Overview
The Balluff BES 516-325-E4-C-03 is a compact inductive proximity sensor designed for reliable detection in industrial automation and control applications. With cable termination and M12x1 flush-mount housing, this sensor integrates seamlessly into machinery and production systems for precise metal object detection and positioning.
Key Features
- 2 mm sensing range for close-proximity metal detection
- M12x1 cylindrical housing with flush-mount installation
- PNP normally open (NO) switching output—200 mA capacity
- 3 m PVC cable with bare-end flying leads for direct wiring
- Wide operating voltage range: 10–30 VDC (12/24 VDC nominal)
- IP68 rated for sealed, washdown-safe operation
- Stainless steel housing with PBT sensing surface for durability
Technical Specifications
- Operating Distance (Range): 2 mm
- Housing Style: M12x1 cylindrical, flush-mount
- Dimensions: Ø 12 × 45 mm
- Switching Output: PNP transistor, normally open (NO)
- Max. Switching Frequency: 3500 Hz
- Supply Voltage: 10–30 VDC
- Output Current: 200 mA maximum
- Housing Material: Stainless steel
- Sensing Surface: PBT (polybutylene terephthalate)
- Connection: Cable, 3.0 m, PVC insulation, bare leads
- Operating Temperature: –25 to +70 °C
- Storage Temperature: –40 to +85 °C
- IP Rating: IP68 (fully sealed, dust and water resistant)
- Certifications: CE, UKCA, cULus, WEEE compliant
Typical Applications
The BES 516-325-E4-C-03 is commonly deployed in:
- Packaging machinery for carton and bottle detection
- Conveyor systems for part counting and sorting
- Automated assembly lines for workpiece positioning
- Material handling equipment with proximity switching
- Pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder end-of-stroke sensing
- Machine tool and CNC fixture positioning verification
- Automotive and appliance manufacturing control systems
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- PLC inputs accepting PNP logic signals (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Beckhoff, etc.)
- Industrial control systems with 10–30 VDC supply rails
- 24 VDC and 12 VDC standard automation power supplies
- Relay modules and distributed I/O terminals with NPN/PNP inputs
- Soft-start drives and motor control circuits requiring discrete inputs
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
Verify compatibility with your system integrator before ordering. The BES 516-325-E4-C-03 is the cable-connected variant of the BES 516-325 series. Related M12x1 flush-mount sensors in the Balluff BES 516 family with 2 mm range include models ending in –E4-C-03 or –E5-C-S4 depending on connector type (cable vs. M12 plug).
Works With
- Industrial Ethernet protocols: PROFINET, EtherNet/IP (when used with gateway modules)
- Discrete PLC input cards (no protocol required—direct 24 VDC logic switching)
- Safety relay circuits and emergency stop (E-stop) logic chains
- Proportional valve command circuits and motion control feedback loops
- Data collection and diagnostics via analog signal acquisition (if conditioned)












