Choosing a Proximity Switch
More
Photoelectric Switches with Relay Output
A built-in relay produces AC voltage output. These switches are often used with older programmable logic controllers (PLCs). They detect the presence or absence of an object moving at high speeds with a light beam.
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.
NEMA 6 and IP67 rated switches withstand washdowns and temporary submersion.
| Light Beam Switch Operation | Max. Sensing Distance | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Input Voltage  | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Housing Material | Temperature Range, °F | Environmental Rating | Each | |
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Direct Sensing Switches with Visible Light Beam | ||||||||||||
| On When Object Absent/On When Object Present | 7.9" | SPDT | 5 A @ 250 V AC/30 V DC | 24V AC-250V AC/12V DC-250V DC | 2 1/8" | 7/8" | 2 1/8" | Plastic | 0° to 155° | NEMA 6, IP67 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| On When Object Absent/On When Object Present | 15.7" | SPDT | 5 A @ 250 V AC/30 V DC | 24V AC-250V AC/12V DC-250V DC | 2 1/8" | 7/8" | 2 1/8" | Plastic | 0° to 155° | NEMA 6, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| On When Object Absent/On When Object Present | 23.6" | SPDT | 5 A @ 250 V AC/30 V DC | 24V AC-250V AC/12V DC-250V DC | 2 1/8" | 7/8" | 2 1/8" | Plastic | 0° to 155° | NEMA 6, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Precision Photoelectric Switches
Detect objects as thin as a freshly sharpened pencil tip. These switches are best for tight spaces because they have a smaller light beam and can detect smaller objects than standard photoelectric switches. They produce PNP or NPN signal output. To determine the signal output of a switch you are replacing, use Testers for Proximity and Photoelectric Switches (not included). All are rated IP67 for protection from dust and temporary submersion. Some also meet NEMA 6 for protection from washdowns.
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. Style A direct sensing switches have an adjustable maximum sensing distance, ranging from 6" down to 1.2". Set a shorter sensing distance to minimize false triggers caused by objects in the background.
Adjustable switches can increase the intensity of the light beam to better detect shiny or translucent objects.
Reflector switches detect an object when it passes between the switch and the reflector, interrupting the beam. They have a shorter sensing distance than receiver switches but are quicker to wire. They have a longer sensing distance than direct-sensing switches.
Switches with PNP/NPN signal output automatically produce the type of signal output that is needed based on the device they are connected to.
| Light Beam Switch Operation | Sensing Distance | Input Voltage | Current Output | Signal Output Type | Lg. | Ht. | Wd. | Dia., mm | Mounting Thread Size | Temp. Range, °F | Environment | Environmental Rating | Specifications Met | Each | ||
Direct Sensing Switch with Visible Light Beam | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 0.04"-6" | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | PNP | 7/8" | 1 3/8" | 9/16" | __ | __ | 15° to 120° | Washdown, Temporary Submersion | NEMA 6, IP67 | UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| A | On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 0.04"-6" | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | NPN | 7/8" | 1 3/8" | 9/16" | __ | __ | 15° to 120° | Washdown, Temporary Submersion | NEMA 6, IP67 | UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
Adjustable Direct Sensing Switch with Visible Light Beam | ||||||||||||||||
| B | On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 0"-12" | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | PNP | 1 1/4" | 1 3/8" | 5/8" | 18 | M18 | 15° to 120° | Washdown, Temporary Submersion | NEMA 6, IP67 | UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
| B | On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 0"-12" | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | NPN | 1 5/16" | 1 3/8" | 9/16" | 18 | M18 | 15° to 120° | Washdown, Temporary Submersion | NEMA 6, IP67 | UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
| B | On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 0"-16" | 10V DC-30V DC | 150mA | PNP/NPN | 1 1/4" | 1 3/4" | 7/8" | 30 | M30 | 15° to 120° | Washdown, Temporary Submersion | NEMA 6, IP67 | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
| B | On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 0"-32" | 10V DC-30V DC | 150mA | PNP/NPN | 1 1/4" | 1 3/4" | 7/8" | 30 | M30 | 15° to 120° | Washdown, Temporary Submersion | NEMA 6, IP67 | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
Adjustable Reflector Switch with Visible Light Beam | ||||||||||||||||
| B | On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 3.9"-33ft. | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | PNP | 1 1/4" | 1 3/8" | 5/8" | 18 | M18 | 15° to 120° | Washdown, Temporary Submersion | NEMA 6, IP67 | UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
| B | On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 4"-33ft. | 10V DC-30V DC | 100mA | NPN | 1 5/16" | 1 3/8" | 9/16" | 18 | M18 | 15° to 120° | Washdown, Temporary Submersion | NEMA 6, IP67 | UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
| B | On When Object Absent, On When Object Present | 8"-59ft. | 10V DC-30V DC | 150mA | PNP/NPN | 1 1/4" | 1 3/4" | 7/8" | 30 | M30 | 15° to 120° | Washdown, Temporary Submersion | NEMA 6, IP67 | UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked | 0000000 | 000000 |
Ultrasonic Switches
Detect objects and liquid or material levels to set off actions in your system—regardless of size, shape, or surface finish. These switches send out high-frequency sound waves that target small areas, so the surface and structure of your object won't affect results like photoelectric sensors, which sense using light. This makes them great for materials with uneven surfaces, such as granules and powder. They also sense objects when obscured by smoke, dust, debris, or water, but they don't work as well where there's wind, since it could disrupt their sound waves. Once an object is detected or a set level is reached, the digital output sends a signal to your controller to turn components in your system on or off. Use their plug to quickly connect and disconnect to cables with a socket (sold separately). UL listed, C-UL listed, and CE marked, all meet American, Canadian, and European safety standards.
Switches with two outputs let you set a minimum level on one output and a maximum on the other—for example, you can keep liquid levels constant by turning on a pump when the level drops too low and turning off the pump when it reaches the maximum.
Switches with PNP/NPN signal output automatically produce the signal you need based on the connected device.
90° elbow switches are compact to fit in tight spaces. They’re best for conveyors.
Rated IP67, all of these switches seal out dust and water if briefly submersed. NEMA 6 rated switches also stand up to weather and washdowns.
Switches | Cables with Socket | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Outputs | Signal Output Type | Sensing Distance, mm | Input Voltage | Dia., mm | Lg., mm | Wd., mm | Ht., mm | Circuit Protection | Temp. Range, °F | Environmental Rating | Each | Each | ||
Plastic Housing | ||||||||||||||
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | PNP/NPN | 100-1,000 | 10V DC-30V DC | 30 | 45 | 40 | 64 | Overload, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit | -40° to 155° | NEMA 6, IP67 | 0000000 | 0000000 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 1 | PNP/NPN | 200-2,000 | 10V DC-30V DC | 30 | 45 | 40 | 64 | Overload, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit | -40° to 155° | NEMA 6, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 1 | PNP/NPN | 300-3,000 | 10V DC-30V DC | 30 | 45 | 40 | 64 | Overload, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit | -40° to 155° | NEMA 6, IP67 | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Level Switches for Conductive Liquids
Designed to use the properties of conductive liquid for operation, these switches actuate when conductive liquid reaches the probes on the tip to close the circuit. They can be used with dirty fluid and liquid with high solid content, but are not for use with flammable liquids. Mount them horizontally or vertically. All are rated NEMA 6 for protection from washdowns.
| Pipe Size | Thread Type | Gender | Min. Specific Gravity | Max. Pressure | Temp. Range, °F | Insertion Dp. | Switch Starting Position | Industry Designation | Current | Probe Material | Electrical Connection | Wire Lead Lg., ft. | Environmental Rating | Each | |
PPS Plastic Body | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 | NPT | Male | 1 | 290 psi @ 70° F | -10° to 175° | 1 1/2" | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPDT | 1 A @ 24 V DC | 316 Stainless Steel | Wire Leads | 6 | IP68, NEMA 6 | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| 3/4 | NPT | Male | 1 | 290 psi @ 70° F | -10° to 175° | 3" | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPDT | 1 A @ 24 V DC | 316 Stainless Steel | Wire Leads | 6 | IP68, NEMA 6 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Polypropylene Plastic Body | |||||||||||||||
| 3/4 | NPT | Male | 1 | 85 psi @ 70° F | -10° to 140° | 1 1/2" | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPDT | 1 A @ 24 V DC | 316 Stainless Steel | Wire Leads | 6 | IP68, NEMA 6 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 3/4 | NPT | Male | 1 | 85 psi @ 70° F | -10° to 140° | 3" | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | SPDT | 1 A @ 24 V DC | 316 Stainless Steel | Wire Leads | 6 | IP68, NEMA 6 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Ultrasonic Transmitters
Measure the distance to objects and the level of liquids and materials despite size, shape, or surface finish, and send that information to other parts of your system. Unlike photoelectric switches, which use light to detect objects, these transmitters emit high-frequency sound waves that target small spots, so the surface and structure of your object won’t affect results. This makes them great for materials with uneven surfaces, such as granules and powder. They also sense objects in dirty and wet places, but they don’t work well where there’s wind, since it could disrupt their sound waves. Use their plug to quickly connect and disconnect to cables with a socket (sold separately). UL listed, C-UL listed, and CE marked, they meet American, Canadian, and European safety standards.
All transmitters have an analog output, which means they continuously send measurements to monitor status and manage components in your system.
90° elbow transmitters are compact to fit in tight spaces. They’re best for conveyors.
Rated IP67, all of these transmitters seal out dust and water if briefly submersed. NEMA 6 rated transmitters also stand up to weather and washdowns.
Transmitters | Cables with Socket | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Outputs | Signal Output | Sensing Distance, mm | Input Voltage | Dia., mm | Lg., mm | Wd., mm | Ht., mm | Housing Material | Circuit Protection | Temp. Range, °F | Environmental Rating | Each | Each | ||
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug | |||||||||||||||
Analog | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | 4mA-20mA | 100-1,000 | 10V DC-30V DC | 30 | 45 | 40 | 64 | Plastic | Overload, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit | -40° to 155° | IP67, NEMA 6 | 0000000 | 0000000 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 1 | 4mA-20mA | 200-2,000 | 10V DC-30V DC | 30 | 45 | 40 | 64 | Plastic | Overload, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit | -40° to 155° | IP67, NEMA 6 | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 1 | 0V DC-10V DC | 100-1,000 | 10V DC-30V DC | 30 | 45 | 40 | 64 | Plastic | Overload, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit | -40° to 155° | IP67, NEMA 6 | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 1 | 0V DC-10V DC | 300-3,000 | 10V DC-30V DC | 30 | 45 | 40 | 64 | Plastic | Overload, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit | -40° to 155° | IP67, NEMA 6 | 0000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |