{"schemaVersion":"matrix-product-facts/v1","identity":{"mpn":"E3FB-VP21","brand":"Omron","brandSlug":"omron","productSlug":"E3FB-VP21","canonicalUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/omron/E3FB-VP21","factsUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/api/mcp/products/E3FB-VP21","rawCanonicalId":null},"summary":{"shortDescription":"Omron E3FB-VP21 M18 compact diffuse photoelectric sensor, PNP output, 50 mm limited distance, M12 4-pin connector.","salesMarkdown":"## Sensor layout for a thermal zone The E3FB-VP21 is an active-production M18 compact diffuse photoelectric sensor from Omron's E3FB series, using red LED limited-distance sensing with a 50 mm maximum detection range, PNP output, and radial sensing direction. Its nickel-plated brass housing offers better thermal tolerance than all-plastic barrels, suited for furnace-adjacent detection where ambient heat would soften a polymer body. Supply voltage 10 to 30 VDC with light-ON/dark-ON wire-selectable switching — set the sensing logic without a configuration tool. ## M12 disconnect and radial mounting M12 4-pin connector allows quick replacement without pulling cable; mate with a standard M12 cordset. Radial sensing means the beam exits from the side of the cylinder rather than the face — mount so the passing object interrupts the right-angle light path within 50 mm of the lens window. ## Why not a through-beam peer A buyer comparing this to the E3FB-TP112M or E3FB-TP21 (both through-beam) must recognize a different sensing principle: this diffuse sensor detects reflected light from the target itself within 50 mm, requiring no separate receiver or alignment. Neither through-beam variant will function in a diffuse-limited slot without replacing the entire sensing strategy.","metaTitle":"Omron E3FB-VP21 M18 PNP Diffuse Sensor, 50 mm","metaDescription":"Active production. PNP output, radial sensing, M12 connector, 50 mm limited distance diffuse. Nickel-plated brass M18 barrel. RFQ for pricing.","metaKeywords":null},"attributes":{"series":null,"packageCase":null,"mountingType":null,"rohsStatus":null,"productStatus":null,"categoryPath":["Photoelectric Sensors"],"specifications":{"Size":"M18","Type":"Compact Sensor","title":"E3FB-VP21","Output":"PNP","Body Type":"Threaded Cylindrical","Operation":"L-ON/D-ON wire selectable","Connection":"M12 4-pin connector","description":"E3FB-V Metal Body M18 Barrel Limited Distance Diffuse Photoelectric Sensor|Metal M18 barrel photoelectric sensor designed to detect small parts at short range without a reflector or separate receiver","Light Source":"Red LED","Sensing Method":"Limited distance","Supply Voltage":"10 to 30 VDC","lifecycle_stage":"current","Housing Material":"Nickel Plated Brass","Sensing Direction":"Radial","Product Life Cycle":"Active","Max Sensing Distance":"50 mm"}},"commercial":{"minOrderQty":null,"leadTime":null,"referencePrice":null,"stockQuantity":0,"priceTiers":null},"links":{"datasheetUrl":"https://cdn.aoctrl.com/a9cdc4ad7c5f2d0da1227005856ee59e.pdf","sourceUrl":"https://automation.omron.com/en/us/products/family/e3fb-v"},"ai":{"faq":[{"question":"What is the sensor size and type?","answer":"M18 barrel size, classified as a compact sensor with a threaded cylindrical nickel-plated brass body."},{"question":"Will the E3FB-VP21 drop into a panel specified around the E3FB-TP112M?","answer":"No — the TP112M is a through-beam sensor with a 20 m range and prewired cable; this is a 50 mm diffuse sensor with an M12 connector. Different sensing method and wiring mean a direct swap isn't possible without redesigning the detection zone."}],"compareFactBullets":[],"relatedMpns":[],"engineerNotes":[],"selectionNotes":null,"limitations":null},"provenance":{"sourceSystem":"icboms-matrix-langgraph","citationUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/omron/E3FB-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/E3FB-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}}