# IEC photoelectric emitter interface: normally open 4 wire Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-photoelectric-emitter-interface-normally-open-4-wire Publisher: Elora Grid Updated: 2026-10-28 Lookup label: TX Drawing use: Schematic Reference families: IEC, Manufacturer ## Symbol convention Convention: IEC Form: Normally Open 4 wire Autodesk IEC-60617 Symbol Preview: Photoelectric Emitter Switches, HPE11PE4 / VPE11PE4. This identifies the publisher's library context; exact IEC graphics and database identities are not asserted. Photoelectric emitter interface form: Normally Open 4 wire. ## In plain English ### What does IEC photoelectric emitter interface: normally open 4 wire mean? A photoelectric emitter supplies the light used by an optical sensing system; a complete sensing pair also needs a receiver. This entry identifies the normally open 4 wire form in the publisher's IEC-context family. ### A simple example A conveyor may place the emitter on one side and a separate receiver on the other so an object can interrupt the optical path. The normally-open designation starts with a non-conducting output or open contact in the documented reference condition; operation changes that state. The additional connection points need the actual pin assignment. A fourth or fifth pin may serve an output or control function; pin count alone does not define its purpose. ### What the drawings help you do A supply connection to an emitter is different from a switched detection output. Check the listed terminal and output form rather than assuming every optical device has the same interface. ### This particular reference Photoelectric emitter interface form: Normally Open 4 wire. This entry adds the normally open 4 wire detail to the broader photoelectric emitter interface family. A supply connection to an emitter is different from a switched detection output. Check the listed terminal and output form rather than assuming every optical device has the same interface. ### Terms - Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing. - Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects. - Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply. Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram. - [Autodesk IEC-60617 Symbol Preview: Photoelectric Emitter Switches](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-CAF5714C-3562-40A0-A957-AB06150A5658.htm) ## What it represents A photoelectric emitter supplies the light used by an optical sensing system; a complete sensing pair also needs a receiver. This entry identifies the normally open 4 wire form in the publisher's IEC-context family. A conveyor may place the emitter on one side and a separate receiver on the other so an object can interrupt the optical path. The normally-open designation starts with a non-conducting output or open contact in the documented reference condition; operation changes that state. The additional connection points need the actual pin assignment. A fourth or fifth pin may serve an output or control function; pin count alone does not define its purpose. A supply connection to an emitter is different from a switched detection output. Check the listed terminal and output form rather than assuming every optical device has the same interface. ## How to read it - The normally-open designation starts with a non-conducting output or open contact in the documented reference condition; operation changes that state. - The additional connection points need the actual pin assignment. A fourth or fifth pin may serve an output or control function; pin count alone does not define its purpose. - A supply connection to an emitter is different from a switched detection output. Check the listed terminal and output form rather than assuming every optical device has the same interface. ## Information to show or reference - Identify the target, sensing mode and expected normal condition. - Label supply, output and connector pins from the actual device diagram. - Reference output circuit type, operating range and controller input. ## Important distinction This entry adds the normally open 4 wire detail to the broader photoelectric emitter interface family. A supply connection to an emitter is different from a switched detection output. Check the listed terminal and output form rather than assuming every optical device has the same interface. ## Facts - Drawing form: Normally Open 4 wire - Public vendor block names: HPE11PE4 / VPE11PE4. Autodesk identifiers, not standards database IDs. - Drawing purpose: photoelectric emitter interface - Graphic scope: Independently authored educational illustration; not certified standard geometry, a terminal pinout or a product footprint. ## Public references - [Autodesk IEC-60617 Symbol Preview: Photoelectric Emitter Switches](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-CAF5714C-3562-40A0-A957-AB06150A5658.htm) — Autodesk. Public Photoelectric Emitter Switches table explicitly lists HPE11PE4 / VPE11PE4 with this operating or connection form. Vendor graphics are linked, not copied. ## Graphic scope Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.