual available in multiple languages

Frequently Asked Questions - OL5021 IFM

How to connect the OL5021 sensor?

Cut power before connection. Follow the wiring diagram on page 20 of the manual: the emitter (OLS-...) connects to pins L+ and L-, the receiver (OLE-...) uses a 4-pin connector with switching outputs and diagnostic output (fc-output).

How to adjust the sensor sensitivity?

Press the pushbutton for 2 seconds until the red LED flashes. The yellow and green LEDs flash alternately. In programming mode, press once with the object in the detection zone, then once without object to confirm. The green LED lights up to confirm.

What do the LEDs on the sensor mean?

Green LED on: device operational. Yellow LED on: output switched. Red LED on: detection error (incorrect adjustment, contamination). Yellow+red flashing: short circuit (2 Hz) or internal error (1 Hz).

How to clean the sensor lenses?

Dust the lenses with a soft dry cloth. Do not use solvents or chemicals that could damage the plastic.

Is the sensor delivered pre-adjusted?

Yes, it operates in plug and play mode with maximum range. Adjustments are only necessary for partially transparent objects or special conditions.

How to invert the output logic (NC/NO)?

Press the pushbutton for 10 seconds until all LEDs turn off. The output automatically changes from normally open to normally closed (or vice versa).

What to do if the red LED stays on?

This indicates a detection error. Check the emitter/receiver alignment, lens cleanliness, and mounting stability. If the error persists, perform a new sensitivity adjustment.

What is the maximum range of the sensor?

The range depends on the exact model; it is indicated on the sensor label. Generally, IFM OL5021 laser barriers can reach up to 10 m.

Is the sensor sensitive to vibrations?

Yes, especially for models with a very fine beam. It must be mounted securely to avoid misalignment due to vibrations.

How to activate the adjustment aid (light spot)?

Briefly press the emitter adjustment button to temporarily increase the beam intensity (visible). Press again to return to normal level. After 15 min, automatic return occurs.

USER MANUAL OL5021 IFM

Through-beam sensor OL laser

Technical line drawing of a mechanical sensor or pressure sensor component (no text or symbols)

Function and features

The through-beam sensor detects objects and materials without contact and indicates their presence by a switched signal.

Range (r): see type label.

Laser radiation; laser protection class 2.

Do not look directly into the beam!

The enclosed labels (warning laser) must be applied in close proximity to the unit.

Electrical connection

Isolate power, then connect unit (see page 20 or type label).

Load of the function check output (fc output): max. 10mA.

Installation

Fix the receiver (type OLE-...) in position. Align the transmitter (type OLS-...) towards the receiver and tighten in the same way. The light spot must hit the receiver lens.

Maximum range is only possible with precise alignment.

Mount the unit so that the mounting position cannot change (in particular avoid high vibrations!). Laser units with a very small light spot diameter are highly focussed; the slightest change in the mounting position will result in misalignment.

Adjustment aid:

For the alignment the transmitter incorporates an adjustment aid. By pressing the setting button on the transmitter the intensity of the transmitted light is increased so that the light spot is clearly visible. After pressing the button again the transmitted light is set again to normal intensity. If the button is not pressed again, the transmitted light is set to normal intensity after about 15 min.

NB: Commissioning

The through-beam sensor is supplied ready to operate (plug and play) set at the max. sensing range. This is sufficient if the through-beam sensor can operate with maximum excess gain (highest contrast). The following setting procedures should only be necessary in less straightforward applications, for example if partly transparent objects must be detected.

Setting of the sensitivity with stationary objects

1	Activate the programming mode of the unit.Press for about 2s until the red LED flashes.
	The red LED goes out; the yellow and green LEDs flash alternately.The unit is in the programming mode.
2	Set the sensitivitywithobject.Press once.
	The yellow and green LEDs go out for approx. 1s,then flash again alternately.

3	Set the sensitivitywithoutobject.______Press once.
	The yellow and green LEDs go out for approx. 1s,after approx 3s the green LED is on.The unit is in the operating mode.

You can also proceed in reverse order: first setting without the object, then with the object.

If the setting of the sensitivity is not possible (e.g. object signal and background signal are about the same), the red LED flashes after step 3 for approx. 2s. The unit then passes into the operating mode with the sensitivity being unchanged.

If the setting button is not activated for 15 minutes during the programming process, the unit passes automatically into the operating mode with the sensitivity being unchanged.

Setting of the sensitivity with moving objects

1	Activate the programming mode of the unit.Press for about 2s until the red LED flashes.
	The red LED goes out; the yellow and green LEDs flash alternately.The unit is in the programming mode.

2	During the measurement (about 1s) allow at least two objects to move through the detection area.
	Pi
	The yellow and green LEDs go out for approx. 1s, then flash again alternately.

3	During the measurement (about 1s) allow at least two objects to move through the detection area.Pr
	The yellow and green LEDs go out for approx. 1s, after approx. 3s the green LED is on.The unit is in the operating mode.

If the setting of the sensitivity is not possible (e.g. object signal and background signal are about the same), the red LED flashes after step 3 for approx. 2s. The unit then passes into the operating mode with the sensitivity being unchanged.

If the setting button is not activated for 15 minutes during the programming process, the unit passes automatically into the operating mode with the sensitivity being unchanged.

Setting of the maximum sensitivity

• Go into the programming mode (step 1).
• Interrupt the light beam.
• Press the setting button twice (see steps 2 and 3).

Programming the output function

Press for 10s.

The red LED starts to flash fast after 2s. Then the yellow and green LEDs flash alternately. After 8s all LEDs go off, the output function has changed from light-on mode to dark-on mode (or vice versa).

Operation

Check the safe functioning of the unit. Display by LEDs and by the function check output.

LED green is lit Unit is ready for operation.
LED yellow is lit Output is switched.
LED red is lit	Error in object detection, e.g. maladjustment, soiling of the lenses.
LEDs yellow + red	Flash alternately, 2 Hz: output short-circuited. Flash alternately, 1 Hz: internal malfunction (output is not switched).

Function check output

• Switches in the case of incorrect object detection (error in object detection, maladjustment, soiling of the lenses) after approx. 4 s, it switches back approx. 4 s after the object is again correctly detected.
• Immediately switches in the case of a short circuit of the switching output, it switches back approx. 2 s after the fault has been rectified.
• Immediately switches in the case of an internal fault, it is only switched back by turning off the operating voltage and then on again.

Maintenance

Keep the plastic lenses of the sensor free from soiling.

For cleaning do not use any solvents or cleaning agents which could damage the plastic lenses.