Proximity Switch is non-contact type limit switch. with variety of outputs, Ex. Linear, digital, etc.

The switch has a dome shaped field present in front of the sensor is called as sensing zone.

This is the distance between the target & the sensing face at which the switch operates. ( ex. This is usually specified considering MS material as target in case of inductive proximity switch.)

This is the accuracy whereby the switch operates repeatedly at specified point of operation given stable operating conditions.

This is time by which the switch changes its state after target enter the sensing zone. For DC switches the response time can be as low as 0.1 ms but for AC switches this is around 20 ms due to external load parameters.

If switches referred to as Flush type can be mounted inside metal body and have only frontal electromagnetic field.

These type of switch has been mounted with sensing zone in metal free area.

This is the differential between "switch ON "and "switch OFF" point of the switch. Which helps avoiding chattering at the sensing point.

The output switching element (either a Transistor or Thyristor) can be normally in closed (ON) OR open (OFF) condition. It can sink , or source , examples as below, PNP-NO , NPN-PO, ETC.

This is max. Current, which the switch can either sink from or source to the external load.

The NAMUR type sensor is intrinsically safe proximity switches designed to work in the hazardous areas. The working voltage & current levels of these switches are restricted to safe values as per standards.

The NAMUR type sensor is intrinsically safe proximity switches designed to work in the hazardous areas. The working voltage & current levels of these switches are restricted to safe values as per standards.

Targets other than MS actuate the inductive switches at relatively less distance with correction factor.

Inductive proximity switch works on principle of Damping of oscillations by conductive materials. Senses only metallic objects
It is useful for medium counting speed. It has short sensing gaps.

Optical proximity switch works on principle of interruption / reflection of infra red beam light. Senses any opaque object from longer Sensing Distances with Medium counting speeds and high position sensing accuracy.

Gear tooth sensors are used to sense the small M.S. gear teeth rotating with high speeds. Its operating frequency is as high as 10 K Hz.

Ultrasonic sensor works on principle of High Frequency ultra-Sound Wave Propagation. It has very log sensing. Ex.distances up to 20 mtrs.

It gives the shape and dimensional detail with mounting arrangement of the proximity switch.

It is a provision to connect the switch with external load. Normally it is 2 or 3 or 4 core cable. Some time a detachable connector is used.