Choosing an Electrical Switch
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Choosing a Proximity Switch
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Space-Saving Photoelectric Switches
Micro
M12 Plug
With a narrow, flat body, these switches fit in tight spaces. They detect the presence or absence of an object moving at high speeds with a light beam. Adjust the intensity of the light beam to better detect shiny or translucent objects. All are rated NEMA 4X, 13, and IP67 for protection from corrosion, oil/coolant spraying, washdowns, and temporary submersion.
Direct sensing switches detect objects when light reflects back from the object. The transmitter and receiver are in the same housing, so they fit in confined spaces.
Receiver switches detect objects when an object breaks the light beam between the transmitter and receiver (both included). They have a longer sensing distance than direct-sensing and reflector switches.
Reflector switches detect an object when it passes between the switch and the reflector, interrupting the beam. They have a longer sensing distance than direct-sensing switches.
Switches with DC input voltage automatically produce either PNP or NPN signal output, based on the device they are connected to.
Switches with a plug connect to cables with a socket (sold separately), allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect the switch.
| Light Beam Switch Operation | Max. Sensing Distance | Dia., mm | Input Voltage  | Current Output | Signal Output Type | Lg. | Ht. | Wd. | Housing Material | Reflector Dia. | Temperature Range, °F | Each | |
With Wire Leads | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Direct Sensing Switch with Infrared Light Beam | |||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 15" | 18 | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | PNP/NPN | 2 1/8" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | __ | 0° to 155° | 000000 | 0000000 |
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 15" | 18 | 24V AC-240V AC | 100mA | __ | 2 5/8" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | __ | 0° to 155° | 000000 | 000000 |
Receiver Switch with Infrared Light Beam | |||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 100ft. | 18 | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | PNP/NPN | 2 1/8" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | __ | 0° to 155° | 000000 | 000000 |
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 100ft. | 18 | 24V AC-240V AC | 100mA | __ | 2 5/8" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | __ | 0° to 155° | 000000 | 000000 |
Reflector Switch with Visible Light Beam | |||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 10ft. | 18 | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | PNP/NPN | 2 1/8" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | 3 5/16" | 0° to 155° | 000000 | 000000 |
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 10ft. | 18 | 24V AC-240V AC | 100mA | __ | 2 5/8" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | 3 5/16" | 0° to 155° | 000000 | 000000 |
Switches | Cables with Plugs | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Beam Switch Operation | Max. Sensing Distance | Dia., mm | Input Voltage | Current Output | Signal Output Type | Lg. | Ht. | Wd. | Housing Material | Reflector Dia. | Temperature Range, °F | Each | Each | ||
With 3-Pole Micro 1/2"-20 UNF Plug | |||||||||||||||
Direct Sensing Switch with Infrared Light Beam | |||||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 15" | 18 | 24V AC-240V AC | 100mA | __ | 3 5/16" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | __ | 0° to 155° | 000000 | 0000000 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Receiver Switch with Infrared Light Beam | |||||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 100ft. | 18 | 24V AC-240V AC | 100mA | __ | 3 5/16" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | __ | 0° to 155° | 000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Reflector Switch with Visible Light Beam | |||||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 10ft. | 18 | 24V AC-240V AC | 100mA | __ | 3 5/16" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | 3 5/16" | 0° to 155° | 000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | |||||||||||||||
Direct Sensing Switch with Infrared Light Beam | |||||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 15" | 18 | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | PNP/NPN | 2 7/8" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | __ | 0° to 155° | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Receiver Switch with Infrared Light Beam | |||||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 100ft. | 18 | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | PNP/NPN | 2 7/8" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | __ | 0° to 155° | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Reflector Switch with Visible Light Beam | |||||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 10ft. | 18 | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | PNP/NPN | 2 7/8" | 1 3/16" | 1/2" | Plastic | 3 5/16" | 0° to 155° | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Washdown Wall-Mount Motion- and Light-Sensing Light Controls
Rated NEMA 4X and IP66 for use in washdown environments, these controls have an actuator that’s sealed to keep water out. An infrared sensor uses body heat to sense movement. They turn lights on when they detect motion and off when a room is empty or there’s enough daylight. To work properly, they need an unobstructed view of your space.
Power controllers (sold separately) are required to switch a 120- or 277-volt AC lighting circuit. They have a relay that switches a maximum 20 amp load.
Conduit | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage, sq. ft. | No. of Circuits Controlled | Input Voltage | Max. Mounting Ht., ft. | Pivot Angle | Color | Housing Material | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Wire Lead Lg. | Connection Gender | Trade Size | Thread Type | Environmental Rating | Specifications Met | Each | |
| 1,600 | 1 | 24V DC | 12 | 135° | Gray | Plastic | 6" | 3 1/2" | 1 11/16" | 8" | Male | 1/2 | NPT | NEMA 4X, IP66 | UL Listed, C-UL Listed | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| Power Controller | 0000000 | Each | 0000000 |
Light Beam Finger-Touch Switches
An infrared light beam senses the lightest finger contact to switch a circuit on or off. The included guard prevents accidental activation. An indicator lights up to confirm that switches are actuated. They’re rated NEMA 4X, 13, and IP66 for protection from corrosion, washdowns, and oil/coolant spraying.
Switches with a 5-pole mini plug can quickly be changed out.
Wire Leads | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Actuator Color | Switching Current @ Voltage | Current Output, mA | Input Voltage | Dp. Behind Panel | No. of | Ga. | Features | Each | |
Plastic Actuator with Wire Leads | |||||||||||||
For 30 mm Panel Cutout Dia. | |||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | Black | 7 A @ 120 V AC | __ | 120V AC | 3/4" | 5 | 22 | Guard Output Indicator Power Indicator | 00000000 | 0000000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | Black | 7 A @ 120 V AC | __ | 20V AC-30V AC/20V DC-30V DC | 3/4" | 5 | 22 | Guard Output Indicator Power Indicator | 00000000 | 000000 |
Plastic Actuator with Wire Leads and NPN Output | |||||||||||||
For 30 mm Panel Cutout Dia. | |||||||||||||
| __ | __ | Springs Back (Momentary) | __ | Black | __ | 150 | 10V DC-30V DC | 3/4" | 4 | 22 | Guard Output Indicator Power Indicator | 00000000 | 000000 |
Plastic Actuator with 5-Pole Mini Plug | |||||||||||||
For 30 mm Panel Cutout Dia. | |||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | Black | 7 A @ 120 V AC | __ | 120V AC | 1 3/8" | __ | __ | Guard Output Indicator Power Indicator | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | Black | 7 A @ 120 V AC | __ | 20V AC-30V AC/20V DC-30V DC | 1 3/8" | __ | __ | Guard Output Indicator Power Indicator | 00000000 | 000000 |
Ultrasonic Noncontact Level Switches for Chemicals
Use high-frequency sound waves to detect chemical level. This switch has three relays that can be programmed for multiple set points. Use it to activate several alarms or to automate tank filling and emptying. It’s rated NEMA 4X for protection from corrosion and washdowns.
Pipe | Conduit | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Thread Type | Gender | Sensing Distance, ft. | Max. Pressure | Temp. Range, °F | Switch Starting Position | Industry Designation | Current | Lg. | Wd. | Electrical Connection | Environmental Rating | Trade Size | Thread Type | Gender | Each | |
95V AC/250V AC Input Voltage | |||||||||||||||||
Polycarbonate Plastic Body | |||||||||||||||||
| 1 | NPT | Male | 0.33-9.8 | 30 psi @ 70° F | -5° to 140° | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPDT | 0.17 A @ 120 V AC | 3 15/16" | 5 3/16" | Screw Terminals | IP65, NEMA 4X | 1/2 | NPT | Female | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Noncontact Level Switches for Conductive Liquids
Measure the level of conductive liquids without drilling a hole in your tank—these switches mount to the outside of the tank and track the capacitance between them and the tank’s contents. Use them on nonconductive plastic or glass wall tanks; they’re not compatible with metal tanks. They automatically adapt to your tank’s wall thickness, making them ready to use. These switches only respond when the liquid reaches the desired level, so foam and residue on the top of the liquid won’t trigger them early. For even more challenging setups, such as those with thick, sticky fluids, or if your tank has walls as thick as 10 mm, you can teach these switches to avoid false detections. All have LED indicators to show their power and output status.
Made of plastic, their body is chemical resistant and NEMA and IP rated, so it keeps out dust and dirt, as well as drips of oil and jets of hot water. UL listed, C-UL listed, and CE marked, they meet U.S., Canadian, and European Union safety standards.
Mount these switches directly on your sight glass using their adhesive back or use the included mounting bracket if you’ll need to remove them frequently. They also include foam pads for mounting them using straps around the outside of your tank.
PNP switches communicate with your system by sending a positive signal. NPN switches send a negative signal to communicate with your system.
Switches with an M8 4-pin connection have a standard plug that’s easy to connect. Switches with wire leads need to be hardwired, so use them in applications where you won’t move them often.
| Signal Output Type | Width | Height | Thickness | Temperature Range, °F | Switch Starting Position | Industry Designation | Current | Environmental Rating | Each | |
10V DC/30V DC Input Voltage | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polycarbonate/PBT Plastic Blend Body | ||||||||||
| PNP | 5/8" | 1 5/16" | 5/16" | -10° to 175° | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 30 V DC | NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| PNP | 5/8" | 1 5/16" | 5/16" | -10° to 175° | 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPST-NC | 0.1 A @ 30 V DC | NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| Signal Output Type | Width | Height | Thickness | Temperature Range, °F | Switch Starting Position | Industry Designation | Current | Wire Lead Length, ft. | Environmental Rating | Each | |
10V DC/30V DC Input Voltage | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polycarbonate/PBT Plastic Blend Body | |||||||||||
| PNP | 5/8" | 1 5/16" | 5/16" | -10° to 175° | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 30 V DC | 6 | NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| PNP | 5/8" | 1 5/16" | 5/16" | -10° to 175° | 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPST-NC | 0.1 A @ 30 V DC | 6 | NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| NPN | 5/8" | 1 5/16" | 5/16" | -10° to 175° | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 30 V DC | 6 | NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| NPN | 5/8" | 1 5/16" | 5/16" | -10° to 175° | 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPST-NC | 0.1 A @ 30 V DC | 6 | NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66 | 0000000 | 000000 |