A. Product Overview

The Omron E3FA-DN12 2M belongs to the E3FA family of compact cylindrical photoelectric sensors. Omron designed the series for simple installation, reliable detection, strong light immunity, high EMC protection and demanding industrial environments.

The model designation indicates:

E3FA: Cylindrical straight type with plastic housing
D: Diffuse reflective sensing
N: NPN output
1: Cable connection
2: 300 mm sensing range version
2M: 2 metre cable length

Omron specifically lists E3FA-DN12 2M as a pre wired NPN diffuse reflective sensor with a 300 mm detection range.

Key Specifications

Omron specifies these electrical, optical and environmental ratings for the diffuse reflective E3FA series.

B. Working Principle

The E3FA-DN12 2M uses the diffuse reflective photoelectric sensing method.

In this type of sensor, the transmitter emits light toward the object being monitored. When an object enters the sensing area, part of the emitted light reflects from the object's surface and returns to the receiver inside the same sensor housing.

The internal electronics evaluate this reflected light. When sufficient reflected light is received, the sensor changes its NPN output state according to the selected Light ON or Dark ON mode.

For this model, Omron specifies a 300 mm sensing distance using a 300 x 300 mm white paper reference target, a 624 nm red LED light source, and selectable Light ON and Dark ON operation.

Actual sensing distance can vary according to the colour, size and reflective properties of the target. Omron's engineering data shows that diffuse reflective sensing distance varies with different surface colours.

C. Why Is the Omron E3FA-DN12 2M Used?

This sensor is used when a machine or automation system needs to detect an object without physical contact.

Typical applications include:

1. Conveyor object detection
2. Product counting
3. Packaging machine sensing
4. Carton and box detection
5. Component presence detection
6. Assembly line automation
7. Material handling systems
8. Production line monitoring
9. Food and beverage machinery
10. Textile machinery
11. Ceramic and brick manufacturing
12. Logistics automation
13. PLC based control systems
14. Machine sequencing applications

Omron identifies the E3FA family for industrial environments including food and beverage, textiles, ceramics, brick production and logistics.

Its compact housing, red visible light, status indicators, 0.5 ms response and industrial protection ratings make it useful where fast and reliable object sensing is required.

D. Suitable Buyers

Machine manufacturers and OEMs:
For integrating object detection into industrial machinery.

Industrial automation companies:
For conveyor, packaging and production line automation.

PLC system integrators:
For systems requiring an NPN photoelectric sensor input.

Panel builders:
For automation installations using compatible NPN field sensors.

Packaging machinery manufacturers:
For carton, product and material detection.

Manufacturing plants:
For assembly lines, production equipment and automated material handling.

Logistics companies:
For parcel, carton and conveyor detection.

Maintenance teams:
For replacement of compatible Omron E3FA NPN photoelectric sensors.

Industrial automation distributors:
For supplying Omron sensors to OEMs, system integrators and factories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Omron E3FA-DN12 2M?

The Omron E3FA-DN12 2M is an M18 cylindrical diffuse reflective photoelectric sensor with NPN output, 300 mm sensing distance and a 2 metre pre wired cable.

2. What is the sensing distance of E3FA-DN12 2M?

The specified sensing distance is 300 mm, based on a 300 x 300 mm white paper reference target.

3. Is E3FA-DN12 2M NPN or PNP?

It is an NPN output photoelectric sensor. The N in the Omron model designation identifies the NPN version.

4. What type of sensing does it use?

It uses diffuse reflective sensing, meaning the target itself reflects light back toward the sensor.

5. Does E3FA-DN12 2M require a reflector?

No separate reflector is specified for the diffuse reflective E3FA-DN12 2M.

6. What light source is used?

The sensor uses a 624 nm red LED.

7. What is the operating voltage?

The sensor operates from 10 to 30 VDC.

8. What is the maximum load current?

The control output supports a maximum load current of 100 mA with a maximum load supply voltage of 30 VDC.

9. What is the response time?

The specified response time is 0.5 ms.

10. Does it support Light ON and Dark ON?

Yes. Light ON and Dark ON operation can be selected through wiring.

11. Is the sensitivity adjustable?

Yes. The sensor has a one turn sensitivity adjuster.

12. What indicators are available?

It has an orange operation indicator and a green stability indicator.

13. What is the protection rating?

The E3FA-DN12 2M is specified with IP67 and IP69K protection.

14. What is the operating temperature range?

The operating temperature range is minus 25°C to 55°C with no icing or condensation.

15. What is the cable length?

The sensor is supplied with a 2 metre pre wired cable.

16. Can E3FA-DN12 2M be connected to a PLC?

Yes. It can be connected to a compatible PLC digital input designed for NPN open collector sensors operating from 10 to 30 VDC.

17. Can it detect different coloured objects?

Yes, but the sensing distance can change depending on the object's colour and reflectivity. Omron provides engineering data showing different sensing distances for white, red, green, blue and black surfaces.

18. Can it be used in industrial environments?

Yes. The E3FA series is designed with high EMC protection, high light immunity and robust environmental protection for industrial machinery.

19. Can E3FA-DN12 2M be used as a safety sensor?

No. Omron states that this product is not designed or rated for directly or indirectly ensuring the safety of persons.