Replacement photo eye sensors for industrial trash compactors — hopper detection, cycle-control, and material-presence sensors. Photoelectric (through-beam and retro-reflective) sensors. OEM-compatible with Marathon, PTR, Wastequip, Harmony, SP Industries.
Photo eyes — sometimes called photoelectric sensors — detect material in the hopper, monitor cycle state, and trigger automatic compaction. Most are through-beam sensors (emitter on one side, receiver on the other) installed across the hopper opening. When material breaks the beam, the controller signals the ram to cycle.
Photo eye failure is usually contamination (lens covered in grease, dust, debris) rather than electronics — clean the lens first. If cleaning doesn't restore function, the sensor is electrically failed and needs replacement. PRT stocks standard industrial photo eyes from major brands.
Match by sensor type (through-beam, retro-reflective, diffuse), sensing range, electrical rating, and mounting style. Through-beam is most common for compactor hopper applications because it works reliably even in dirty environments.
If your current photo eye fails frequently due to contamination, PRT can recommend higher-IP-rated sensors or laser-based sensors that maintain function longer in dirty environments.
Probably not. Most photo eye 'failures' are contamination. Clean both the emitter and receiver lenses with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Check alignment — the emitter and receiver must point at each other within a few degrees. If both are clean and aligned and the sensor still doesn't trigger, then it's electrically failed.
Through-beam uses two separate units (emitter and receiver) on opposite sides of the detection zone. Retro-reflective uses one unit with a reflector on the other side. Through-beam is more reliable in dirty environments; retro-reflective is cheaper and easier to install.
Standard PRT photo eyes are IP65 (dust-tight and water-resistant). IP67 (sealed against immersion) and IP69K (sealed against high-pressure washdown) sensors are available for harsh environments — specify when ordering.
Yes, in most cases. Laser photo eyes maintain function better in dusty or dirty environments because their beam stays focused at longer distances. The control wiring is the same as standard photo eyes — drop-in replacement.