We take cryptocurrency — so the coins you hold can buy real hardware.Pay in crypto, spend it on real hardware. Free insured shipping worldwide over $399. Plain, unbranded boxes, sent from Germany.Free insured shipping over $399. Your rate is locked for 30 minutes once checkout opens.Rate locked 30 minutes. Every item sealed, serial-checked and covered by a 24-month warranty.Sealed, 24-month warranty.

Saved items Sign in
Cylindrical photoelectric proximity sensor with 2 m PVC cable

Sick

Sick VTE18-3N8712 photoelectric proximity sensor NPN

SKU CH-AQZ2-DJE9W

Photoelectric proximity sensor detects objects from 10 mm to 700 mm with a 2.8° infrared beam and NPN dark-switching output

  • NPN output simplifies wiring into standard PLC inputs
  • 10–800 mm sensing range covers close and mid-distance detection
  • IP67 enclosure withstands dust and temporary immersion
  • 25 °C to +70 °C operating range suits cold stores and hot machines
  • 2 m PVC cable allows direct connection without extra connectors

Sick VTE18-3N8712 proximity sensor

The Sick VTE18-3N8712 is a cylindrical photoelectric proximity sensor with an NPN dark-switching output. It detects objects at distances from 10 mm to 700 mm using an infrared LED with a 2.8° dispersion angle. The sensor operates on a 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply with a 2 ms response time. It is built for industrial automation and machine monitoring tasks.

Replacing older diffuse sensors

This sensor upgrades installations that used fixed-range or through-beam units needing separate emitters. The adjustable potentiometer allows on-site range tuning between 10 mm and 800 mm maximum detection. The jump is worthwhile when a single diffuse device must cover varying target distances or when wiring simplicity matters. It is not for applications requiring background suppression or laser-class precision.

Installation and common issues

A 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors and 3.1 mm diameter connects directly to the controller. The IP67-rated plastic housing withstands temperatures from –25 °C to +70 °C. Ensure the supply voltage stays within the 10 V to 30 V DC range and that ripple does not exceed 10 %. Misalignment beyond the narrow beam angle and cable damage in tight routing are the typical failure points.

How it compares

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

Price $85.99
Cheaper than about 57% of the 5,006 comparable items (median $95.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameSICK
Model nameSICK VTE18-3N8712

Questions about this item

What size mounting hole or bracket does the 63.6 mm cylindrical sensor need?

The straight cylindrical housing is 63.6 mm in diameter and requires an M18 threaded cut-out or matching clamp bracket for secure mounting.

How do I wire the NPN dark-switching output and which step is often missed?

Connect the three-wire PVC cable to a 10–30 V DC supply; the NPN output pulls the load to 0 V when the beam is broken, and the potentiometer must be turned after power-up to set the 10–700 mm sensing distance.

When should I replace the 2 m PVC cable or clean the PMMA optics?

Inspect the Ø 3.1 mm cable for cracks if the sensor sees –25 °C to +70 °C cycles, and wipe the PMMA lens whenever dust reduces the 2.8° infrared beam; IP67 sealing handles wash-down but not abrasion.

More in Electrical Trade Tools & Kits

Similar items