Allen-Bradley 871T-A5A18FE-12 Ferrous Selective Inductive Proximity Sensor

The Allen-Bradley 871T-A5A18FE-12 is a ferrous-selective inductive proximity sensor with an 18 mm stainless-steel shielded tubular housing and a 5 mm sensing distance for non-contact detection of steel parts on automation equipment. It provides both normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) outputs and is offered in 2- or 4-wire AC configurations with a PVC cable, making it suitable for rugged industrial environments where ferrous targets must be detected through metal without contact. The device’s tubular stainless-steel body and shielded construction help resist interference from nearby metal structures, while the compact 18 mm diameter fits standard 871T mounting options in tight spaces. This model is designed for AC operation and ferrous-selective sensing, meaning it responds primarily to iron-containing materials and reduces nuisance detections from nonferrous metals. Rockwell Automation lists 871T-A5A18FE-12 in its product catalog and identifies the sensor as End of Life, with a scheduled discontinuation date of September 7, 2026, after which it may be unavailable or replaced by an alternative model. In practical use, technicians select ferrous-selective 871T sensors for inline detection of steel components on conveyors, presses, and other automated machinery, where contactless sensing and robust sensing distance are critical for reliable control and safety interlocks.