The protective housing and shutter are designed for use with 5000W, 10K-W and 15K-W sensors in industrial environments where sensors may be contaminated by debris from material working process. They prevent contamination of the sensor, particularly the absorbing surface, by this debris. The protective housing is fastened to the front flange of the sensor and has a solenoid actuated shutter that can be opened when needed for measuring and be closed otherwise.