The Omron E2F-X5F1 is an M18 threaded, shielded inductive proximity sensor with a 5 mm sensing distance, PNP normally-open output, and a 2-meter bare-wire cable. The polyarylate resin body and IP68 / NEMA 4X rating make it suited for damp or washdown environments. Supply is 10-30 VDC; the PNP output sinks up to 200 mA. An integral indicator confirms target detection.
The 5 mm shielded sensing face detects ferrous targets at that range; shielded means the sensor can be flush-mounted in metal without derating. M18 mounting requires an 18 mm hole or bracket. The 10-30 VDC supply and PNP output are standard for PLC DC inputs — wire the brown to +VDC, blue to common, and black to the input card. The 200 mA max load covers direct drive of small relays or indicators; for larger loads, interpose a contactor or interface relay. Operating temperature spans -13°F to 158°F, which covers most indoor control panels and unheated outdoor cabinets. The 2 m bare-wire cable is prewired and sealed; if a different length is needed, the connector-less design means you cut and terminate field-side. The indicator light is visible from a side angle, helpful when the sensor is flush-mounted in a panel.
How it compares to siblings in the E2F line
The E2F-X5F1 shares the same water-resistant, IP68 build with two smaller-diameter relatives: E2F-X2F1 (M12, 2 mm) and E2F-X1R5F1 (M8, 2 mm). The 5 mm sensing distance is the longest of the three, but the M18 body takes more panel space. If your existing bracket or hole is M12 or M8, the E2F-X5F1 won't drop in without a bushing or new bracket. The NPN version, E2FX5E1, is otherwise identical in sensing and sealing, so if your PLC input expects NPN (sinking), that is the direct swap. Otherwise, the PNP logic here matches most sourcing-style inputs from Mitsubishi, Siemens, and Omron controllers.
For a procurement decision: the E2F-X5F1 is an active, standard catalog item. Confirm that the M18 mounting and 5 mm shielded range match your target. If they do, this sensor will wire into PNP DC inputs without modification. Submit an RFQ for current lead times and quantity pricing.