Overview
The Eaton Cutler-Hammer E58CAL18A2D2 is a rugged 18 mm tubular photoelectric sensor designed for harsh industrial environments. Part of the E58 harsh-duty series, this diffuse reflective sensor combines optical performance with chemical and mechanical durability, making it ideal for automotive, food processing, and manufacturing applications where contamination and extreme conditions are routine.
Key Features
- Diffuse Reflective Sensing: 8-inch sensing range with infrared sensing beam and Perfect Proxâ„¢ background rejection technology for reliable detection without reflector targets
- Harsh-Duty Construction: Stainless steel, PVDF and tempered glass components with Viton® seals for complete sealing and chemical resistance
- Dual Output Capability: AC L1 switched and DC NPN open collector output supports both AC and DC control circuits
- Fast Response: 10 ms response time ensures quick detection and accurate timing in high-speed applications
- Chemical & Moisture Resistant: All adhesives and potting subject to chemical attack eliminated from design; result is high resistance to chemical attack and moisture intrusion with ability to withstand heavy shock and vibration
- Threaded Mount: 18 mm threaded body with flat sides for flexible installation and surface or panel mounting
Technical Specifications
- Sensing Method: Diffuse Reflective
- Sensing Range: 8 inches (approx. 203 mm)
- Sensor Type: Infrared (IR)
- Response Time: 10 milliseconds
- AC Input Voltage: 20 to 264 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- DC Input Voltage: 15 to 30 VDC
- Maximum Current: 300 mA
- Power Consumption: 3 W
- AC Output: L1 Switched
- DC Output: NPN Open Collector
- Cable Type: PVC, 9.8 ft (approx. 3 m)
- Cable Connection: Pigtail lead
- Vibration Rating: 30 g
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 158°F (-40 to 70°C)
- Housing Material: Stainless steel with polyurethane potting
- Enclosure Rating: NEMA 1/3/4/4X/6/12/13, IP69K
- Mounting: Surface mounting
Typical Applications
- Automotive manufacturing: conveyor and part detection through lubricant contamination
- Food processing: moisture-resistant detection in wash-down environments
- Forest products and lumber: harsh-environment material detection and sorting
- Heavy machinery: object detection on moving equipment and production lines
- Industrial automation: relay and PLC input triggering for control sequences
- High-pressure wash stations: survives up to 1200 psi spray conditions
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Allen-Bradley PLC control systems (through NPN/AC output interfaces)
- Siemens S7 controllers and automation systems
- Mitsubishi PLCs with NPN and AC input modules
- Omron control devices and safety relays
- Industrial relay logic and electromechanical control circuits
- 24 VDC and AC 120/240 control power supplies
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- E58CAL18A2D2 is a standard E58 harsh-duty series model; verify exact compatibility with your control system before ordering
- Works as direct replacement in systems already using E58-series sensors
- Functionally equivalent to other E58 diffuse models with different cable lengths or output types
Works With
- NPN and AC discrete input modules
- 24 VDC and AC 120/240V control power supplies
- Photoelectric sensor networks and multi-sensor arrays
- EtherNet/IP and PROFINET networks (via compatible I/O gateways)
- Standard industrial relay cabinets and PLCs with analog/digital input modules




