Pepperl+Fuchs Blog

NAMUR sensors solve the same applications that standard inductive and capacitive sensors or rotary encoders would—but they are safe to use in hazardous areas. NAMUR output sensors are ideal for applications where the presence of a volatile gas, vapor, dust, or fiber creates a possible hazard.


To prevent an explosion in hazardous areas, these sensors protect the circuit by operating at 8.2 V and less than 5 mA. These levels prevent the device from storing sufficient energy to initiate an explosion. NAMUR sensors are connected to an isolating amplifier, which limits the current and voltage to the sensor and amplifies the signal upon return.

Topics: Rotary Encoders, Inductive Sensors, Capacitive Sensors, Applications

This episode of Ask an Expert for industrial sensors examines and provides answers to interesting sensing questions we've received from customers just like you. We explore and answer these questions:

1. Can the inductive sensor NBB1.5-5GM25-E2-V3 detect non-ferrous metals? How does that affect the sensing range?
2. An inductive sensor won't read above 500 rpm. What's the problem here?
3. What does the fault error F-4 mean on an AS-Interface network?
4. Does the MTT-6000 RFID reader need an antenna or read head?
5. Do you have a capacitive sensor for high temperatures, about 150 °C?

Topics: Inductive Sensors, Capacitive Sensors, AS-Interface, Ask an Expert, RFID

This episode of Ask an Expert for industrial sensors examines and provides answers to interesting sensing questions we've received from customers just like you. We explore and answer these questions:

1. Can the inductive sensor NJ6-F-N operate at -40 °C?
2. How far can a target reflector move sideways before a photoelectric sensor can't read it anymore?
3. Do you have distance sensors compatible with EtherNet/IP and ControlLogix Safety PLC?
4. What sensors could sense plastics and metals through a plastic tray?

Topics: Inductive Sensors, Capacitive Sensors, Photoelectric Sensors, Ask an Expert, Laser Sensors, Distance Sensors, Positioning Systems

This episode of Ask an Expert for industrial sensors examines and provides answers to interesting sensing questions we've received from customers just like you. We explore and answer these questions:

1. Motion detection sensor RMS-M-NA. Could this sensor be used to detect people in an area of a museum?
2. Can the capacitive sensor CJ40-FP-A2-P1 survive in a vacuumized vessel?
3. What is the Teach-in cable for the ultrasonic sensor UB100-F77-E2-V31, and how is it used?
4. Can you use an incremental rotary encoder with a higher PPR to replace one with a lower PPR?
5. What is the life expectancy of an inductive sensor in an outdoor, humid environment?

Topics: Rotary Encoders, Inductive Sensors, Capacitive Sensors, Ultrasonic Sensors, Photoelectric Sensors, Ask an Expert

Look before wiring!

Let’s talk about connection diagrams.  Although sensor hookup is typically simple – just a few wires – it’s always a good idea to consult the connection diagram before wiring to be sure you’ll end up with the outcome you expect. 

Topics: Inductive Sensors, Capacitive Sensors, Ultrasonic Sensors, Photoelectric Sensors, Magnetic Sensors

…and the replacement only has 3 – can I still use it?

It’s always a good idea to double-check that a different-looking industrial sensor will work as a replacement for your currently-installed part, because looks can be deceiving.  Take for example the question above regarding the number of pins in a sensor’s connector. 

Topics: Inductive Sensors, Cables/ Cordsets, Capacitive Sensors, Ultrasonic Sensors, Photoelectric Sensors, Ask an Expert, Magnetic Sensors

To answer the question of whether you need to use an isolated barrier device with your sensor, it’s helpful to first answer the following two questions:

Topics: Inductive Sensors, Capacitive Sensors, Intrinsic Safety Barriers, Intrinsic Safety

How does the dielectric constant of my material affect my capacitive sensor?

Capacitive sensor basics

Capacitive proximity sensors are a noncontact option capable of detecting both metal and nonmetal targets.  These sensors react to changes in capacitance caused by the presence of these targets.  Capacitive sensors are available in cylindrical as well as surface mount housings and provide a sensing range from 1 mm to 50 mm.  Many of these models feature a sensitivity adjustment potentiometer that allows the user to fine-tune the sensor to a specific application.  

Capacitive sensors are commonly used for sensing targets such as plastics, liquids, powders, and granular materials.  If chosen correctly, a capacitive sensor is able to sense through nonmetallic objects to detect a target behind them.  This ability is very useful in level measurement applications when sensing a liquid or granular material through a container wall.

Topics: Capacitive Sensors, Applications

Electronic sensors with switching output are commonly used to energize loads such as relay coils or PLC inputs, and a variety of sensor output configurations are available to operate in conjunction with these loads.  In this post, we’ll look at the most common standard output types, their wiring, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Topics: Inductive Sensors, Capacitive Sensors

Which cordsets do you use to connect inductive and capacitive proximity sensors?

Topics: Inductive Sensors, Cables/ Cordsets, Capacitive Sensors