LR18BF05LUM-E2, LANBAO, analogue inductive sensor, Sn 1–5 mm, PNP, NO, connector M12/4 pins

LR18BF05LUM-E2 – Inductive sensor with analogue output (distance measurement)

LR18BF05LUM-E2 from LANBAO is an inductive sensor with analogue output (distance measurement) designed for continuous industrial operation. Instead of a switching output, it provides a continuous signal proportional to the distance of the metal object, so it can measure position, not just detect presence.

Key features

• Sensing distance 1–5 mm – rated value for a standard steel target.
• PNP output, NO contact – normally open – connects to a PLC digital input or a relay coil.
• Supply 10–30 V DC.
• 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 LR18BF05LUM-E2

Wiring of LR18BF05LUM-E2 by wire colours

Voltage or current? A voltage output is simpler for short runs. A 4–20 mA current loop is resistant to interference and to voltage drop on the line, so it is more suitable for longer cables and environments with frequency inverters and motors. Route the analogue signal cable separately from power conductors – otherwise interference will show up as fluctuation of the measured value.

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).

Connection cable for LR18BF05LUM-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.

Typical applications

• measuring and monitoring the position of a metal part within a defined range
• checking tolerance and deviation from a set position
• measuring the thickness and deflection of metal components
• monitoring play and wear in mechanisms
• feedback to a PLC control loop

How to choose and what to watch out for

• PNP output (switches plus) matches the standard PLC digital inputs used in Europe. For NPN-type inputs, choose the corresponding variant with the same sensing distance.
• 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 1–5 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 PNPoutput. If you need NPN, 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

• LR18XCF05LIUM-E2

Frequently asked questions

Does LR18BF05LUM-E2 have a PNP or NPN output?

LR18BF05LUM-E2 has a PNP output with an NO contact – normally open. It therefore matches the standard PLC digital inputs used in Europe.

What is the sensing distance of LR18BF05LUM-E2?

The sensing distance (Sn) is 1–5 mm. This is the rated value for a standard steel target; the range is shorter for non-ferrous metals.

How is LR18BF05LUM-E2 connected?

LR18BF05LUM-E2 is supplied with the connection: connector M12/4 pins. A connection cable with a matching connector must be ordered separately.

Which wire carries the analogue signal on LR18BF05LUM-E2?

For the 0–10 V voltage output it is the black wire (pin 4), for the 4–20 mA current output the white wire (pin 2). Models with both outputs provide both signals simultaneously, so they require a four-pin cable.

Which cable do I need for LR18BF05LUM-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.