Overview
Allen-Bradley 872C-A10N18-R3 Inductive Proximity Sensor
The Allen-Bradley 872C-A10N18-R3 is a tubular inductive proximity sensor from the WorldProxâ„¢ 872C series, designed for reliable ferromagnetic object detection in industrial automation systems. This general-purpose sensor combines economical pricing with dependable performance, making it suitable for a wide range of manufacturing, packaging, and motion control applications where non-contact switching is required.
Key Features
- 2-Wire AC Design: Simple wiring integration with standard AC power supplies (20–250 VAC).
- 10 mm Sensing Distance: Detects metallic objects reliably at a fixed 10 mm range, ideal for compact installations.
- 18 mm Barrel Diameter: Standard-size tubular form factor fits into existing M18 mounting holes and enclosures.
- Normally Open Output: Clean contact closure compatible with standard PLC inputs and control circuits.
- Micro QD Connection: AC Micro Quick Disconnect terminal block simplifies field replacement and maintenance.
- Non-Shielded Design: Suitable for applications where lateral object detection is acceptable.
- Industrial Certifications: Meets CE, CUL, KC, and UL standards for global equipment compliance.
Technical Specifications
- Sensing Distance: 10 mm (metallic target)
- Operating Frequency: 15 Hz
- Input Voltage: 20–250 VAC, 2-wire
- Output Current: 500 mA maximum
- Output Type: Normally Open (NO)
- Barrel Diameter: 18 mm
- Material: Nickel plated brass
- Connection Type: AC Micro Quick Disconnect
- Weight: 0.35 lbs (159 g)
- Standards: CE, CUL, KC, UL
- Series: WorldProxâ„¢ 872C
Typical Applications
- Packaging machinery — detect box presence or position confirmation
- Conveyor systems — monitor part flow and control gating logic
- Assembly lines — trigger pneumatic or electric actuators on workpiece arrival
- Motion control — position sensing for robotic arms and linear axes
- Material handling — load detection on automated storage systems
- Machine tool operations — spindle or chuck position feedback
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Allen-Bradley PLC systems (CompactLogix, ControlLogix, MicroLogix)
- Siemens S7 and S7-1200 PLC controllers
- Mitsubishi FX and Q-series controllers
- Omron CP1, CJ, and NJ-series PLCs
- Standard 20–250 VAC industrial control power supplies
- 24 VDC relay modules and SSR circuits (via AC coil)
- Pneumatic control systems with solenoid valve circuits
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Earlier versions of the Allen-Bradley 872C-A10N18 (non-R3 revisions)
- Allen-Bradley WorldProxâ„¢ 872C-series sensors with equivalent 18mm, 10mm sensing distance specifications
- Generic tubular AC inductive sensors with M18 mounting and Micro QD connectors
Works With
- Studio 5000 (Allen-Bradley Logix Designer)
- TIA Portal (Siemens)
- GX Developer / GX Works (Mitsubishi)
- Sysmac Studio (Omron)
- EcoStruxure Machine Expert (Schneider Electric)
- EtherNet/IP and PROFINET networks (via compatible gateway modules)
- Standard relay logic and hardwired control circuits


















