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Cylindrical angled plastic sensor with red LED, 2 m PVC cable, IP67 rating

Sick

Sick VL18-3E3912 photoelectric retro-reflective sensor NPN electrician tool

SKU CH-TZC9-JEBMY

Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with NPN output, 0.05 m to 3.7 m range and IP67 housing

  • Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED
  • Adjustable sensing via potentiometer for precise setup
  • NPN light-switching output integrates with standard PLC inputs
  • IP67 enclosure resists dust and water ingress
  • Operates reliably from –25 °C to +70 °C

Industrial detection sensor

The Sick VL18-3E3912 is a cylindrical photoelectric retro-reflective sensor that emits visible red light from an LED source. It detects objects between 0.05 m and 3 m with a maximum reach of 3.7 m and a narrow 2.8° dispersion angle. The NPN output switches on light reception and responds in 2 ms, while a potentiometer allows on-site sensitivity adjustment. A 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors carries the 10–30 V DC supply.

Suited for presence sensing on conveyors

This unit fits automation lines that need a compact, angled housing with IP67 protection for wash-down environments. It operates reliably from –25 °C to +70 °C, making it viable for cold-storage or outdoor installations. Applications requiring PNP logic, analogue output, background suppression or a different mounting format will need an alternative sensor type.

Mounts in tight machine frames

The 60.6 mm long cylindrical body with angled light emission tucks into confined brackets without blocking adjacent components. The fixed 2 m cable eliminates the need for a separate connector but requires strain relief planning in high-vibration zones. A compatible reflector must be supplied separately to complete the retro-reflective beam path.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Electrical Trade Tools & Kits, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $71.99
Cheaper than about 68% of the 5,006 comparable items (median $95.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameSick
Model nameSICK VL18-3E3912

Questions about this item

What supply voltage must my system provide for the VL18-3E3912 to operate?

The sensor requires a 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply with ripple below 10 % and draws up to 30 mA.

Will the VL18-3E3912 detect targets reliably when mounted beside legacy photoelectric sensors that use a different switching mode?

Yes, its NPN light-switching output operates independently; just ensure each sensor has its own reflector and the 2.8° beam does not cross adjacent detection zones.

How can I verify the VL18-3E3912 is detecting correctly after wiring the 2 m PVC cable?

Align the visible red LED spot on the reflector, then watch the output indicator toggle as an object breaks the beam; a clean 2 ms response confirms proper operation.

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