Omron / Sensors

Photoelectric and proximity sensor model numbers, the connector suffix rules, and the three parts Omron does not put in the box.

Sensors are the highest-turnover items in most plants. They get knocked, contaminated and cabled over, and they are replaced constantly. Omron E3Z photoelectric and E2E proximity sensors are two of the most common families in New Zealand industry.

Three things that are not in the box

Start here, because these cause more failed installs than any wiring error.

Reflectors are sold separately

Omron states it plainly: a reflector is not provided with retro-reflective sensors. Order one separately.

And it matters which one. The quoted sensing distance assumes a specific reflector. An E3Z-R61 achieves 100 mm to 4 m when the E39-R1S is used. A different reflector gives a different range.

Omron also notes that if you use a reflector at any distance other than the rated distance, check that the stability indicator lights properly during installation.

Slits are sold separately

A slit is not provided with through-beam sensors. If your application needs one to narrow the beam, that is a separate order.

Through-beam sensors come as sets

The opposite problem. Through-beam sensors are normally sold in sets including both emitter and receiver.

So if you only need to replace a damaged receiver, say so, because ordering the model number will normally get you a pair.

The M12 connector suffix rule

Useful, and almost nobody publishes it. Most E3Z sensors are available as pre-wired cable or M12 connector versions, and the connector version is built by adding a suffix.

So E3Z-T61-M1J 0.3M is the standard M12 version and E3Z-T61-M1TJ 0.3M is the Smartclick version. Both have a 0.3 m cable tail.

Note the mating connector differs. Standard M12 takes an XS2 series connector; Smartclick takes XS5. If you order the wrong sensor variant, the existing cable will not mate.

The plain model number with a length such as 2M is the pre-wired version with a 2 m cable.

E3Z photoelectric sensors

The letter after E3Z gives the sensing method.

Confirmed E3Z models

The E3Z has a built-in amplifier, square housing, and typically runs on 12 to 24 V DC.

NPN and PNP are not interchangeable. Check what your input card expects before ordering. The trailing digit generally carries this, but confirm rather than assume.

Other photoelectric families

E2E proximity sensors

The digits after the X give the sensing distance in millimetres. An E2E-X5ME1 senses at 5 mm and an E2E-X10ME1 at 10 mm.

Related proximity families

The M12 in an E2A or E2B number is the barrel thread size, not a connector reference. M12, M18 and M30 are the common threads.

Choosing a replacement when the label is gone

Sensor labels do not survive long in a wash-down plant. If you cannot read the number, tell us:

• What it detects. Metal target means proximity. Anything else usually means photoelectric
• The sensing distance you need, and the barrel or body size
• NPN or PNP, which you can get from the input card rather than the sensor
• Cable or connector, and if connector, whether it is standard M12 or Smartclick
• The environment. Wash-down, high temperature and welding areas all have specific families

A photo of the sensor and its mounting is usually enough for us to identify the family.

Reflectors and accessories

Reflectors and brackets are worth stocking. They are cheap, they get damaged more often than the sensor, and a missing reflector stops a line just as effectively as a failed sensor.

What we can supply

Current production. The full E3Z, E3F, E3JK, E3X, E2E, E2A, E2B and E2K ranges, plus reflectors, brackets, slits and connectors. Quoted with a delivered lead time.

Discontinued families. Older E3S, E3JK and E2E variants. Surplus and tested used.

Bulk and consumable orders. If you run a maintenance store, send us your sensor list and we will quote the lot rather than line by line.

Related

Omron overview. CJ series and CP series for the input cards these sensors wire into.

Send us your model numbers

Include the cable length or connector suffix. If you need a retro-reflective sensor, tell us and we will quote the reflector with it rather than leaving you a sensor that cannot see anything. Quotes in NZD including GST.

Request a quote

Industech is an independent supplier of new, surplus and used industrial automation equipment. We are not an authorised distributor of, approved by, sanctioned by, or affiliated with OMRON Corporation. Omron and Smartclick are trademarks of OMRON Corporation. All trademarks, brand names and model numbers are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification purposes only.