Choosing between these two sensors comes down to the job you're wiring: do you need to protect a moving door, or do you need to read a knob's position? The EMX Industries Thru-Beam Photometer Sensor IRB-MON 2 is a thru-beam photoeye for doors, gates, and barriers. The Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch is a compact encoder for manual positioning input. The price spread spans $29.99 to $45, but the real difference is what each is designed to do.
Quick verdict
If your priority is protection for an automatic door or gate, the EMX IRB-MON 2 is the one to choose. If you need an encoder that can act as a positioning knob with a built-in switch, the Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch fits that role. Don't buy a safety beam when you need an input device, or vice versa.
Comparison at a glance
| Consideration | EMX IRB-MON 2 | Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $45.00 | $29.99 |
| Primary job | Monitored thru-beam photoeye for door/gate entrapment protection | Dual-axis encoder with knob switch for manual positioning |
| Enclosure | IP65 rated weather-proof housing | Metal body, base height 8mm |
| Included extras | Transmitter, receiver, protective hoods, removable lens sunshield | Optional 2/4/6/10 piece quantities |
| Key spec | UL325 compliant | 30 positioning number, 15 pulse, 10mA current |
Where each product wins
- EMX IRB-MON 2 wins for safety coverage. It is the dedicated, safety photoeye solution in this pair, and the kit includes transmitter, receiver, protective hoods, and sunshield.
- Dual Axis Rotary Encoder wins for manual control. It gives you a knob switch with rotation and push input in a compact body, and the multi-piece option lets you stock several for a control panel or project.
But compare them on their own terms: a safety beam and an input encoder are different tools.
Product notes
EMX Industries Thru-Beam Photometer Sensor IRB-MON 2
The EMX IRB-MON 2 is the safety-first pick in this comparison. It is a monitored, weather-proof thru-beam infrared photoeye, listed as UL325 compliant for entrapment protection on doors, gates, and barriers. The kit includes the transmitter, receiver, integrated protective hoods, and a removable lens sunshield, which helps reduce fogging and false triggering. That makes it a strong candidate for an outdoor automatic gate or barrier installation. The limitation is that it is not a manual input device. If your goal is to provide manual input, this photoeye won't do that job. Choose it when your priority is entrapment protection and monitored operation for a powered door or gate.
2/4/6/10PCS Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch
This is the control-side option. The Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch is a knob-style switch with 30 positioning detents and 15 pulses per rotation, so it can translate rotational position into signals for a controller. The metal body sits on an 8mm base height, and the current draw is 10mA, making it a compact addition to a panel or prototype. You can order it in 2, 4, 6, or 10-piece quantities, and the model number is EC11EBB24C03. The limitation is that it is not a photoeye or safety beam. It will not detect an obstruction across a door opening; its role is positioning input and switch control. Choose it when you need to build a control interface rather than a safety detection zone.
Final choice by use case
Pick the EMX Industries Thru-Beam Photometer Sensor IRB-MON 2 when you're wiring an automatic door, gate, or barrier and need a photoeye to help protect the opening. Pick the Dual Axis Rotary Encoder With Switch when you're building a control panel or prototype and want an encoder with detent positioning and a built-in switch. Both are new, but they solve different problems-match the sensor to the job.
