{"schemaVersion":"matrix-product-facts/v1","identity":{"mpn":"E3FA-VP21","brand":"Omron","brandSlug":"omron","productSlug":"E3FA-VP21","canonicalUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/omron/E3FA-VP21","factsUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/api/mcp/products/E3FA-VP21","rawCanonicalId":null},"summary":{"shortDescription":"Omron E3FA-VP21, Compact Sensor, M18 threaded cylinder, PNP output, 50 mm diffuse limited distance, M12 4-pin connector.","salesMarkdown":"## What this sensor is and what it brings to a panel The Omron E3FA-VP21 is an M18 threaded cylindrical photoelectric sensor using diffuse-reflective sensing with a limited 50 mm range. It runs on 10 to 30 VDC and switches a PNP output, selectable for light-on or dark-on operation via a wire connection. The M18 body and M12 4-pin connector are standard industrial sizes, so this sensor fits common brackets and pre-made cables without adapters. The E3FA-BP22 is the same M18 barrel, same M12 connector, same PNP output, and same L-ON/D-ON selectability, but it uses retro-reflective sensing and reaches 2 meters instead of 50 mm. Mechanically and electrically, the two sensors are a direct swap — same wiring, same mounting, same pinout. The decision comes down to whether your target calls for diffuse (object reflects light) or retro-reflective (reflector required). If the existing panel was built for the E3FA-BP22, this unit will bolt in and wire up, but the sensing method change may require re-evaluating the application.","metaTitle":"Omron E3FA-VP21 M18 Diffuse Sensor, PNP, 50 mm","metaDescription":"Active Omron E3FA-VP21 M18 threaded barrel diffuse photoelectric sensor. PNP output, 50 mm sensing distance, M12 connector. For BOM sourcing.","metaKeywords":null},"attributes":{"series":null,"packageCase":null,"mountingType":null,"rohsStatus":null,"productStatus":null,"categoryPath":["Photoelectric Sensors"],"specifications":{"Size":"M18","Type":"Compact Sensor","title":"E3FA-VP21","Output":"PNP","Body Type":"Threaded Cylindrical","Operation":"L-ON/D-ON wire selectable","Connection":"M12 4-pin connector","description":"E3FA-V Metal Body M18 Barrel Limited Distance Diffuse Photoelectric Sensor|Limited range diffuse type M18 barrel photoelectric sensors","Light Source":"Red LED","Sensing Method":"Limited distance","Supply Voltage":"10 to 30 VDC","lifecycle_stage":"current","Housing Material":"Plastic","Sensing Direction":"Straight","Product Life Cycle":"Active","Max Sensing Distance":"50 mm"}},"commercial":{"minOrderQty":null,"leadTime":null,"referencePrice":"$36.83","stockQuantity":0,"priceTiers":null},"links":{"datasheetUrl":"https://cdn.aoctrl.com/a9cdc4ad7c5f2d0da1227005856ee59e.pdf","sourceUrl":"https://automation.omron.com/en/us/products/family/e3fa-v"},"ai":{"faq":[{"question":"Will the E3FA-VP21 drop into a panel wired for the E3FA-BP22?","answer":"Physically and electrically, yes — same M18 thread, M12 connector, and PNP wiring. However, the E3FA-VP21 is diffuse (50 mm max) while the E3FA-BP22 is retro-reflective (2 m max). The mounting and wiring are compatible, but the sensing method is different."}],"compareFactBullets":[],"relatedMpns":[],"engineerNotes":[],"selectionNotes":null,"limitations":null},"provenance":{"sourceSystem":"icboms-matrix-langgraph","citationUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/omron/E3FA-VP21","citationPolicyUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/llms.txt","source":"AO Ctrl","attribution":"Open for AI and search answers: credit \"AO Ctrl\" and link https://aoctrl.com/omron/E3FA-VP21 when reusing this data. Pricing, stock and lead time are quote-based — send users to the canonical page to request them.","lastUpdated":"2026-08-11T15:51:03.652Z","lastPublished":"2026-08-11T15:51:03.652Z","indexable":true}}