Sick
Sick VTE18-3N8912 photoelectric proximity sensor NPN
Detects objects up to 700 mm with an infrared LED, adjustable potentiometer and NPN dark-switching output in a 60.6 mm cylindrical housing rated IP67
- Photoelectric detection up to 800 mm range
- Infrared LED with narrow 2.8° dispersion angle
- Adjustable sensitivity via built-in potentiometer
- NPN dark-switching output with 2 ms response
- IP67 rated for –25 °C to +70 °C operation
Industrial proximity sensing
The Sick VTE18-3N8912 is a cylindrical photoelectric proximity sensor designed for automation and control tasks. It uses an angled infrared LED with a 2.8° dispersion angle to detect objects between 10 mm and 700 mm. The NPN dark-switching output activates when the beam is interrupted, suiting PLC inputs that expect a low signal on detection.
Supply and range limits
Operation requires a 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply with ripple below 10 % and draws up to 30 mA. The sensing range tops out at 700 mm under standard conditions, with a maximum specification of 800 mm. A 2 ms response time sets the minimum interval between reliable switching events for high-speed lines.
Sealed housing and fixed wiring
The plastic housing and PMMA optics meet IP67, resisting dust ingress and temporary immersion across a –25 °C to +70 °C operating window. A 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors and 3.1 mm outer diameter exits the body, so routing and strain relief must be planned at install. UL file NMFT2.E175606 covers the construction.
Highlights
- Photoelectric detection up to 800 mm range
- Infrared LED with narrow 2.8° dispersion angle
- Adjustable sensitivity via built-in potentiometer
- NPN dark-switching output with 2 ms response
- IP67 rated for –25 °C to +70 °C operation
Specifications
| Brand | SICK |
|---|---|
| Model | SICK VTE18-3N8912 |
Questions about this item
Should I choose the 10 mm to 700 mm sensing range or the 10 mm to 800 mm maximum sensing range?
The 10 mm to 700 mm figure is the rated sensing range for reliable detection. The 10 mm to 800 mm figure is the absolute maximum range under ideal conditions. Design your application around the 700 mm rating for consistent performance.
What does the 2 ms response time mean when the sensor is installed on a production line?
A 2 ms response time allows the sensor to detect objects and switch its NPN output within two milliseconds. This supports line speeds where objects pass the detection point in roughly 2 ms or more, typical for packaging and assembly automation.
The sensor has a cable connection; what voltage range and cable length does it support?
The sensor operates on 10 V DC to 30 V DC with a 2 m PVC cable. The cable has a 0.14 mm² conductor cross-section and 3.1 mm diameter, suitable for standard DC control circuits within the IP67 enclosure rating.
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