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Cylindrical M18 photoelectric sensor with M12 connector

Sick

Sick VL18-3P3840 Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor PNP

SKU CH-48D2-PDREH

Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED and PNP dark-switching output in a cylindrical M18 housing rated IP67

  • Reliable detection up to 3.7 m with photoelectric retro-reflective sensing
  • Fast 250 Hz switching frequency enables high-speed object detection
  • Wide 10–30 V DC supply voltage suits many industrial power systems
  • Robust IP67 enclosure withstands dust and water in harsh environments
  • Compact M18 cylindrical housing with 75 mm length fits tight installations

Retro-reflective sensor for DC systems

The Sick VL18-3P3840 is a cylindrical photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with PNP dark-switching output. It operates on 10 V DC to 30 V DC and detects objects from 0.05 m to 3.7 m using visible red LED light. The M18 x 1 threaded plastic housing measures 75 mm in length and carries an IP67 enclosure rating for harsh environments.

M12 connector and simple alignment

Installation uses a male M12 4-pin connector that plugs directly into standard cordsets without tools. The radial optical axis and fixed 2.8° dispersion create a 150 mm light spot at 3 m, so the reflector must be centred on that axis. No potentiometer or teach-in adjustment exists, so mechanical positioning determines the switching point. Supply ripple must stay below 10 % and output current must not exceed 100 mA to avoid protection trips.

Automation engineers needing reliable presence

This unit suits packaging lines, conveyor stations and material-handling cells that require a compact M18 sensor with fast 250 Hz switching. Buyers who need background suppression, analogue output or an NPN switching type should look at something else. The fixed sensing range and lack of polarisation filter also limit use with highly reflective targets at very close distance.

How it compares

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Price $102.99
Typical for this category: the median of 5,006 items is $95.99.

Specifications

Product
Brand nameSick
Model nameSICK VL18-3P384

Questions about this item

How can I verify the VL18-3P3840 is detecting correctly after wiring it to a 10 V DC … 30 V DC supply?

The dark-switching PNP output goes high when the beam is blocked; watch the controller input toggle at up to 250 Hz with a 2 ms response time.

What comes with the sensor and what must I source separately?

The sensor has an M12 4-pin male connector; you need a matching M12 cable or field-wireable plug and a reflector.

Which sensing-range version should I choose for a 3 m detection distance?

The listed model covers 0.05 m … 3 m sensing range and 0.05 m … 3.7 m maximum range, so this single version fits a 3 m requirement.

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