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Eaton
$389.20
Eaton E51 Modular Inductive Proximity Sensor, Zinc Die-Cast NEMA-Rated
The Eaton E51 Modular Inductive Proximity Sensor is a NEMA limit-switch replacement designed for reliable, non-contact position sensing in demanding industrial environments. Built with a die cast zinc receptacle and housing, this inductive proximity sensor operates on a 10-30 Vdc input, delivers a 600 mA maximum DC current and contact rating, and carries a broad NEMA 3/3S/4/4X/6/6P/12/13 environmental rating plus an IP67 rating, all backed by UL Listing.
Key Features
- Compact Modular Design: Product dimensions of 1.78 in width, 1.54 in length/depth, and 4.53 in height suit tight mounting locations.
- Durable Construction: Receptacle and housing built from die cast zinc for long-term strength and corrosion resistance.
- Screw Terminal Connection: Simplifies field wiring and maintenance.
- Input Voltage: Operates on 10-30 Vdc with a 600 mA maximum DC current and 600 mA contact rating.
- Contact Configuration: Complementary NPN open collector output with a programmable output selector switch for N.O. or N.C. operation.
- Actuator Function: Unshielded sensing face for flexible target detection.
- LED Indicator: Lights when the output is ON for quick status verification.
- Short Circuit Protected: Built-in protection with an accuracy rating of less than 0.3% across a -13°F to 158°F operating temperature range.
Certifications & Compliance
- UL Listed
- NEMA 3, 3S, 4, 4X, 6, 6P, 12, and 13 Rated
- IP67 Rated
Technical Specifications
- Accuracy: < 0.3%
- Warranty: 1 year
- Department: Electrical
Typical Applications
- Industrial Machine Position Sensing
- NEMA Limit Switch Replacement
- Automation and Conveyor Systems
- Harsh, Washdown, and Wet-Location Environments
- Panel and Equipment Integration
Why Eaton?
Eaton engineers the E51 Series with a die cast zinc housing, short circuit protection, and a broad NEMA 3/3S/4/4X/6/6P/12/13 plus IP67 environmental rating so it stands up to demanding plant-floor conditions. Backed by UL Listing and a 1 year warranty, this modular inductive proximity sensor delivers the code-compliant reliability professionals expect from Eaton electrical products.
Manufacturer Resources
Product Specs
- Product Width:
- 1.78 in
- Enclosure material:
- Receptacle and housing: die cast zinc
- Connection:
- Screw terminal
- LED indicator:
- Lights when output is ON
- Maximum DC current:
- 600 mA
- Product Length/Depth:
- 1.54 in
- Sensor type:
- Inductive proximity
- Product Height:
- 4.53 in
- Protection:
- Short circuit protected
- Amperage Rating:
- 600mA
- Actuator function:
- Unshielded
- Operating temperature - max:
- 158 °F
- Accuracy:
- < 0.3%
- Operating temperature - min:
- -13 °F
- Warranty:
- 1 year
- Input voltage:
- 10-30 Vdc
- Contact configuration:
- Complementary NPN open collector
- Certifications:
- UL Listed
- Product Type:
- Proximity Sensor
- Department:
- Electrical
- Product Material:
- Zinc Die-Cast
- Connection Type:
- Screw Terminal
- Voltage Rating:
- 10-30VDC
- Listing:
- UL Listed
- Standards:
- NEMA 3/3S/4/4X/6/6P/12/13, IP67
- Product Group:
- Wiring Devices
- Product Subgroup:
- Switches
- Product Length:
- 1.54 in
- Product Weight:
- 0.994 lb
Eaton E51NLS5 – Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can the Eaton E51NLS5 proximity sensor replace a mechanical NEMA limit switch on a machine?
That is what the E51 modular inductive proximity sensor is built for. It senses position without touching the target, so you lose the lever arm and roller wear that kills mechanical limit switches. It mounts in the same kind of plant-floor spot, with screw terminal field wiring, and the die cast zinc receptacle and housing hold up the way a metal limit switch body does. Environmental coverage is NEMA 3, 3S, 4, 4X, 6, 6P, 12 and 13 plus IP67.
2) Is the E51NLS5 output NPN or PNP, and can I get normally closed?
The output is a complementary NPN open collector, and an output selector switch on the sensor lets you set it for normally open or normally closed operation. That means it sinks current, so wire it into a sinking input card. If your PLC input module needs a sourcing (PNP) signal, this is not the right module for that input.
3) Is the Eaton E51 sensing face shielded or unshielded, and does that affect how I mount it?
Unshielded. An unshielded face has a longer sensing field that spreads past the sides of the sensor, so it should not be mounted flush in surrounding metal. Leave clearance around the face and keep other metal out of the field, or you will get false targets. Shielded sensors are the ones you embed flush in a steel bracket.
4) Will this Eaton proximity sensor survive a washdown area or an outdoor conveyor?
Wet and washdown duty is covered. The E51 carries NEMA 3, 3S, 4, 4X, 6, 6P, 12 and 13 plus IP67, which takes hose-down and temporary immersion, and 4X plus the die cast zinc construction handle corrosion. Operating range runs from -13 F to 158 F, so an unheated outdoor conveyor in hard winter cold below that is outside the rating.
5) Will the E51 inductive sensor detect plastic or cardboard on a conveyor?
No. This is an inductive proximity sensor, which only detects metal targets. For plastic totes, cardboard cases or liquids you need a photoelectric or capacitive sensor instead. Use the E51 where the target is a steel flag, cam, or machine member.
6) Is the Eaton E51 proximity sensor protected if the output gets shorted, and how do I check it is working?
Short circuit protection is built in, so a shorted output load will not take the sensor out. For troubleshooting, an LED on the unit lights whenever the output is ON, which lets a maintenance tech confirm target detection at the machine without a meter.
7) Is the Eaton E51NLS5 UL Listed for use in an industrial control panel?
UL Listed, yes. Paired with the NEMA 3/3S/4/4X/6/6P/12/13 and IP67 environmental ratings, that covers the usual plant and facility specification requirements for panel and equipment integration. Repeat accuracy is stated at less than 0.3 percent.
8) What model do I order for the Eaton E51 zinc die-cast NEMA sensor?
The part number is E51NLS5 from Eaton. That is the modular inductive proximity sensor with the die cast zinc receptacle and housing, unshielded face, screw terminals, and complementary NPN open collector output on 10-30 Vdc.
How fast can I get the Eaton E51NLS5 delivered?
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Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit,
reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the Eaton E51NLS5 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The Eaton E51NLS5 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
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