Valve Position Switches | McMaster-Carr

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25 Products

Choosing a Proximity Switch

These switches sense when a valve is open or closed, supporting flow and temperature control within your system. Secure the switch to your valve actuator’s mounting holes, and attach an activator (sold separately) to the actuator's shaft. As the actuator opens and closes the valve, the activator rotates until its targets align with the switch’s two inductive sensors. Once they’re aligned, your system will know that the valve is either open or closed—offering reliable feedback on your valve’s position. Connect these switches to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to support automated processes. They meet various national and international safety standards, and they’re rated IP67 to protect against dust, washdowns, and temporary submersion.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Switches

With Flat Face

With Curved Face

4-Pole
Micro
M12 Plug

Switches with curved face minimize pinch points between the switch and activator, making them good for manually-controlled valves.

Switches with a 4-pole micro M12 plug connect to cables with a socket (sold separately), letting you quickly connect and disconnect the switch from your equipment.

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

With Flat Face
Switch Starting Position	Switching Frequency, Hz	Max. Sensing Distance, mm	Signal Output Type	Input Voltage	Current Output	No. of Wire Leads	Lg., mm	Circuit Protection	Cable Lead Lg., ft.	Temperature Range, °F	Environmental Rating		Each
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug
2 Off (Normally Open)	500	3	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	__	36	Reverse Polarity	__	-10° to 155°	IP67	0000000	0000000
With Wire Leads
2 Off (Normally Open)	500	3	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	4	36	Reverse Polarity	16	-10° to 155°	IP67	0000000	000000
With Spring-Clamp Terminals
2 Off (Normally Open)	500	3	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	__	78	Reverse Polarity	__	-10° to 155°	IP67	0000000	000000
With Curved Face
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug
2 Off (Normally Open)	500	3	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	200mA	__	35	Reverse Polarity	__	-10° to 155°	IP67	0000000	000000
2 Off (Normally Open)	1,000	4	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	200mA	__	42	Reverse Polarity	__	-10° to 155°	IP67	0000000	000000
With Wire Leads
2 Off (Normally Open)	1,000	4	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	200mA	4	42	Reverse Polarity	6 1/2	-10° to 155°	IP67	0000000	000000
With Screw Terminals
2 Off (Normally Open)	1,000	4	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	200mA	__	64	Reverse Polarity	__	-10° to 155°	IP67	0000000	000000

Activators

The position of metal targets on your activator determines when your switch sends a signal to your PLC. To install, line up one of the activator's targets with one of the switch's sensors while your valve is closed. Choose an activator that prompts your desired signal.

Styles A and F prompt a signal from your sensor to your system when your valve is fully opened and closed.

Style B have a symmetrical design so you can position a switch on both sides of the activator to create redundant signals and support safety applications.

Style C prompt a signal from your sensor when your valve is not fully opened or closed—such as when your valve is in motion or stuck partially open.

Style D have customizable targets, prompting a signal when your valve reaches the position or range of motion you select.

Style E include a housing that protects the activator against debris and damage. Colored on/off indicators make readings clear from far away. Use the included captive screws for easy mounting.

										Housing
Style	For Maximum Shaft Dia., mm	For Minimum Shaft Dia., mm	For Shaft Lg., mm	Indicator Color	Dia., mm	Ht., mm	Body Material	Temperature Range, °F	Mounting Fasteners Included	Dia., mm	Ht., mm	Material		Each
For Switches with Flat Face
A	58	__	20, 30	__	65	39	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	__	__	__	0000000	000000
A	90	__	20, 50	__	115	63	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	__	__	__	0000000	00000
B	58	__	20, 30	__	65	39	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	__	__	__	0000000	00000
C	58	__	20, 30	__	65	39	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	__	__	__	0000000	00000
D	53	__	20	__	65	40	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	__	__	__	0000000	00000
E	49	__	20, 30	Red, Green	65	68	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	80	81.6	Plastic	0000000	00000
E	49	__	20, 30	Black, Yellow	65	68	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	80	81.6	Plastic	0000000	00000
For Switches with Curved Face
F	__	34	20, 30, 50	__	40	39	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	__	__	__	0000000	00000
F	34	__	20	__	40	32	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	__	__	__	0000000	00000
F	34	__	30	__	40	43	Plastic	-10° to 155°	Yes	__	__	__	0000000	00000

M12 Cables

Straight Connector

90° Elbow Connector

		16 ft. Cable Lead Lg.		32 ft. Cable Lead Lg.		49 ft. Cable Lead Lg.
	Electrical Connector Component		Each		Each		Each
Straight Connector with Wire Leads	Socket	0000000	000000	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
90° Elbow Connector with Wire Leads	Socket	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	00000

Hazardous Location Valve Position Switches

Support flow and temperature control in your system with these intrinsically safe switches, which sense when a valve is open or closed in volatile areas. Often used in chemical plants and oil and gas facilities, they are ATEX and IECEx internationally certified to protect against explosion where flammable gases and combustible dust are present.

Mount the switch to your valve actuator, and affix a corresponding activator (sold separately) onto your actuator’s shaft. As the valve opens and closes, the activator rotates until its targets align with the two inductive sensors on the switch. Once they’re aligned, your system will know that the valve is either open or closed—providing reliable feedback on your valve’s position. These switches have a 4-pole micro M12 plug to connect to NAMUR cables (sold separately), letting you quickly connect and disconnect the switch from your equipment. Connect them to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to support automated processes. Switches meet various national and international safety standards, and they’re rated IP67 to protect against dust, washdowns, and temporary submersion.