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For precautions on individual products, refer to the Safety Precautions in individual product information.

These products cannot be used in safety devices for presses or other safety devices used to protect human life.
These products are designed for use in applications for sensing workpieces and workers that do not affect safety.

Precautions for Safe Use

To ensure safety, always observe the following precautions.

Wiring

ItemTypical examples
Power Supply Voltage
Do not use a voltage that exceeds the operating voltage range. Applying a voltage that is higher than the operating voltage range, or using an AC power supply (100 VAC or higher) for a Sensor that requires a DC power supply may cause explosion or burning.
Load short-circuiting
・ Do not short-circuit the load. Explosion or burning may result.
・ The load short-circuit protection function operates when the power supply is connected with the correct polarity and the power is within the rated voltage range.
Incorrect Wiring
Be sure that the power supply polarity and other wiring is correct. Incorrect wiring may cause explosion or burning.
Connection without a Load
If the power supply is connected directly without a load, the internal elements may explode or burn. Be sure to insert a load when connecting the power supply.

Operating Environment

Do not use the Sensor in an environment where there are explosive or combustible gases.

Precautions for Correct Use

The following conditions must be considered to understand the conditions of the application and location as well as the relation to control equipment.

Model Selection

Design

Sensing Object Material

The sensing distance varies greatly depending on the material of the sensing object. Study the engineering data for the influence of sensing object material and size and select a distance with sufficient leeway.

In general, if the sensing object is a non-magnetic metal (for example, aluminum), the sensing distance decreases.

Example: E2-X10D[]

Size of Sensing Object

In general, if the object is smaller than the standard sensing object, the sensing distance decreases.

Design the setup for an object size that is the same or greater than the standard sensing object size from the graphs showing the sensing object size and sensing distance.

When the size of the standard sensing object is the same or less than the size of the standard sensing object, select a sensing distance with sufficient leeway.

Thickness of Sensing Object

The thickness of ferrous metals (iron, nickel, etc.) must be 1 mm or greater.

For non-magnetic metal, a sensing distance equivalent to a magnetic body can be obtained when the coating thickness is 0.01 mm or less. With pulseresponse models (e.g., E2V), however, the characteristics may vary. Be sure to check the catalog information for the relevant model.
When the coating is extremely thin and is not conductive, such as a vacuum deposited film, detection is not possible.

Influence of Plating
If the sensing object is plated, the sensing distance will change (see the table below).

Effect of Plating (Typical)
(Reference values: Percent of non-plated sensing distance)

Thickness and base material of platingSteelBrass
No plating100100
Zn 5 to 15 μm90 to 12095 to 105
Cd 5 to 15 μm100 to 11095 to 105
Ag 5 to 15 μm60 to 9085 to 100
Cu 10 to 20 μm70 to 9595 to 105
Cu 5 to 15 μm-95 to 105
Cu (5 to 10 μm) + Ni (10 to 20 μm)70 to 95-
Cu (5 to 10 μm) + Ni (10 μm) + Cr (0.3 μm)75 to 95-

Mutual Interference

Mutual interference refers to a state where a Sensor is affected by magnetism (or static capacitance) from an adjacent Sensor and the output is unstable.

One means of avoiding interference when mounting Proximity Sensors close together is to alternate Sensors with different frequencies. The model tables indicate whether different frequencies are available. Please refer to the tables.

When Proximity Sensors with the same frequency are mounted together in a line or face-to-face, they must be separated by a minimum distance. For details, refer to Mutual Interference in the Safety Precautions for individual Sensors.

Power Reset Time

A Sensor is ready for detection within 100 ms after turning ON the power. If the load and Sensor are connected to separate power supplies, design the system so that the Sensor power turns ON first.

Turning OFF the Power

An output pulse may be generated when the power is turned OFF, so design the system so that the load or load line power turns OFF first.

Influence of Surrounding Metal

The existence of a metal object other than the sensing object near the sensing surface of the Proximity Sensor will affect detection performance, increase the apparent operating distance, degrade temperature characteristics, and cause reset failures. For details, refer to the influence of surrounding metal table in Safety Precautions for individual Sensors. Particularly the distance m that separates a metal surface that faces the Sensor's sensing surface will influence performance, such as shortening the sensing distance.
The values in the table are for the nuts provided with the Sensors.
Changing the nut material will change the influence of the surrounding metal.

Power Transformers

Be sure to use an insulated transformer for a DC power supply. Do not use an auto-transformer (single-coil transformer).

Precautions for AC 2-Wire/DC 2-Wire Sensors

Surge Protection

Although the Proximity Sensor has a surge absorption circuit, if there is a device (motor, welder, etc.) that causes large surges near the Proximity Sensor, insert a surge absorber near the source of the surges.

Influence of Leakage Current

Even when the Proximity Sensor is OFF, a small amount of current runs through the circuit as leakage current.
For this reason, a small current may remain in the load (residual voltage in the load) and cause load reset failures. Verify that this voltage is lower than the load reset voltage (the leakage current is less than the load reset current) before using the Sensor.

Using an Electronic Device as the Load for an AC 2-Wire Sensor

When using an electronic device, such as a Timer, some types of devices use AC half-wave rectification. When a Proximity Sensor is connected to a device using AC half-wave rectification, only AC half-wave power will be supplied to the Sensor. This will cause the Sensor operation to be unstable. Also, do not use a Proximity Sensor to turn the power supply ON and OFF for electronic devices that use DC half-wave rectification. In such a case, use a relay to turn the power supply ON and OFF, and check the system for operating stability after connecting it.

Examples of Timers that Use AC Half-wave Rectification
Timers: H3Y, H3YN, H3RN, H3CA-8, and H3CR (-A, -A8, -AP, -F, -G)

Countermeasures for Leakage Current (Examples)

AC 2-Wire Sensors

Connect a bleeder resistor to bypass the leakage current flowing in the load so that the current flowing through the load is less than the load reset current.

When using an AC 2-Wire Sensor, connect a bleeder resistor so that the Proximity Sensor current is at least 10 mA, and the residual load voltage when the Proximity Sensor is OFF is less than the load reset voltage.

Calculate the bleeder resistance and allowable power using the following equation.

P: Watts of bleeder resistance (the actual number of watts used should be several times this number)
I: Load current (mA)

It is recommend that leeway be included in the actual values used.
For 100 VAC, use 10 kΩ or less and 3 W (5 W) or higher, and for 200 VAC, use 20 kΩ or less and 10 W (20 W) or higher. If the effects of heat generation are a problem, use the number of watts in parentheses ( ) or higher.

DC 2-Wire Sensors

Connect a bleeder resistor to bypass the leakage current flowing in the load, and design the load current so that
(leakage current) × (load input impedance) < reset voltage.

Calculate the bleeder resistance and allowable power using the following equation.

P: Watts of bleeder resistance (the actual number of watts used should be several times this number)
iR: Leakage current of Proximity Sensor (mA)
iOFFR: Load reset current (mA)

It is recommend that leeway be included in the actual values used.
For 12 VDC, use 15 kΩ or less and 450 mW or higher, and for 24 VDC, use 30 kΩ or less and 0.1 W or higher.

Loads with Large Inrush Current

Loads, such as lamps or motors, that cause a large inrush current* will weaken or damage the switching element. In this situation, use a relay.
* E2K, TL-N[]Y: 1 A or higher

Noise

Countermeasures for noise depend on the path of noise entry, frequency components, and wave heights. Typical measures are as given in the following table.

Type of noiseNoise intrusion path and countermeasure
Before countermeasureAfter countermeasure
Common mode noise
(inverter noise)
(Common noise applied between the mounting board and the +V and 0-V lines, respectively.)
Noise enters from the noise source through the frame (metal).1. Ground the inverter motor (to 100 Ω or less)
2. Ground the noise source and the power supply (0-V side) through a capacitor (film capacitor, 0.22 μF, 630 V).
3. Insert an insulator (plastic, rubber, etc.) between the Sensor and the mounting plate (metal).
Radiant noise
(Ingress of high-frequency electromagnetic waves directly into Sensor, from power line, etc.)
Noise propagates through the air from the noise source and directly enters the Sensor.・ Insert a shield (copper) plate between the Sensor and the noise source e.g., a switching power supply).
・ Separate the noise source and the Sensor to a distance where noise does not affect operation.
Power line noise
(Ingress of electromagnetic induction from high-voltage wires and switching noise from the switching power supply)
Noise enters from the power line.・ Insert a capacitor (e.g., a film capacitor), noise filter (e.g., ferrite core or insulated transformer), or varistor in the power line.

Mounting

Mounting the Sensor

When mounting a Sensor, do not tap it with a hammer or otherwise subject it to excessive shock. This will weaken water resistance and may damage the Sensor. If the Sensor is being secured with bolts, observe the allowable tightening torque. Some models require the use of toothed washers.
For details, refer to the mounting precautions in Precautions for Correct Use in individual product information.

Mounting/Removing Using DIN Track (Example for E2CY)

Mounting

1. Insert the front of the Sensor into the special Mounting Bracket (included) or DIN Track.
2. Press the rear of the Sensor into the special Mounting Bracket or DIN Track.

When mounting the side of the Sensor using the special Mounting Bracket, first secure the Amplifier Unit to the special Mounting Bracket, and then mount the special Mounting Bracket with M3 screws and flat washers with a diameter of 6 mm maximum.

Removing

While pressing the Amplifier Unit in the direction of 3., lift the fiber plug in the direction of 4. for easy removal without a screwdriver.

Set Distance

The sensing distance may vary due to fluctuations in temperature and voltage. When mounting the Sensor, it is recommend that installation be based on the set distance.

Wiring

AND/OR Connections for Proximity Sensors

ModelType of
connection
ConnectionDescription
DC 2-WireAND (series
connection)
Keep the number of connected Sensors (N) within the range of the following equation.
VS - N × VR ≥ Operating load voltage
N : Number of Sensors that can be connected
VR: Residual output voltage of Proximity Sensor
VS: Power voltage
It is possible, however, that the indicators may not light correctly and error pulses (of approximately 1 ms) may be generated because the rated power supply voltage and current are not supplied to individual Proximity Sensors.
Verify that this is not a problem before operation.
OR (parallel
connection
Keep the number of connected Sensors (N) within the range of the following equation.
N × i ≤ Load reset current
N: Number of Sensors that can be connected
i: Leakage current of Proximity Sensor
Example: When an MY (24-VDC) Relay is used as the load, the maximum number of Sensors that can be connected is 4.
AC 2-wireAND (series
connection)
TL-N[]Y, E2K-[]MY[]
The above Proximity Sensors cannot be used in a series connection. If needed, connect through relays.

E2E-X[]Y
For the above Proximity Sensors, the voltage VL that can be applied to the load when ON is VL = VS - (Output residual voltage × Number of Sensors), for both 100 VAC and 200 VAC.
The load will not operate unless VL is higher than the load operating voltage.
This must be verified before use.
When using two or more Sensors in series with an AND circuit, the limit is three Sensors.

(Be careful of the VS value in the diagram at left.)
OR (parallel
connection)
In general it is not possible to use two or more Proximity Sensors in parallel with an OR circuit.

A parallel connection can be used if A and B will not be operated simultaneously and there is no need to hold the load. The leakage current, however, will be n times the value for each Sensor and reset failures will frequently occur.
("n" is the number of Proximity Sensors.)

If A and B will be operated simultaneously and the load is held, a parallel connection is not possible.
If A and B operate simultaneously and the load is held, the voltages of both A and B will fall to about 10 V when A turns ON, and the load current will flow through A causing random operation. When the sensing object approaches B, the voltage of both terminals of B is too low at 10 V and the switching element of B will not operate. When A turns OFF again, the voltages of both A and B rise to the power supply voltage and B is finally able to turn ON.

During this period, there are times when A and B both turn OFF (approximately 10 ms) and the loads are momentarily restored. In cases where the load is to be held in this way, use a relay as shown in the diagram at left.
DC 3-wireAND (series
connection)
Keep the number of connected Sensors (N) within the range of the following equation.
iL + (N - 1) × i ≤ Upper limit of Proximity Sensor control output
VS - N × VR ≥ Operating load voltage
N : Number of Sensors that can be connected
VR: Residual output voltage of Sensor
VS: Power supply voltage
i : Current consumption of Sensor
iL: Load current
Example: A maximum of two Sensors can be used when an MY (24-VDC) Relay is used for the load.
Note: When an AND circuit is connected, the operation of Proximity Sensor B causes power to be supplied to Proximity Sensor A, and thus erroneous pulses (approximately 1 ms) may be generated in A when the power is turned ON. For this reason, take care when the load has a high response speed because malfunction may result.
OR (parallel
connection)
For Sensors with a current output, a minimum of three OR connections is possible. Whether or not four or more connections is possible depends on the model.

Note: When AND/OR connections are used with Proximity Sensors, the effects of erroneous pulses or leakage current may prevent use. Verify that there are no problems before use.

Extending Cable Length

The cable of a Built-in Amplifier Sensor can be extended to a maximum length of 200 m with each of the standard cables (excluding some models).
For Separate Amplifier Sensors (E2C-EDA, E2C, E2J, E2CY-SD), refer to the specific precautions for individual products.

Bending the Cable

If you need to bend the cable, we recommend a bend radius that is at least 3 times the outer diameter of the cable. (For coaxial, shielded and robot cables, at least 5 times the outer diameter of the cable is recommended.) The minimum bending radius is specified as the radius of the inside surface of the cable bend.

Cable Tensile Strength

In general, do not subject the cable to a tension greater than that indicated in the following table.

Cable diameterTensile strength
Less than 4 mm30 N max.
4 mm min.50 N max.

Note: Do not subject a shielded cable or coaxial cable to tension.

Separation from High Voltage (Wiring Method)

Do not lay the cables for the Sensor together with high-voltage lines or power lines. Placing them in the same conduit or duct may cause damage or malfunction due to induction interference. As a general rule, wire the Sensor in a separate system, use an independent metal conduit, or use shielded cable.

Example of Connection with S3D2 Sensor Controller

DC 2-Wire Sensors

Using the S3D2 Sensor Controller

Operation can be reversed with the signal input switch on the S3D2.

Connecting to a Relay Load

Note: DC 2-Wire Sensors have a residual voltage of 3 V. Check the operating voltage of the relay before use.
The residual voltage of the E2E-XD-M1J-T is 5 V.

DC 3-Wire Sensors

Operation can be reversed with the signal input switch on the S3D2.

Operating Environment

Water Resistance

Do not use the Sensor in water, rain, or outdoors.

Ambient Conditions

Do not use the Sensor in the following environments.
Doing so may cause malfunction or failure of the Sensor.

1. To maintain operational reliability and service life, use the Sensor only within the specified temperature range and do not use it outdoors.
2. The Sensor has a water resistant structure, however, attaching a cover to prevent direct contact with water will help improve reliability and prolong product life.
3. Avoid using the Sensor where there are chemical vapors, especially strong alkalis or acids (nitric acid, chromic acid, or hot concentrated sulfuric acid).
4. At low temperatures (0°C or less), the vinyl cable will harden and the wires may break if the cable is bent. Do not bend a Standard or Robot Cable at low temperature.

Maintenance and inspection

Periodic Inspection

To ensure long-term stable operation of the Proximity Sensor, inspect for the following on a regular basis. Conduct these inspections also for control devices.

1. Shifting, loosening, or deformation of the sensing object and Proximity Sensor mounting
2. Loosening, bad contact, or wire breakage in the wiring and connections
3. Adherence or accumulation of metal powder
4. Abnormal operating temperature or ambient conditions
5. Abnormal indicator flashing (on setting indicator types)

Disassembly and Repair

Do not under any circumstances attempt to disassemble or repair the product.

Quick Failure Check

You can conveniently check for failures by connecting the E39-VA Handy Checker to check the operation of the Sensor.