The Telemecanique Sensors XS518BLNAL2 is an M18 shielded inductive proximity sensor in the XS5 series, delivering a 5mm sensing distance with NPN normally-open output. Rated for 12-48V DC, it comes prewired with a 2m cable. This is a current-production part.
IP68 and IP69K ratings mean the sensor can handle continuous immersion (IP68) and high-pressure, high-temperature washdown (IP69K) — common in food, beverage, and chemical processing where hose-down cleaning is routine. The brass housing with nickel plating resists corrosion from those environments. Built-in overload, reverse polarity, and short circuit protection simplify wiring and reduce the need for supplementary fusing or diode clamps on the DC supply. Shielded construction (5mm flush sensing) allows flush mounting in metal without derating the sensing distance, which helps when panel or machine space is tight.