LR12XBF04DNOY-E2, LANBAO, inductive sensor, M12, Sn 4 mm, NPN, NO, connector M12/4 pins

LR12XBF04DNOY-E2 – Inductive proximity sensor in a cylindrical housing

LR12XBF04DNOY-E2 (LANBAO) is an inductive proximity sensor in a cylindrical housing, size M12. It detects metal objects without contact using an electromagnetic field, with no mechanical wear and no need for physical contact.

Key features

• Sensing distance 4 mm – rated value for a standard steel target.
• NPN output, NO contact – normally open – connects to a PLC digital input or a relay coil.
• Supply 10–30 V DC.
• Flush mounting.
• Connection: connector M12/4 pins.
• Degree of protection IP67 – protection against dust and temporary immersion.

How an inductive sensor works

The coil in the sensing face generates a high-frequency magnetic field. When a metal object enters the field, it induces eddy currentsin its surface, which draw energy from the field and dampen it. As soon as the damping exceeds the set threshold, the evaluation circuit switches the output. All this happens without any contact, so the sensor has no mechanically wearing parts.

High-frequency oscillation principle: coil field, eddy currents in the metal target and their damping effect.

Correction factor – why the range on aluminium differs from steel

The rated sensing distance applies to a standard steel target. For other metals it is reduced by a correction factor. Calculate the actual distance as the rated Sn multiplied by the material factor.

Standard target and tolerance

According to the manufacturer's catalogue, the standard target is a square plate of St37 steel, 1 mm thick. The side length equals the larger of: the diameter of the sensing face, or three times the sensing distance. A smaller target means a shorter range. The sensing distance tolerance is ±10 %, so never set the working point exactly at the Sn limit.

Technical specifications LR12XBF04DNOY-E2

Wiring of LR12XBF04DNOY-E2 by wire colours

The sensor uses pins 1, 3 and 4 of the M12, connector, so a three-pin cable M12 is sufficient; a four-pin cable can also be used.

The colour coding complies with IEC 60947-5-2. Always compare the actual pin and wire assignment with the diagram in the sensor datasheet (Downloads tab).

Connector pin assignment according to the manufacturer's catalogue.

Mounting and free space

The sensor has a flush sensing face, so it can be screwed into a metal structure right up to the face without affecting its function. The trade-off is a shorter sensing distance compared to the non-flush version.

Flush mounting: the face may be level with the metal.

Mutual interference of sensors

Two sensors mounted close to each other may interfere with each other. If you need to sense at two adjacent points, keep the lateral spacing given in the sensor's dimension drawing, or offset the sensors so that their faces do not point into the same space.

Set the working distance to 70 to 80 % of the rated Sn, i.e. safely below 4 mm for this model. The tolerance is ±10 % and the distance also changes with temperature and supply voltage.

Connection cable for LR12XBF04DNOY-E2

The sensor has a connector M12, 4 pins, male (external thread with pins), so it requires a cable with a femaleconnector. The cable is not included.

• QE12-N4G5-N – M12, 4 pins, female, angled 90°, 5 m, PVC, with LED indication
• QE12-N3G5-P – M12, 3 pins, female, angled 90°, 5 m, PVC, with LED indication PNP
• QE12-N3G5-N – M12, 3 pins, female, angled 90°, 5 m, PVC, with LED indication NPN

The sensor has one output, so a three-pin cable is sufficient. A four-pin cable can also be used – the fourth wire remains unconnected.

PUR version: we do not yet stock a M12 female cable with a PUR jacket (for oils, coolant emulsions, abrasion, low temperatures and drag-chain installation). Contact us and we will source it. A cable with a PVC jacket is intended for normal dry machine environments.

The LED indication of the switched output in the connector is designed for the PNP NO version. With other output combinations the cable works electrically, but the indicator may not show switching – in that case choose a cable without indication.

The same sensor with a different connection

• LR12XBF04DNOY – the same sensor with a fixed cable 2 m

Typical applications

• position and end-position detection of pistons, cylinders and slides
• counting metal parts on a production line
• monitoring the presence of a workpiece in a fixture or clamp
• sensing gears and camshafts for speed measurement
• replacing mechanical limit switches in dusty and wet environments

How to choose and what to watch out for

• Flush mounting: the sensor can be screwed into a metal structure right up to the face without affecting its function. Compared to the non-flush variant, however, it has a shorter sensing distance.
• NPN output (switches minus) is used mainly in Asian equipment and selected PLCs. For standard European inputs, the PNP variant is usually more suitable.
• NO contact (normally open): the output is activated when an object is detected. If you need the opposite logic, an NC variant is available.
• Connector connection M12/4 pins: a separate connection cable with a matching connector is required for operation – you will find it in the Cables with connector category.
• Degree of protection IP67: protection against dust and temporary immersion. Not designed for permanent immersion or high-pressure washing – this requires IP69K.
• Sensing distance 4 mm is the rated value for a standard steel target. For stainless steel, brass, aluminium or copper it is reduced by a reduction factor – if you detect non-ferrous metals, allow a margin or choose a model with correction factor 1.

PNP or NPN – and what happens if you mix them up

PNP switches the positive pole, so it sends plus to the PLC input. It is the European standard and matches standard digital inputs. NPN switches minus and is used mainly in Asian equipment. If mixed up, the sensor either does not switch at all or reports a permanently active state — it usually will not be damaged, but it will not work.

This model has a NPN. If you need PNP, a variant with the same sensing distance is available — contact us and we will recommend the code.

NO or NC – and why it is not just a matter of convenience

NO (normally open) is an output that is active on detection. NC (normally closed) is active at rest and opens on detection. The difference is a safety one: with NC, a broken wire causes the same reaction as a detection, so the fault shows up immediately. With NO, a broken cable remains unnoticed until someone tries to switch.

This model has the contact NO – normally open.

Similar models in the same series

• LR12XAN04DNO-E2
• LR12XBF04DNCY
• LR12XBF04DNOY
• LR12XBF04DNRY
• LR12XBF04DNRY-E2

Frequently asked questions

Does LR12XBF04DNOY-E2 have a PNP or NPN output?

LR12XBF04DNOY-E2 has an NPN output with an NO contact – normally open. Check that your PLC input matches this output type.

What is the sensing distance of LR12XBF04DNOY-E2?

The sensing distance (Sn) is 4 mm. This is the rated value for a standard steel target; the range is shorter for non-ferrous metals.

How is LR12XBF04DNOY-E2 connected?

LR12XBF04DNOY-E2 is supplied with the connection: connector M12/4 pins. A connection cable with a matching connector must be ordered separately.

How many pins should the cable for LR12XBF04DNOY-E2 have?

The sensor uses pins 1, 3 and 4, so a three-pin cable is sufficient; a four-pin cable can also be used. The signal is on the black wire, plus on the brown and minus on the blue.

Which cable do I need for LR12XBF04DNOY-E2?

Cable with a female M12 connector. We stock QE12-N4G5-N (4 pins, 5 m, PVC); for sensors with one output, three-pin QE12-N3G5-P or QE12-N3G5-N. can also be used. The cable is not included.

A detailed datasheet with a dimension drawing and wiring diagram can be found in the tab Downloads.