XS518B1NAM12 is a shielded inductive proximity sensor from the XS5 series, with 5 mm sensing range, NPN normally-open output, 4-pin M12 connector, 200 mA load current, and IP67/IP69K rating.
vs. XS9E11RPBL01M12 — different animal, same stable
The obvious cross-shop is the XS9E11RPBL01M12 — both are 3-wire DC inductive sensors from the same brand bay, but they're built for different holes. The XS9E11 is a plastic rectangular body, 40 mm tall, 10 mm sensing range, PNP normally-closed output, and only IP67. The XS518B1NAM12 is an M18 threaded cylinder, 5 mm shielded, NPN normally-open, and carries IP69K. They don't share a mounting footprint, output polarity, or logic state. If your panel is wired for PNP NC and bolted to a plastic block, this M18 barrel won't drop in — you're looking at a bracket redesign and a logic inversion at the PLC. The only overlap is the supply voltage range and connector style (4-pin M12), but the pinout may differ (NPN vs PNP). Meet it where it is: if the old sensor is a rectangular PNP NC, stay with the XS9 family. If you have an M18 threaded hole and need NPN NO, this is the part.
Mounting and wiring notes
Threaded M18 body mounts through a standard 18 mm hole with two locknuts — no bracket needed. Shielded sensing face limits the effective range to 5 mm but keeps the electromagnetic field confined to the front, so you can flush-mount it in metal without worrying about side interference. The 4-pin M12 connector is a straight plug; orient it so the cable doesn't strain the gland. Wire color code depends on the cable assembly, but the sensor side is consistent: brown (V+), blue (V-), black (NO output). No programming, no DIP switches — bolt it in, torque to hand-tight plus a quarter turn, and cycle power.