GX-N18M-C5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GX-N18M-C5 is an inductive proximity sensor manufactured by Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales, designed for non-contact detection in industrial automation applications. This sensor features a cylindrical M18 threaded housing with a 5.6mm sensing distance, NPN-NO output configuration, and operates across a 12V to 24V supply range. The product is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for system maintenance, repair, and new design implementations where legacy component replacement is required.

Substiute Parts

GX-N18M-C5

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 947GX-N18M-C5 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

GX-318MK-A-N-C5

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 1055GX-318MK-A-N-C5 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the GX-N18M-C5 is determined by the following critical parameters that must remain compatible:

Mechanical Compatibility:

• Package / Case: Cylinder, Threaded - M18 (physical form factor and mounting interface)
• Termination Style: Cable Leads (connection method)

Electrical Compatibility:

• Sensor Type: Inductive (detection principle)
• Output Type: NPN-NO, 3-Wire (signal logic and wire count)
• Voltage - Supply: Must accommodate the 12V ~ 24V operating range
• Shielding: Shielded (electromagnetic interference protection)

Functional Compatibility:

• Sensing Distance: 5.6mm nominal (detection range)
• Material - Body: Nickel-Plated Brass (environmental resistance)
• Ingress Protection: IP67 minimum (sealing integrity)

The GX-318MK-A-N-C5 qualifies as a substitute because it maintains all critical mechanical and electrical parameters while offering enhanced performance specifications and active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The GX-318MK-A-N-C5 is the recommended substitute for the obsolete GX-N18M-C5 based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Lifecycle Status: The GX-N18M-C5 is classified as obsolete, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited long-term availability. The GX-318MK-A-N-C5 maintains active product status with current manufacturing support from Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales.

Regulatory Compliance: Both parts are RoHS compliant. The substitute meets ROHS3 specifications, representing current regulatory standards for electronic components in industrial applications.

Mechanical Compatibility: Both sensors share identical M18 threaded cylindrical housing and cable lead termination, ensuring direct mechanical interchangeability in existing mounting configurations.

Electrical Compatibility: Both sensors provide NPN-NO output with 3-wire configuration, maintaining signal compatibility with existing control circuits. The substitute's expanded voltage range (10V ~ 30V) encompasses the original part's 12V ~ 24V specification.

Performance Enhancement: The substitute offers improved specifications including increased sensing distance (6.4mm vs. 5.6mm), doubled response frequency (600Hz vs. 300Hz), and extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C vs. -25°C ~ 70°C), providing superior performance margins for industrial applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the GX-318MK-A-N-C5 be used as a direct replacement for the GX-N18M-C5?

A: Yes. Both sensors share identical mechanical form factors (M18 threaded cylinder), electrical output configurations (NPN-NO, 3-Wire), and core functional parameters (inductive sensing, shielded design, nickel-plated brass construction). The substitute maintains full compatibility with existing mounting hardware and control circuit interfaces.

Q: What is the difference in sensing distance between these two sensors?

A: The GX-N18M-C5 has a 5.6mm sensing distance, while the GX-318MK-A-N-C5 has a 6.4mm sensing distance. The substitute provides approximately 14% greater detection range. For applications requiring precise object positioning at the original 5.6mm distance, the increased range of the substitute does not create incompatibility; it simply provides additional detection margin.

Q: Are there voltage supply differences I need to consider?

A: The original part operates at 12V ~ 24V, while the substitute operates at 10V ~ 30V. The substitute's voltage range fully encompasses the original specification, making it compatible with existing power supplies. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: Does the substitute meet current environmental and regulatory standards?

A: Yes. The GX-318MK-A-N-C5 is ROHS3 compliant and maintains IP67 ingress protection rating (with additional IP67G and IP69K certifications). Both parts are RoHS compliant, confirming adherence to hazardous substance restrictions in industrial electronics.

Q: What is the response frequency difference, and does it affect compatibility?

A: The GX-N18M-C5 operates at 300Hz response frequency, while the GX-318MK-A-N-C5 operates at 600Hz. The substitute's faster response time is a performance enhancement that does not create incompatibility. Applications requiring the original 300Hz response will function correctly with the faster substitute.

Q: Is the substitute available in the same packaging format?

A: Both sensors use identical M18 threaded cylindrical housing with cable lead termination. The substitute is packaged in a box format, consistent with standard industrial component distribution. Physical dimensions and mounting interfaces remain unchanged.

Q: Why is the original part classified as obsolete?

A: The GX-N18M-C5 has been discontinued by Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales. The GX-318MK-A-N-C5 represents the current active product line for M18 inductive proximity sensors with equivalent functional specifications, ensuring continued availability and manufacturer support.