The M12 Inductive Proximity Sensor PNP model LJ12A3-4-ZBY detects the presence of metal objects within 4mm without any physical contact. Inductive proximity (a sensing method that uses a magnetic field to detect nearby metal) means the sensor never touches the target, so there is no mechanical wear over time. The lj12a3-4-z/by inductive proximity sensor has a 12mm threaded cylindrical body that threads directly into standard industrial sensor brackets.
The lj12a3-4-z/by inductive proximity operates on 5V to 36V DC, which makes it usable with both 5V Arduino projects and 24V industrial control panels. One non-obvious detail — the output is NPN Normally Open, meaning the output wire is floating at rest and pulls LOW when metal is detected. Connect a pull-up resistor when reading this with a microcontroller GPIO. The honest limitation is that it only detects metal surfaces. Plastic, wood, or paper targets produce no output change regardless of distance.
The inductive proximity sensor pnp no connects to Arduino, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and digital input pins. robotics students, and conveyor system builders use it regularly. To start, connect brown to supply positive, blue to GND, and black to your GPIO with a pull-up. StemVolt provides proximity Sensor PNP tested with confirmed 4mm detection confirmed on steel.
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Features:
- Detection distance at 4mm senses metal reliably through small gaps in conveyor and machine assemblies
- Output current up to 300mA drives standard 5V relay modules directly without buffer transistors
- NPN normally open output switches LOW on metal detection making it compatible with most PLC inputs
- LJ12A3-4-ZBY M12 Sensor PNP 12mm threaded body mounts into standard metal sensor brackets without adapters
Technical specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Proximity Sensor |
| Model | LJ12A3-4-Z/BY |
| Detection Distance | 4mm |
| Output Type | NPN Normally Open Three-line |
| Operating Voltage | 5V–36V DC |
| Dimensions | 12mm Screw Diameter |
| Output Current | 300mA |
Applications:
- Door position detector uses this to sense when a steel door is fully closed without touching it
- M12 Inductive Proximity Sensor PNP detects gear teeth rotation speed in a motor shaft encoder project
- inductive proximity sensor pnp no reads metal cam position on a CNC machine and triggers a relay at 300mA
- Robotic arm home position detector reads end-of-travel metal flag and sends signal to Arduino stop logic
Package includes:
- 1 x LJ12A3-4-ZBY M12 Inductive Proximity Sensor PNP NO














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