Micro Detectors AE6/AN-1A: M8 Short Shielded NPN Inductive Sensor – Specs, Wiring & Price
The Micro Detectors AE6/AN-1A is a compact M8 inductive proximity sensor made in Italy. It detects metal targets without contact up to 1.5 mm away, has an NPN normally open output and comes with a 2 m cable. Its short metal body and flush (shielded) mounting make it a favourite for tight spaces on packaging machines, assembly fixtures and small automation cells, in India and worldwide.
By Industrypapa Technical Team · 6 min read · Updated October 2026
The short version
- AE6/AN-1A = M8 inductive sensor, 1.5 mm sensing distance, NPN normally open, 2 m PVC cable, axial.
- Short shielded body (35.5 mm) in nickel-plated brass, IP67, 10–30 V DC, 5 kHz switching.
- Built-in short-circuit, reverse-polarity and inductive-load protection; yellow LED output indicator.
- Price: ₹750 in India; USD 8 for international orders (Italy, Europe, Middle East and more).
Buy the AE6/AN-1A
What is the Micro Detectors AE6/AN-1A?
The AE6/AN-1A belongs to the AE6 series of M8 cylindrical inductive sensors from Micro Detectors, an Italian sensor manufacturer. An inductive sensor creates a high-frequency electromagnetic field at its sensing face. When a metal object enters the field, the sensor detects the change and switches its output, with no physical contact and no wear.
The model code explains the sensor: AE6 is the M8 cylindrical series, A means normally open, N means NPN output, and -1A identifies the short, standard-distance version with an axial 2 m cable. The short body is the main reason customers choose it: at only 35.5 mm long, it fits where standard-length M8 sensors do not.
AE6/AN-1A technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | AE6/AN-1A |
| Brand | Micro Detectors (Italy) |
| Type | Inductive proximity sensor, M8 cylindrical, short body |
| Mounting | Shielded (flush mountable) |
| Nominal sensing distance (Sn) | 1.5 mm |
| Operating distance | 0 – 1.21 mm |
| Output | NPN, normally open (NO) |
| Switching frequency | 5 kHz |
| Supply voltage | 10 – 30 V DC |
| Load current | ≤ 200 mA |
| No-load current | ≤ 10 mA |
| Connection | 2 m PVC cable, axial |
| Housing | M8 × 1, nickel-plated brass, 35.5 mm long; PBT sensing face |
| Indicator | Yellow LED (output state) |
| Protections | Short-circuit, reverse polarity, inductive loads |
| Protection degree | IP67 |
| Operating temperature | −25 to +70 °C |
| Approvals | CE, UR |
Correction factors for other metals: stainless steel 0.78, brass 0.49, aluminium 0.38, copper 0.29 × Sn. Specifications from the Micro Detectors AE6 datasheet; confirm against the latest datasheet for critical applications.
Key features
- Metal housing – nickel-plated brass body for industrial environments.
- Extremely short body – 35.5 mm, ideal for tight installations.
- LED status indicator – visible output state for quick set-up and fault finding.
- IP67 protection – resistant to dust and water splashes.
- Complete electrical protection – short-circuit, reverse polarity and inductive load protection.
- Standard and long-distance models in the AE6 family, plus standard and short body housings.
- ATEX category 3 versions of the series are available on request for hazardous areas.
Where is the AE6/AN-1A used?
- Packaging machines – detecting metal parts, cams and flags
- Position detection of cylinders, slides and grippers in pick-and-place units
- Counting metal parts, screws and small components
- End-of-travel detection on small actuators
- Gear and shaft speed monitoring (up to 5 kHz)
- Robotics, assembly fixtures and test stations where space is limited
AE6/AN-1A wiring (NPN NO)
The NPN output switches the load to 0 V when a metal target is present. Connect it to a PLC input configured for NPN (sinking) sensors, or connect a relay/load between +V and the black wire.
| Wire | Function |
|---|---|
| Brown | +V (10–30 V DC) |
| Blue | 0 V |
| Black | NPN output, normally open |
Need a PNP version for a European-style PLC? See the AE6/AP models below.
Installation tips
- Shielded sensors can be mounted flush in metal; keep the sensing face clear of other metal in front.
- Set the target within 0–1.21 mm (operating distance) for reliable switching on steel.
- For aluminium, brass or stainless steel targets, reduce the distance using the correction factors above.
- Tighten the M8 nuts to max. 3 Nm to avoid damaging the housing.
- Route the sensor cable away from motor and inverter cables.
AE6/AN-1A price – India and international
We ship to customers in Italy (Milan, Turin, Bologna, Venice, Rome), Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart), UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam), Qatar, Oman, United Kingdom, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh (Dhaka), Nepal (Kathmandu), Sri Lanka (Colombo), Kenya (Nairobi) and many other countries.
In India we deliver to Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Coimbatore and all industrial cities.
Other Micro Detectors AE6 M8 sensors
Frequently asked questions
What is the sensing distance of the AE6/AN-1A?
The nominal sensing distance is 1.5 mm on mild steel; the guaranteed operating range is 0 to 1.21 mm.
Is the AE6/AN-1A NPN or PNP?
It has an NPN normally open (NO) output. For PNP, choose an AE6/AP model.
What is the AE6/AN-1A price?
₹750 in India and USD 8 for international orders. Contact us for bulk and export quotes.
Do you ship the AE6/AN-1A to Italy and other countries?
Yes. Industrypapa supplies Micro Detectors sensors across India and exports to Italy, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
What does -1A mean in AE6/AN-1A?
It identifies the short-body, standard-distance version with an axial 2 m cable.
Is an ATEX version available?
ATEX category 3 models of the AE6 series are available from Micro Detectors on request.
Get an AE6/AN-1A quote – India or international
Send the part number, quantity and delivery city or country. We will reply with price, stock and dispatch date. India: ₹750 per unit. International: USD 8 per unit. Micro Detectors is a trademark of its owner; Industrypapa is an independent supplier.
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