The Omron E2E2-X5C2 2M is a shielded proximity sensor with a 5 mm sensing distance and a normally closed NPN output, terminated with a fixed 2-meter cable. The shielding limits the sensing field to the face, so it can be flush-mounted in metal without side detection, which is what the shielded designation covers. The NC output means the load is energized when no target is present—a failsafe configuration for end-of-stroke and missing-part detection.
Not a drop-in for the PNP normally open variant
The sibling E2E2-X5B1-M1 shares the same 5 mm shielded sensing head and 12 mm barrel diameter, but its output is PNP normally open with an M12 connector instead of a cable. That means you cannot simply swap the E2E2-X5C2 2M into a panel wired for the -X5B1-M1: the load wiring, PLC input type (sourcing vs sinking), and logic sense all change. The M12 connector also requires a mating cordset, while this unit has a fixed 2-meter pigtail.