Choosing a Proximity Switch
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Barriers for Hazardous Location Proximity Switches
Safely transmit power to switches and sensors in highly volatile areas. Commonly used in refineries, power plants, and wastewater-treatment facilities, these barriers use a NAMUR signal to reduce the current and voltage coming from your power supply—preventing sparks and ignition. While these barriers connect to switches in hazardous locations, they must be installed in a separate nonhazardous area, along with the power supply. As associated apparatuses for IECEx and ATEX internationally certified switches, they should be paired with items that have corresponding ratings. Mount to DIN rails inside control cabinets and electrical panels.
Barriers with a relay signal output are slower than those with a transistor output, but they can handle higher AC and DC loads. Because of their moving parts, they wear out quicker than transistors. Use them to turn devices on and off, such as light bulbs and small motors.
Barriers with a transistor signal output are faster and last longer than those with a relay output. However, they can only be used to handle DC loads. Connect them to receiving devices, such as remote displays and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Inputs | Outputs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | Voltage | Current | No. of | Signal Type | Current | No. of | Signal Type | Switching Frequency | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Plastic Housing | |||||||||||
| 24V DC | 10V DC | 8mA | 1 | NAMUR | 0.05 A @ 24 V DC | 2 | Transistor | 5 kHz | Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP20 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| 24V DC | 8V DC | 8mA | 4 | NAMUR | 2 A @ 230 V AC 2 A @ 40 V DC | 4 | Relay | 10 Hz | Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP20 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Light Beam Safety Barrier Switches
Immediately cut power to machinery by breaking the light beam between the two barriers. Light beams can travel up to 32 feet between the transmitter and receiver. For a complete system, combine a transmitter, receiver, safety relay, and connectors (sold separately). Switches will automatically produce PNP or NPN signal output based on the device they are connected to. To selectively allow material to pass through the sensing field, you can program the system to allow one or more beams to be broken without shutting off your machine.
Note: These switches cannot be used with a full-revolution clutch press or machine. Use only with machinery that can consistently and immediately stop anywhere in its cycle.
Safety relays have a microprocessor that monitors safety components, such as emergency stops and light curtains, and sends a signal to stop the operation if a failure is detected and restart when the issue is resolved. They also help with diagnostic tasks because of their feedback circuit, which allows basic relays to communicate their status back to the safety relay. Any system that doesn’t have a safety control component will need a safety relay.
IP67 rated components are protected from temporary submersion.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
 |  5-Pole Micro M12 |
 8-Pole Micro M12 |
Plug Type | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Beam Ht. | Light Beam Switch Operation | Sensing Distance, ft. | Input Voltage | Current Output | Signal Output Type | Transmitter | Receiver | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Housing Material | Color | Cable Lg., ft. | Each | |
| 6.3" | On When Object Absent | 1-32 | 24V DC | 115mA | PNP/NPN | 5-pole Micro M12 | 8-pole Micro M12 | 8.2" | 1.4" | 1.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 1 | 0000000 | 000000000 |
| 9.4" | On When Object Absent | 1-32 | 24V DC | 120mA | PNP/NPN | 5-pole Micro M12 | 8-pole Micro M12 | 11.3" | 1.4" | 1.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 1 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 12.6" | On When Object Absent | 1-32 | 24V DC | 130mA | PNP/NPN | 5-pole Micro M12 | 8-pole Micro M12 | 14.5" | 1.4" | 1.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 1 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 15.7" | On When Object Absent | 1-32 | 24V DC | 140mA | PNP/NPN | 5-pole Micro M12 | 8-pole Micro M12 | 17.6" | 1.4" | 1.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 1 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 18.9" | On When Object Absent | 1-32 | 24V DC | 130mA | PNP/NPN | 5-pole Micro M12 | 8-pole Micro M12 | 20.8" | 1.4" | 1.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 1 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 22" | On When Object Absent | 1-32 | 24V DC | 135mA | PNP/NPN | 5-pole Micro M12 | 8-pole Micro M12 | 23.9" | 1.4" | 1.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 1 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 28.3" | On When Object Absent | 1-32 | 24V DC | 150mA | PNP/NPN | 5-pole Micro M12 | 8-pole Micro M12 | 30.2" | 1.4" | 1.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 1 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 34.6" | On When Object Absent | 1-32 | 24V DC | 160mA | PNP/NPN | 5-pole Micro M12 | 8-pole Micro M12 | 36.5" | 1.4" | 1.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 1 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 47.2" | On When Object Absent | 1-32 | 24V DC | 190mA | PNP/NPN | 5-pole Micro M12 | 8-pole Micro M12 | 49.1" | 1.4" | 1.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 1 | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| Replacement Brackets | 0000000 | Each | 000000 |
Control and diagnose issues with safety-critical circuits. These relays have a microprocessor that monitors safety components, such as emergency stops and light curtains, and sends a signal to stop the operation if a failure is detected and restart when the issue is resolved. They also help with diagnostic tasks because of their feedback circuit, which allows basic relays to communicate their status back to the safety relay. These relays have a duplicate set of input and output signals, so they’ll still stop the controlled device if one of the inputs fails.
IP20 rated, they have recessed terminals which prevent fingers and other objects from touching live circuits. These relays have been tested to multiple safety standards and can help achieve PL, SIL, or CAT system ratings. They also meet ISO and IEC standards for machine safety.
Mount them to 35 mm DIN rail (also known as DIN 3 Rail) for fast installation.
Relays and auxiliary contact blocks with delayed safety outputs are often used where power must be maintained after an input signal is received. For example, after a stop button for a machine is pressed, the guard door will stay locked until the machine cycle is finished.
Auxiliary contact blocks (sold separately) allow you to control more components, such as signaling devices or basic relays.
| Number of Terminals | Input Voltage | Switching Current @ Voltage | Maximum Switching Voltage | Wire Connection Type | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | For Use With | Maximum System Safety Rating | Features | Each | |
2 Circuits Controlled with 2 Off (Normally Open) | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 24V DC | 2 A @ 240 V AC, 1.5 A @ 24 V DC | 250V AC | Terminal Block | 4.9" | 0.69" | 4.3" | Emergency Stops, Light Curtains | PLe, SIL3, CAT 4, 250V | Auxiliary PNP Output, LED Indicator | 0000000 | 0000000 |
4 Circuits Controlled with 4 Off (Normally Open) | ||||||||||||
| 18 | 24V DC | 2 A @ 240 V AC, 1.5 A @ 24 V DC | 250V AC | Terminal Block | 4.9" | 0.89" | 4.3" | Emergency Stops, Light Curtains | PLe, SIL3, CAT 4, 250V | Auxiliary PNP Output, LED Indicator | 0000000 | 000000 |
Wide-Angle Safety Barrier Switches
Scanning 275° side-to-side for people and objects, these switches (known as safety laser scanners) cover large areas and send signals to machinery to prevent accidents. Unlike other safety switches, which have a separate transmitter and receiver, these switches include the transmitter and receiver in a single unit. They trigger when light bounces off an object and back to the switch.
These switches respond to two types of areas: safety zones and warning zones. Safety zones act like traditional barrier switches—when a person or object enters the safety zone, they shut down machinery. When used with automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), the safety zone makes sure the vehicle has enough time to stop. Unlike other barrier switches, you can also add warning zones. Entering the warning zone triggers flashing lights, sirens, and other alarms, but doesn’t stop the machine. For AGVs, objects in the warning zone trigger reduced speed. Set up multiple warning zones to trigger escalating signals and precautions as the person or object gets closer to the machine. Switches with 10 or more zone settings let AGVs take more complex routes.
To program what areas to protect, what size objects they’ll detect, configure inputs and outputs, and view data, these switches come with their own software. This includes a muting feature, so you can program them to allow specific materials to pass through the scanning field without triggering a shut down. All have PNP output, so they communicate by sending a positive signal. They also have four LED status indicators and a digital display with push-button controls.
Rated IP65, these switches can be hosed down. They’re UL and C-UL listed, CE marked, and TUV certified, so they meet U.S. and international safety standards. They also meet EN, ISO, and IEC standards for performance and safety.
When choosing a switch, consider how much area you need to cover and how many machines you want to control. Independent switches monitor up to 275° of a single area. For more coverage, use master switches with up to three remote switches. This system can monitor a full circle around a large machine or a long space, such as the area along a conveyor. Connect remote switches to each other and to the master switch using remote switch cables. The number of safety outputs, also known as output signal switching devices (OSSDs), tells you how many machines you can control. Each output has a pair of signals that shut down a single machine—if one signal fails, the other takes over as a failsafe.
Master switches with encoder input monitor and adjust your AGV's speed without needing a separate PLC or other controller. Mount them directly onto your vehicle to make sure the safety zone is always large enough to prevent collisions.
Switches with 8- and 12-pole M12 sockets offer versatility as your application changes—use either the 8-pole or 12-pole connection without having to rewire. Switches with 8- and 17-pole M12 sockets require you to use the 17-pole connection; the 8-pole connection is optional if you want more inputs.
Safety relays have a microprocessor that monitors safety components, such as emergency stops and light curtains, and sends a signal to stop the operation if a failure is detected and restart when the issue is resolved. They also help with diagnostic tasks because of their feedback circuit, which allows basic relays to communicate their status back to the safety relay. They have self-monitoring circuitry, so they’ll keep working even if there’s a component or power failure. Any system that doesn’t have a safety control component will need a safety relay. They meet ISO and IEC standards for performance and safety. Rated IP20, they prevent fingers and other objects from touching live circuits. However, they’re not protected from water.
Power/input/output cables are required for independent and master switches. Data cables are required for connecting switches to your computer. This lets you program and monitor the switches, as well as read their measurement data.
Tilt mounting brackets up and down to make switches scan the correct area. Side-to-side brackets also move left and right. Add protective brackets to shield the tops of switches from falling objects and collisions. Use them with a mounting bracket.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
| Safety Zone Sensing Distance Range (Object Size Detected) | Warning Zone Sensing Distance Range | Max. No. of Zone Settings (Socket Connection) | Beam Dia., mm | Input Voltage | Current Output | Signal Output Type | Wd. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Housing Color | Each | |
Independent Switches | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8-Pole M12 Socket Connection | |||||||||||||
| 2”-8.2 ft. (1.2”) 2”-9.8 ft. (1.6”, 2”, 2.8”, 5.9”) | 2"-131.2 ft. | 6 (8-Pole M12) | 8 | 24V DC | 250mA | PNP | 4" | 6" | 4.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 0000000 | 000000000 |
| 2”-8.2 ft. (1.2”) 2”-9.8 ft. (1.6”) 2”-13.1 ft. (2”) 2”-18 ft. (2.8”, 5.9”) | 2"-131.2 ft. | 6 (8-Pole M12) | 8 | 24V DC | 250mA | PNP | 4" | 6" | 4.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 0000000 | 00000000 |
Master Switches | |||||||||||||
8- and 12-Pole M12 Socket Connections | |||||||||||||
| 2”-8.2 ft. (1.2”) 2”-9.8 ft. (1.6”, 2”, 2.8”, 5.9”) | 2"-131.2 ft. | 3 (8-Pole M12) 10 (12-Pole M12) | 8 | 24V DC | 250mA | PNP | 4" | 6" | 4.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 2”-8.2 ft. (1.2”) 2”-9.8 ft. (1.6”) 2”-13.1 ft. (2”) 2”-18 ft. (2.8”, 5.9”) | 2"-131.2 ft. | 3 (8-Pole M12) 10 (12-Pole M12) | 8 | 24V DC | 250mA | PNP | 4" | 6" | 4.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 0000000 | 00000000 |
8- and 17- Pole M12 Socket Connections | |||||||||||||
| 2”-8.2 ft. (1.2”) 2”-9.8 ft. (1.6”, 2”, 2.8”, 5.9”) | 2"-131.2 ft. | 20 (17-Pole M12) 70 (8- and 17-Pole M12) | 8 | 24V DC | 250mA | PNP | 4" | 6" | 4.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 2”-8.2 ft. (1.2”) 2”-9.8 ft. (1.6”) 2”-13.1 ft. (2”) 2”-18 ft. (2.8”, 5.9”) | 2"-131.2 ft. | 20 (17-Pole M12) 70 (8- and 17-Pole M12) | 8 | 24V DC | 250mA | PNP | 4" | 6" | 4.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 0000000 | 00000000 |
Master Switches with Encoder Input | |||||||||||||
8- and 17-Pole M12 Socket Connections | |||||||||||||
| 2”-8.2 ft. (1.2”) 2”-9.8 ft. (1.6”) 2”-13.1 ft. (2”) 2”-18 ft. (2.8”, 5.9”) | 2"-131.2 ft. | 70 (8- and 17-Pole M12) | 8 | 24V DC | 250mA | PNP | 4" | 6" | 4.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 0000000 | 00000000 |
Remote Switches | |||||||||||||
| 2”-8.2 ft. (1.2”) 2”-9.8 ft. (1.6”, 2”, 2.8”, 5.9”) | 2"-131.2 ft. | __ | 8 | 24V DC | __ | PNP | 4" | 6" | 4.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| 2”-8.2 ft. (1.2”) 2”-9.8 ft. (1.6”) 2”-13.1 ft. (2”) 2”-18 ft. (2.8”, 5.9”) | 2"-131.2 ft. | __ | 8 | 24V DC | __ | PNP | 4" | 6" | 4.4" | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Yellow | 0000000 | 00000000 |
| Number of Terminals | Input Voltage | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Switching Voltage | Wire Connection Type | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | For Use With | No. of Safety Outputs | Max. System Safety Rating | Features | Each | |
3 Circuits Controlled with 3 Off (Normally Open) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 24V DC | 6 A @ 240 V AC, 6 A @ 24 V DC | 240V AC | Screw Terminals | 3.7" | 0.9" | 4.8" | Light Curtains | 3 | PLe, SIL3 | Auxiliary PNP Output, Self-Monitoring Circuitry | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Hardwire Connection | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Component | Plug Type | Wire Connection Type | No. of Wire Leads | Each | |
9.75 ft. Cable Lg. | |||||
| Independent Switch Master Switch Master Switch with Encoder Input | 8-Pole M12 | Wire Leads | 8 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Master Switch | 12-Pole M12 | Wire Leads | 12 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Master Switch Master Switch with Encoder Input | 17-Pole M12 | Wire Leads | 17 | 0000000 | 00000 |
32.75 ft. Cable Lg. | |||||
| Independent Switch Master Switch Master Switch with Encoder Input | 8-Pole M12 | Wire Leads | 8 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Master Switch | 12-Pole M12 | Wire Leads | 12 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| Master Switch Master Switch with Encoder Input | 17-Pole M12 | Wire Leads | 17 | 0000000 | 000000 |
82 ft. Cable Lg. | |||||
| Independent Switch Master Switch Master Switch with Encoder Input | 8-Pole M12 | Wire Leads | 8 | 000000 | 00000 |
| Master Switch | 12-Pole M12 | Wire Leads | 12 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Master Switch Master Switch with Encoder Input | 17-Pole M12 | Wire Leads | 17 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Mounting | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Component | Bracket Movement (Range of Motion) | Material | Fasteners Included | Thread Size (No. of Holes) | Each | |
| Independent Switch Master Switch Master Switch with Encoder Input Remote Switch | Up/Down (6°) | Zinc-Plated Steel | No | M5 × 0.8 mm (2) | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Independent Switch Master Switch Master Switch with Encoder Input Remote Switch | Up/Down (6°) Side-to-Side (8.5°) | Zinc-Plated Steel | No | M5 × 0.8 mm (2) | 000000 | 000000 |
| For Component | Material | Mounting Fasteners Included | Each | |
| Independent Switch Master Switch Master Switch with Encoder Input Remote Switch | Zinc-Plated Steel | Yes | 0000000 | 000000 |
Crane Safety Switches
Prevent collisions while moving heavy loads with overhead bridge crane systems. These switches signal a crane to stop or slow when they detect that another crane or wall is too close. Mount the switch on your crane and the included reflector on the obstacle you want to avoid. The switch will bounce a light beam off the reflector to measure how far away it is—if it’s within the distance you’ve set, the switch triggers. These switches are also useful if you want to make sure a crane doesn’t move past a certain point. Turn the dials on the top to control the trigger distance and whether your crane stops or slows down. These switches can communicate with any crane that uses a variable frequency drive (VFD), soft starters, or contactor controls.
Mount the adhesive-backed reflector so the switch's light beam hits its center. Built to avoid signal interference from other switches, also known as crosstalk, these switches can be used next to each other without a problem. They use polarized light, so they filter out unwanted light beams and their beam stays focused on their reflector.
Rated IP67, these switches seal out dust and water, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Housing | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensing Distance, ft. | Input Voltage | Current Output | Transmitter/Receiver Type | Includes | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Material | Temp. Range, °F | Protections Provided | Specifications Met | Each | |
With Push In Terminals | |||||||||||||
Visible Light Beam (IP67) | |||||||||||||
| 3-45 | 12V AC-240V AC/12V DC-240V DC | 2,000mA | DIP Switch | Mounting Bracket, Reflector | 1" | 3 7/16" | 2 9/16" | Plastic | -40° to 140° | Signal Interference Protection | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CCC Marked | 0000000 | 0000000 |