The Omron E2E-X2E1 is a shielded inductive proximity sensor in an M12 x 1 threaded barrel, with a sensing distance of 2 mm and an NPN output. It runs on 12 to 24 VDC and is supplied with a 2 m pre-wired cable.
Shielded sensors can be mounted flush in metal, because the field is concentrated at the face. The letter M in the model code is what distinguishes the two: this model has no M, so it is the shielded version. Getting this wrong is the most common cause of a proximity sensor that is permanently on after installation, because an unshielded head mounted flush in a steel bracket simply detects the bracket.
The E2E is the workhorse position sensor of the automation panel. It has no moving parts and nothing to wear out, it ignores oil, coolant, dust and water, and it is what replaces a mechanical limit switch wherever the target is metal. On production machinery it confirms a cylinder has reached the end of its stroke, counts teeth on a sprocket for speed feedback, detects a metal cap or a can, and signals that a guard is closed.
Ratings and Characteristics
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Thread size | M12 x 1 |
| Shielding | Shielded |
| Sensing distance | 2 mm |
| Output type | NPN, DC 3-wire |
| Supply voltage | 12 to 24 VDC (10 to 40 VDC), ripple (p-p) 10 percent max. |
| Current consumption | 13 mA max. |
| Control output | 200 mA max. |
| Protection degree | IEC 60529 IP67 |
| Ambient temperature | -40 to 85 degrees C, no icing or condensation |
| Standard sensing object | Mild steel plate 12 x 12 x 1 mm |
| Cable | 2 m pre-wired |
All E2E DC 3-wire Pre-wired Models
| Model | Thread | Shielding | Sensing distance | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E2E-X2E1 2M | M12 x 1 | Shielded | 2 mm | NPN |
| E2E-X2F1 2M | M12 x 1 | Shielded | 2 mm | PNP |
| E2E-X5E1 2M | M18 x 1 | Shielded | 5 mm | NPN |
| E2E-X5F1 2M | M18 x 1 | Shielded | 5 mm | PNP |
| E2E-X10E1 2M | M30 x 1.5 | Shielded | 10 mm | NPN |
| E2E-X10F1 2M | M30 x 1.5 | Shielded | 10 mm | PNP |
| E2E-X5ME1 2M | M12 x 1 | Unshielded | 5 mm | NPN |
| E2E-X10ME1 2M | M18 x 1 | Unshielded | 10 mm | NPN |
| E2E-X18ME1 2M | M30 x 1.5 | Unshielded | 18 mm | NPN |
Each model is also made in the opposite output type, so an unshielded PNP equivalent exists for every unshielded NPN model listed. Connector versions with M8 or M12 plugs are available in place of the pre-wired cable.
Sensing Distance and the Target Material
The rated sensing distance is measured against a mild steel plate of the size shown above. Other metals reduce it: stainless steel to roughly 70 percent, brass to about half, aluminium to around 40 percent and copper to about 30 percent. Design the installation at around 80 percent of the corrected figure so that temperature drift and mounting tolerance do not push the target out of range.
Typical Applications
- End-of-stroke confirmation on pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders
- Metal cap, can and lid detection on filling and packaging lines
- Speed and rotation monitoring by counting sprocket teeth or a target on a shaft
- Guard and gate position confirmation
- Replacement for mechanical limit switches in wet, oily or dusty areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Omron E2E-X2E1?
It is a shielded inductive proximity sensor with an M12 x 1 thread, 2 mm sensing distance and an NPN output, supplied with a 2 m cable.
What does the M in the model code mean?
It marks the unshielded version, which senses further for the same barrel size. Codes without the M are shielded and can be mounted flush in metal.
Can this sensor detect plastic or liquid?
No. An inductive sensor detects metal only. For plastic, liquid or any non-metallic target, use a capacitive or a photoelectric sensor.
Why does my sensor read less than the rated distance?
The rating is measured against mild steel. Stainless steel, brass, aluminium and copper all reduce it, aluminium to roughly 40 percent of the rated figure.
What is the difference between NPN and PNP here?
NPN switches the output to the negative rail and PNP to the positive rail. The type must match the input card of the PLC it is wired to.
Can it be mounted flush in a steel bracket?
Shielded models yes. Unshielded models must have a clear metal-free zone around the head or they will detect the bracket and stay permanently on.
