Inductive Proximity Sensors

One of the most commonly used non-contact sensors in modern industry, inductive proximity sensors are essential devices across a variety of applications including industrial machinery positioning, robotic guidance, and object detection. Utilizing an electromagnetic field to detect metallic objects as far as 60mm away (depending on model frequency), inductive sensors are ideal for a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metal identification in clean or dirty conditions.

We offer a massive range of tens of thousands of inductive proximity sensors to suit every project need. Select from a range that features two- and three-wire sensors, PNP (positive) and NPN (negative) inductive proximity sensors and inductive sensors from some of the world's leading manufacturers including IFM, Eaton, Omron, Pepperl+Fuchs, TURCK, and many, many more.

Read on to find out more on how inductive proximity sensors work, how they're used, and the different types available. If you have a question about our extensive inductive sensors range, get in touch today.

How do inductive proximity sensors work?

Inductive proximity sensors, sometimes referred to as inductive proximity switches or inductive distance sensors, are electronic non-contact sensors that generate electromagnetic fields to detect metallic objects. Inductive sensors require the target to be relatively close - around 40mm or closer, although some higher frequency models are able to detect at 60mm or greater.

Inductive sensors use an internal solid state oscillator circuit within a housing to create a pulsing magnetic field that's emitted from the end of the housing. If a metal object enters this electromagnetic field, small eddy currents are induced on the object's surface. As power is required to make these currents flow, energy is drained from the oscillator, causing a drop in amplitude.

This change in amplitude is detected by the oscillator circuit which includes a Schmidtt trigger that causes the sensor output - typically a light or alarm - to turn on. If the object is moved out of the magnetic field, the oscillator and associated amplitude regenerate, causing the sensor output to turn off.

What are inductive sensors used for?

One of the most beneficial features of inductive type proximity sensors is their all-condition capability. Because the electromagnetic field produced by the sensor is unaffected by the likes of dirt and grease, inductive prox sensors are ideal for use in both clean and adverse industrial conditions. Likewise, their applicational use is broadened even further by their high switch rate, long operational life, and ability to detect lightweight and smaller objects that mechanical limit switches cannot.

As such, inductive sensors are fit for use across a wide range of industries including automotive, robotics, and security, as well as in many industrial systems and consumer electronics. Some more specific uses for inductive proximity switches include:

• Industrial machinery positioning.
• Object detection in security systems.
• Robotics guidance.
• Process automation.

What inductive proximity sensor types do we offer in the RS range?

You'll find tens of thousands of inductive sensor models in the RS range, meaning that we've got every project and applicational need covered.

Analog inductive proximity sensors

Analog sensors provide an electrical output signal that varies in proportion to the position of the object in its sensing range. They typically offer current and/or voltage circuits to interface with standard analog logic input.

Programmable inductive proximity sensors

Programmable prox sensors can be programmed to meet various applicational requirements. Features that can be customized include sensing range, timing delays, output types, shielding, and detection zone as per machinery needs.

Ferrous-only inductive proximity sensors

Ferrous metal focused sensors that detect iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, and other ferrous materials. They're used for applications where ignoring aluminum is required.

We supply inductive sensors in shielded or unshielded housings to be mounted flush (embedded) or non-flush (non-embedded) in metal. Alongside those options, we offer while quasi-flush (semi-flush) models which are shielded but their sensing distances are best when mounted non-flush.

You can use the filters at the top of the page to narrow down your search by manufacturer, measurement range, body style, supply voltage, and more.

Why choose RS for inductive sensors?

With a range that features tens of thousands of inductive proximity sensors offering cost-effective solutions to clients for a broad range of industrial and commercial backgrounds, there's no reason to look anywhere else for inductive prox switches and sensors. We're proud to be one of North America's leading electronic suppliers, and that's why we only stock high-quality products which we know that you can trust and cater to every customer, from domestic users to professional bulk-buyers.

We're also committed to providing you with the best customer-service experience possible. If you need any help with your purchase, our team is always on hand. Get in touch with us today or head over to our expert hub where you can find all sorts of useful advice and resources surrounding what we do.