Brand:

Pepperl+Fuchs NBB4-12GM50-E2 M12 Inductive Sensor

Description

NBB4-12GM50-E2 M12 flush PNP inductive sensor for harsh environments

The NBB4-12GM50-E2 is a cylindrical M12 threaded inductive proximity sensor from Pepperl+Fuchs with a rated operating distance of 4 mm, flush mounting, a PNP normally-open output and a fixed 2 m PVC cable. It is built for rough industrial duty: the datasheet lists high shock resistance, an extended temperature range from -40 to +85 °C and an extended operating voltage range of 6 to 36 V.

Reading the part number: NBB means a standard-range (flush) inductive sensor, 4 is the rated operating distance in millimetres, 12GM50 identifies the M12 threaded brass housing with a 50 mm length class, and E2 stands for the 3-wire DC PNP normally-open output. Versions with plug connectors carry V1 in the name and are separate parts.

Seven Star LLC supplies this sensor in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat.

Technical specifications of the NBB4-12GM50-E2

Parameter Specification
Manufacturer / part number Pepperl+Fuchs NBB4-12GM50-E2
Rated operating distance sn / assured sa 4 mm / 0 to 3.24 mm
Installation Flush
Output 3-wire DC, PNP, normally open (NO)
Operating voltage 6 to 36 V DC
Switching frequency 0 to 2550 Hz
Hysteresis typically 5 %
Operating current / voltage drop 0 to 200 mA / ≤ 1 V
Short-circuit protection Pulsing; reverse polarity protected
Reduction factors Al 0.4, Cu 0.35, 304 steel 0.79, brass 0.49
Standard target 12 mm x 12 mm x 1 mm mild steel
Indicator Yellow switching state LED
Approvals cULus Listed; DNVGL TAA00003AK (marine); EN IEC 60947-5-2
Ambient temperature -40 to 85 °C
Housing / sensing face Brass, white bronze coated / PBT, green; IP65 to IP69
Cable PVC, 3 x 0.34 mm², 4.3 mm diameter, 2 m; wire end ferrules
Size / mass M12 x 1, length 53 mm, approx. 86 g; tightening torque ≤ 10 Nm

Reliability data and standards for the NBB4-12GM50-E2

For users who need functional-safety inputs, the datasheet of the NBB4-12GM50-E2 gives an MTTFd of 1607 years, a mission time of 20 years and a diagnostic coverage of 0 %. These numbers describe the random hardware failure rate only; the sensor carries no safety function claim of its own. It conforms to EN IEC 60947-5-2 for proximity switches and the VDMA 24364-C1/T100°C-W requirement for paint-wetting-impairment-substance freedom, which matters in paint shops and automotive lines.

Protection class II with a rated insulation voltage of 36 V and impulse withstand voltage of 500 V means the sensor is intended for low-voltage supplies only. Do not connect it to mains and use a regulated 24 V DC supply with a fuse on long cable runs.

How the NBB4-12GM50-E2 detects metal

The sensor creates a high-frequency magnetic field at its green PBT face. A metal target entering the field damps the oscillator, and the electronics switch the PNP output at the rated distance. The NBB4-12GM50-E2 gives 4 mm for the standard mild steel target of 12 mm x 12 mm x 1 mm; other metals reduce the distance by the factors in the table, so an aluminium target is detected at roughly 40 % of the steel distance (4 mm x 0.4 is about 1.6 mm).

Flush mounting means the housing can be set into a metal bracket up to the sensing face without detuning the field, which protects the face on moving machinery. The very high switching frequency of 2550 Hz makes this M12 type suitable for counting teeth, bolts or fast-moving cams.

Where the NBB4-12GM50-E2 fits and related parts

Choose the NBB4-12GM50-E2 where an M12 flush sensor with a fixed cable is needed and the control input is a PNP sinking type. For an M18 body with 8 mm range, the NBB8-18GM50-E2 is the direct larger sibling; for connector versions look at the V1 variants of the same series, and for hazardous areas use NAMUR types such as the NJ2-12GK-SN with an isolated barrier.

Selection and ordering checklist

  • Target material and size: apply the reduction factor and keep a margin below the assured distance of 3.24 mm.
  • PNP versus NPN input on the PLC; this part is PNP, normally open.
  • Cable (2 m fixed) or connector, since this part has fixed cable.
  • Cable routing and bend radius over 10 times the cable diameter.
  • Washdown, dust and shock: IP65 to IP69 rating is listed.
  • Ambient temperature range -40 to 85 °C.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance of the NBB4-12GM50-E2

Fit the sensor with the two supplied self-locking nuts and keep the tightening torque at or below 10 Nm. Hold the specified free zone around the face if neighbouring sensors or metal masses could interact, and align the target through the mounting slot rather than at the cable. The yellow LED confirms switching during setup.

There is no adjustment to make. If a sensor stops switching, check supply voltage between brown and blue, then the black output with a multimeter; mechanical damage to the cable jacket is the most frequent cause of failures on moving machines.

Typical applications in Oman and the GCC

The NBB4-12GM50-E2 is used on pump skids, valve actuators, conveyor lines and packaging equipment in oil, gas, water and industrial plants in Oman. With a wide temperature range and marine listing, it also fits equipment on offshore structures, though hazardous-area use requires an intrinsically safe sensor, not this one.

Family comparison

Part Key difference
NBB4-12GM50-E2 (this part) M12, sn 4 mm, flush, cable, up to 2550 Hz
NBB8-18GM50-E2 M18, sn 8 mm, flush, cable, up to 1350 Hz
NJ2-12GK-SN NAMUR sensor for hazardous areas
NCN8-18GM60-B3B-V1 AS-Interface, non-flush, connector

Information to send with an RFQ

  • Part number NBB4-12GM50-E2 and quantity
  • Target material and size
  • Required cable length or connector
  • PLC input type
  • Operating temperature
  • Delivery location

Documents and quotation

The manufacturer datasheet for NBB4-12GM50-E2 is attached on this page, so you can check wiring, approvals and dimensions before ordering. Send the exact part number, quantity and delivery location in Oman or the GCC and Seven Star LLC will reply with a quotation.

Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat and is not the manufacturer; confirm availability, lead time and any project approval requirements in your RFQ.

Other Models in the Pf Nbb Gm50 Range

Seven Star LLC supplies models from the Pf Nbb Gm50 range in Oman and the GCC. Compare the related models below and request a quote for the one that matches your application.

ModelCategory
Pepperl+Fuchs NBB4-12GM50-E2 M12 Inductive SensorInductive Proximity SensorsYou are viewing this model
Pepperl+Fuchs NBB8-18GM50-E2 M18 Inductive SensorInductive Proximity SensorsView details
Datasheets & Documents
  • PDF Datasheet Pepperl+Fuchs NBB4-12GM50-E2 Datasheet Download
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About brand

Pepperl+Fuchs is a German manufacturer of industrial sensors and explosion protection equipment, founded in 1945 in Mannheim by Walter Pepperl and Ludwig Fuchs as a radio repair shop. Defective transformers led them into manufacturing, and the company developed its first proximity switch in the late 1950s. Pepperl+Fuchs is headquartered in Mannheim and is a pioneer of intrinsically safe electrical equipment for hazardous areas.

Seven Star LLC lists Pepperl+Fuchs sensors, isolated barriers, power supplies and hazardous-area mobile devices, and supplies them to instrument and automation teams in Oman by exact model designation.

Pepperl+Fuchs company profile

Founded 1945, Mannheim-Sandhofen, Germany, by Walter Pepperl and Ludwig Fuchs
Headquarters Mannheim, Germany
Ownership Privately owned (Pepperl+Fuchs SE)
Origins Radio repair workshop that began making replacement transformers
Product families Inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic and photoelectric sensors, rotary encoders, R2000 LiDAR scanners, KFD and HiC isolated barriers, Zener barriers, remote I/O, purge and pressurization systems, Ex-rated enclosures

Milestones

  • 1945: Walter Pepperl and Ludwig Fuchs open their radio repair shop in Mannheim.
  • 1958: The first proximity switch is developed (some company sources say 1959).

Pepperl+Fuchs product families on this page

On the interface side there are two systems. The K-System mounts on DIN rail and is represented here by the KFD2-UT2-Ex2 universal temperature converter. The H-System plugs into termination boards and is represented by the HiD2030 SMART transmitter power supply with HART. The PS1000-A6-24.20 is a 24 VDC, 20 A power supply for cabinets. Sensors listed include the NJ2-12GK-SN NAMUR inductive sensor, the R101 retro-reflective photoelectric sensor and the R2000 2-D LiDAR scanner. For field staff there are the Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 tablet for Zone 1/21 areas and the Smart-Ex 03 DZ2 smartphone for Zone 2/22 and Division 2 areas.

Where Pepperl+Fuchs equipment is used

Isolated barriers sit between field instruments in Zone 0 or Zone 1 and the DCS or safety system in refineries, gas plants and chemical works. NAMUR sensors report valve position and machine states in classified areas. Photoelectric sensors and LiDAR scanners work in conveying, packaging, warehousing and vehicle guidance. Ex-rated tablets and phones are carried on operator rounds and maintenance jobs.

Pepperl+Fuchs products we list

Family Examples
Isolator & Barrier HiD2030 SMART Transmitter Power Supply w…, KFD2-SR2-Ex2.W K-System Isolated Switch…, KFD2-UT2-Ex2 Universal Temperature Conve…
Industrial Computers Tab-Ex 05 DZ1 WWAN Hazardous Area Tablet, Smart-Ex® 03 DZ2 smartphone for Zone 2/2…
Inductive Proximity Sensors NJ2-12GK-SN NAMUR Inductive Sensor
Power Modules PS1000-A6-24.20 Power Supply 24 VDC 20 A
Photoelectric Sensors R101 Retro-Reflective Photoelectric Sensor
Laser Distance, LiDAR & Radar Sensors R2000 2-D LiDAR Laser Scanner

Ordering Pepperl+Fuchs parts: what we need

Send the complete model designation as printed on the device, including every suffix; a single letter can change the supply voltage or the output type. Add the part number if the label shows one. For barriers, tell us the field device and signal type, the number of channels and whether the safety loop needs a SIL-assessed module. For mobile devices, state the zone or division and the regional radio version.

Facts checked against Pepperl+Fuchs's own chronicle pages, October 2026.

FAQ

Questions about the Pepperl+Fuchs NBB4-12GM50-E2 M12 Inductive Sensor

Answers from our engineering team on installation, compatibility and integration.

01What is the sensing distance of the NBB4-12GM50-E2?
The rated operating distance is 4 mm, and the assured operating distance is 0 to 3.24 mm for a 12 mm x 12 mm x 1 mm mild steel target.
02What output does it have?
A 3-wire DC PNP normally-open output, with up to 200 mA load, pulsing short-circuit protection and reverse polarity protection.
03How fast can it switch?
Up to 2550 Hz, which the datasheet describes as an extremely high switching frequency.
04What temperature and protection ratings apply?
-40 to 85 °C and IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68 and IP69 ratings on a brass housing with PVC cable.
05Is the sensor for hazardous areas?
The datasheet lists cULus and marine approvals but no explosion-protection marking; hazardous areas need NAMUR sensors with an isolating barrier.