OL5011 - Photoelectric sensor IFM - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Photoelectric sensor (through-beam)
Brand	IFM
Model	OL5011
Category	Photoelectric sensor
Supply voltage	10-30 V DC
Output type	PNP, NPN or relay depending on version
Max. output current	10 mA (diagnostic output)
Range	See label on device
Main functions	Contactless object detection, sensitivity adjustment for static and moving objects, output function programming (NO/NC), error diagnostic output
LED indicators	Green (device operational), yellow (output switched), red (error or short-circuit)
Connection	Removable screw terminal or connector (depending on version)
Mounting	On mounting bracket, precise alignment required
Adjustment	By push-button, sensitivity programming and output inversion
Maintenance	Clean lenses with a soft cloth, without solvents or harsh products
Electrical protection	Miniature fuse recommended; short-circuit protection
Operating temperature	-25°C to +60°C
Protection degree	IP67
Housing material	Plastic
Approximate weight	100 g
Approximate dimensions	60 x 30 x 30 mm

Frequently Asked Questions - OL5011 IFM

How to electrically connect the OL5011 sensor?

Disconnect power before any connection. Use the removable screw terminal or connector depending on the version. Follow the provided wiring diagram (pins L+, L-, output, etc.). After connection, click the terminal into place and check proper operation.

How to adjust sensitivity for static objects?

Press the push-button for about 2 seconds until the red LED flashes. Place the object in the beam and press once. Remove the object and press once more. The green LED lights up to confirm adjustment.

What do the different LEDs on the sensor mean?

Green LED on: device operational. Yellow LED on: output switched. Red LED on: detection error (incorrect adjustment, dirty lenses, etc.). Yellow and red LEDs flash alternately at 2 Hz: output short-circuit; at 1 Hz: internal error.

How to change the output function from NC to NO (or vice versa)?

Press the push-button for about 10 seconds until all LEDs turn off. The output then changes from normally closed (NC) to normally open (NO), or vice versa. After the operation, the green LED turns on again.

What to do if the sensor does not detect objects correctly?

Check the alignment of the emitter and receiver, clean the lenses with a soft cloth, and readjust sensitivity. If the problem persists, check the supply voltage and wiring condition. A red LED indicates a detection error.

How to clean the sensor lenses?

Use a soft, dry cloth. Never use solvents or abrasive products that could damage the plastic lenses. Regular cleaning prevents false detections.

What is the maximum range of the OL5011 sensor?

The range (r) is indicated on the device label. It varies by model. Consult the manual for the exact value. Precise alignment of the emitter and receiver is necessary for optimal range.

Can this sensor be used to detect transparent objects?

Yes, thanks to sensitivity adjustment. In programming mode, you can adjust the sensitivity with the transparent object present and without the object. If adjustment fails (red LED flashes), the contrast is insufficient.

What is the recommended supply voltage?

The sensor operates on DC 10 to 30 V. For AC/DC (relay) versions, the voltage can be 24-240 V AC/DC. Check the label on your device.

How to properly mount the sensor?

Fix the receiver (OLE-...) and the emitter (OLS-...) on mounting brackets. Orient the emitter toward the receiver. Precise alignment is essential for optimal range. Avoid parasitic light sources.

USER MANUAL OL5011 IFM

Through-beam sensor OL

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with bolted base and mounting bracket (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.

Electrical connection

Isolate power, then connect unit (see page 17/18 or type label). Load of the function check output (fc output): max. 10mA.

The units with cable gland have a removable terminal block with screw terminals (screws are at the base of the terminal block).

After connection of the wires the terminal block must be reinserted. Note: insert a miniature fuse according to the technical data sheet, if specified. Recommendation: check the unit for reliable function after a short circuit.

Installation

Fix the receiver (type OLE-...) in position.

Align the transmitter (type OLS-...) towards the receiver and tighten in the same way.

Maximum range is only possible with precise alignment.

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 U	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

(only for sensors with DC power supply)

• 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.

Sensor with terminals

Sensor with connector

Sensor with terminals

Sensor with connector

Sensor with terminals

Sensor with terminals

Sensor with connector

Sensor with terminals