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Cylindrical angled plastic sensor with 2 m PVC cable

Sick

Sick VL18-3E3812 Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor NPN

SKU CH-2ZXY-9HGJH

A photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with NPN output, 0.05 to 3.7 m range, IP67 housing, and 2 m PVC cable

  • Detects objects up to 3.7 m away
  • Visible red LED simplifies alignment
  • NPN light-switching output integrates with standard PLCs
  • IP67 enclosure withstands dust and water immersion
  • Operates from -25 °C to +70 °C

Sick VL18-3E3812 retro-reflective sensor

The Sick VL18-3E3812 is a photoelectric retro-reflective sensor designed for industrial detection tasks. It operates on a 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply with an NPN switching output and light-switching mode. The cylindrical angled housing measures 60.6 mm and carries an IP67 enclosure rating for harsh environments.

Suited for presence detection on conveyors

This sensor suits automation engineers who need a visible red-light LED source with a 2.8° dispersion angle and potentiometer adjustment. It is not for applications requiring a PNP output, dark-switching logic, or a connectorised M12 interface instead of the fixed 2 m PVC cable. Buyers needing longer range than 3.7 m or a metal housing should look elsewhere.

Sensing range reaches 3.7 m with 2 ms response

The unit reliably detects targets from 0.05 m to 3 m, with a maximum range of 3.7 m under ideal conditions. Power consumption stays at 30 mA and the 0.14 mm² conductors handle the rated current. Operating temperature spans –25 °C to +70 °C, so extreme heat beyond 70 °C or cryogenic conditions fall outside the specified headroom.

How it compares

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Price $66.99
Cheaper than about 71% of the 5,006 comparable items (median $95.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameSick
Model nameSICK VL18-3E3812

Questions about this item

What supply voltage must my system provide for the VL18-3E3812 sensor?

The sensor operates on 10 V DC to 30 V DC with a maximum ripple of 10 % and a power consumption of 30 mA.

Will the 2 m PVC cable and NPN light-switching output connect directly to my existing PLC input module?

Yes, the 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors terminates in flying leads for direct wiring to an NPN-compatible PLC input.

How can I verify the sensor is detecting correctly after mounting and wiring?

Adjust the potentiometer until the output switches reliably at the desired distance within the 0.05 m to 3 m sensing range using visible red light.

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