Safely open or close a circuit near ignitable gases and dust—the housing on these switches seals in anything that could ignite flammable material. You'll know they're safe because they're NEC Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C, and D; and Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, and G certified for hazardous locations. These switches send a signal to your circuit when an object hits the actuator—for instance, a box on a conveyor runs into the switch, stopping the conveyor. They open and close circuits as fast as snap-acting switches, but they have a bigger actuator for large objects.

Switches with a plunger actuator let you adjust the actuator’s height to easily align it with your target. They require a push to activate, similar to a button.

Switches with a wobble stick actuator have an arm that rotates 360°, so you don’t need to align it in a specific direction. The actuator won’t snap if pushed backward, such as if there’s a jam in your system.

Twist the sensor to detect metallic objects where explosive dust or gas may be present—the sensor rotates for front, side, top, or bottom sensing. These switches are UL and C-UL listed as well as ATEX and IECEx certified for hazardous locations. Their NAMUR signal produces low current and low voltage, so they won’t spark or ignite. You must connect them to a barrier (sold separately), which reduces the current and voltage that enters your hazardous area. Install the barrier in a separate location that doesn’t contain explosive gas or dust.

Because you can rotate their sensor, these switches make good replacements for limit switches with actuators that could break when hit. They’re often known as inductive proximity switches and detect objects even if they’re covered by water, oil, dirt, or a surface finish. Sensing distance is based on the type of material that’s sensed; the distance listed is for mild steel. Send signals from these switches to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to support automated processes.

These switches have a 4-pole micro M12 plug that connects to cables with a socket (sold separately), so you can quickly connect and disconnect them. You can also check on them from any angle, thanks to LED status indicators on their corners. All are CE marked for safety.

To view switch wiring diagrams, select a part number and click Product Detail.

Flush switches, also called embeddable and shielded switches, are more accurate than projecting switches at close range. They also won’t interfere with each other’s signals when installed close together. Their sensor face mounts evenly with any material, including metal.

Projecting switches, also known as non-embeddable and unshielded switches, sense objects farther away than flush switches. But, the area around the sensor must be metal free.

IP rated, all switches seal out dust and water from high-pressure washdowns. IP67- and IP68-rated switches also withstand some submersion.