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E18-D80NK Adjustable Infrared Sensor Switch 3-80cm

SKU: FA3013-1
Model

E18-D80NK
Detection Range

3cm – 80cm (adjustable)
Operating Voltage

5V – 24V DC
Output Type

NPN normally-open (open-collector)
Output Current

100mA maximum
Detection Method

Diffuse reflection (modulated infrared)
Protection Rating

IP67 (waterproof and dustproof)
Housing

M18 threaded cylindrical barrel

The E18-D80NK Adjustable Infrared Sensor Switch is a robust, industrial-grade photoelectric proximity sensor designed for non-contact object detection across a 3cm to 80cm adjustable range. It uses diffuse reflection infrared technology, where the sensor emits modulated infrared light and detects the reflection from a target object. When an object enters the detection zone, the sensor outputs a clean digital signal that can be read by microcontrollers, PLCs, or relay circuits. This makes it an ideal solution for obstacle avoidance, counting systems, automatic doors, industrial automation, and robotics projects.

At the heart of the sensor is an infrared emitter and receiver pair housed in a cylindrical M18 threaded barrel, which allows for easy panel mounting with the included nuts. The sensor emits a modulated infrared beam (to reduce interference from ambient light) and measures the intensity of the reflected signal. When sufficient light is reflected back from an object, the sensor’s NPN open-collector output switches state, providing a digital signal indicating object presence.

The adjustable detection range is a key feature of the E18-D80NK. A multi-turn potentiometer on the back of the sensor allows you to set the detection distance anywhere from 3cm to 80cm, making it adaptable to a wide variety of applications. The sensor also includes a visible red LED indicator on the rear that lights up when an object is detected, providing immediate visual feedback during setup and operation.

The sensor operates from a 5V to 24V DC supply, making it compatible with both 5V microcontrollers (Arduino, ESP32, STM32) and industrial control systems (PLC, 12V/24V automation equipment). The NPN normally-open output can sink up to 100mA, sufficient to drive relays, optocouplers, or directly connect to microcontroller input pins (with a pull-up resistor). The IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof housing ensures reliable operation in harsh environments, including outdoor installations and industrial settings.

The E18-D80NK is widely used in obstacle avoidance robots, automatic door systems, conveyor belt object detection, production line counting, security systems, liquid level detection, and smart parking systems. It is also popular in educational projects for teaching photoelectric sensing and industrial automation principles.

Important Note: The sensor uses infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. The detection range can be affected by the color, reflectivity, and surface texture of the target object — dark or matte objects may require closer proximity or higher sensitivity adjustment. Avoid mounting the sensor in direct sunlight or near strong infrared sources, as these can cause false triggering. The sensor is IP67 waterproof but should not be submerged for extended periods.

Whether you are building an obstacle-avoidance robot, an industrial counting system, or an automatic door controller, the E18-D80NK Adjustable Infrared Sensor Switch provides a reliable, industrial-grade solution. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or industrial applications.

Features

  • Adjustable detection range — 3cm to 80cm via multi-turn potentiometer

  • Diffuse reflection technology — Non-contact object detection with modulated IR

  • NPN open-collector output — Sinks up to 100mA, compatible with MCUs and PLCs

  • Wide operating voltage — 5V to 24V DC, suitable for both hobby and industrial systems

  • IP67 waterproof housing — Dustproof and waterproof for harsh environments

  • M18 threaded barrel — Easy panel mounting with included nuts

  • Visible LED indicator — Red LED lights when object is detected

  • Fast response time — Suitable for high-speed counting and detection

  • Wide application range — Obstacle avoidance, automatic doors, counting, security

  • Industrial-grade construction — Reliable operation in demanding environments

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Model E18-D80NK
2 Detection Range 3cm – 80cm (adjustable)
3 Operating Voltage 5V – 24V DC
4 Output Type NPN normally-open (open-collector)
5 Output Current 100mA maximum
6 Detection Method Diffuse reflection (modulated infrared)
7 Protection Rating IP67 (waterproof and dustproof)
8 Housing M18 threaded cylindrical barrel

Usage

Getting Started

  1. Connect power — Supply 5V to 24V DC to the Brown wire (VCC) and Blue wire (GND) . The sensor is reverse-polarity protected.

  2. Connect the output — The Black wire is the NPN output. Connect it to a digital input on your microcontroller or PLC. When an object is detected, the output switches LOW (pulls to GND).

  3. Mount the sensor — Use the M18 threaded barrel and included nuts to mount the sensor through a panel or bracket. Ensure the sensor faces the detection area.

  4. Adjust the detection range — Use a small screwdriver to turn the multi-turn potentiometer on the back of the sensor. Turn clockwise to increase range, counter-clockwise to decrease.

  5. Test the sensor — Power the sensor and observe the red LED indicator on the rear. When an object enters the detection zone, the LED lights up and the output switches state.

Wiring Color Code

Wire Color Function
Brown VCC (5V–24V DC)
Blue GND
Black NPN Output (switches LOW when detected)

Output Logic

Condition Output State
Object detected LOW (pulled to GND)
No object HIGH (floating, pulled up externally)

Example Arduino Code

cpp
#define SENSOR_PIN 2

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);  // Enable internal pull-up
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN);
  if (sensorValue == LOW) {
    Serial.println("Object Detected!");
  } else {
    Serial.println("No Object");
  }
  delay(100);
}

Typical Applications

  • Obstacle avoidance robots — Detect objects in the robot’s path

  • Automatic doors — Detect approaching people

  • Conveyor belt counting — Count objects on a production line

  • Security systems — Detect intrusion or presence

  • Liquid level detection — Detect liquid surface without contact

  • Smart parking systems — Detect vehicle presence

  • Industrial automation — Position sensing and object detection

Notes for Business Buyers

  • Industrial-grade construction — IP67 waterproof housing suitable for demanding environments.

  • Adjustable range — One sensor covers 3cm to 80cm, reducing inventory SKUs.

  • Wide voltage compatibility — Works with 5V MCUs and 24V industrial systems.

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for automation equipment manufacturers, robotics integrators, and educational institutions.

Q: What is the E18-D80NK Adjustable Infrared Sensor Switch used for?

It is an industrial-grade photoelectric proximity sensor for non-contact object detection, used in obstacle avoidance, automatic doors, counting systems, and industrial automation.

Q: What is the detection range and how do I adjust it?

The detection range is 3cm to 80cm (adjustable). Use the multi-turn potentiometer on the back of the sensor to set the desired distance.

Q: What is the output type?

The sensor has an NPN normally-open (open-collector) output that switches LOW when an object is detected. It can sink up to 100mA.

Q: What voltage does the sensor require?

It operates from 5V to 24V DC, making it compatible with both hobby microcontrollers and industrial control systems.

Q: What do the wire colors mean?

Brown = VCC (5V–24V), Blue = GND, Black = NPN Output (switches LOW when detected).

Q: Is the sensor waterproof?

Yes. The E18-D80NK has an IP67-rated housing, making it waterproof and dustproof for harsh environments.

Q: How do I connect the sensor to an Arduino?

Connect Brown to 5V, Blue to GND, and Black to a digital pin with INPUT_PULLUP enabled. When an object is detected, the pin reads LOW.

Q: Can the sensor detect transparent or highly reflective objects?

Not reliably. Transparent objects (glass, clear plastic) may not reflect enough IR, and highly reflective objects may cause false readings. Test with your specific target.

Q: Is the sensor affected by ambient light?

The modulated IR technology reduces interference from ambient light, but direct sunlight or strong IR sources can still cause false triggering. Avoid mounting in direct sunlight.

Q: Can I purchase in bulk for an industrial project?

Yes. This sensor is suitable for both individual users and business purchasing, including automation equipment manufacturers, robotics integrators, and educational institutions.

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