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Inductive Sensors

Sensing

Inductive Sensors

Need help specifying an inductive sensor? We are here to make it easy.

Discover the Balluff range of inductive proximity sensors, with access to a massive range of variants. Get expert technical support and rely on our expertise.

Inductive sensors detect metallic objects without physical contact, offering greater reliability and environmental immunity than capacitive alternatives in metal-detection applications.

Applies to
Mineral Processing Materials Handling Food & Pharmaceutical Welding & Fabrication
✓ Balluff proximity sensors ✓ IECEx certified variants available ✓ Technical support before you order
Balluff inductive proximity sensors
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How to specify an inductive sensor

Picking up a new sensor? Or sourcing a replacement? There are a few key factors to consider.

Our specialist Neeraj runs you through the process.

It starts before the order

Three questions we ask alongside the part number, so the sensor you fit stops failing.

Question one

Where does it run?

Temperature, pressure, washdown, weld splatter, impact risk and zone rating. Flush or non-flush mounting.

Question two

What is it doing?

Position, end-of-travel, counting or speed. The target metal, the sensing distance, and whether your control system expects PNP or NPN.

Question three

What if it is wrong?

Repeated failure, a missed detection, a sensor replaced every month, a line down now.

A full range of inductive sensor variants

What is the job this week?

High pressure rated sensors, for use with hydraulic cylinder applications

Hygienic sensors, for food or pharmaceutical applications

Factor 1 sensors, for detection of non-ferrous metals such as aluminium or brass

Magnetic field and weld-splatter resistant sensors, for welding applications

High temperature sensors

High frequency sensors, for speed detection applications

IECEx certified sensors, for hazardous area applications

Inductive sensor variants

Need help choosing an inductive proximity sensor?

Tell us the target, the environment and the mounting. We will tell you what fits.

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Two decisions that catch people out

Mounting style and output type. Get both right and a sensor stops being a consumable.

Flush and non-flush inductive sensor mounting

Flush vs non-flush

Flush sensors are installed flat with the mounting bracket, meaning they do not protrude out from the material. This helps protect the sensor from accidental damage or impact.

Flush sensors are often referred to as shielded or embedded sensors.

Non-flush sensors are installed with the tip of the sensor protruding out from the mounting material. This style provides an extended sensing range from the same body size.

PNP and NPN sensor outputs

PNP vs NPN: what is the deal?

In a nutshell: positive vs negative default output. A PNP sensor will send a positive signal during its "ON" state. A NPN sensor will send a negative signal during the "ON" state.

Before selecting a sensor, consider your control system. Does it expect to receive a positive signal, or a negative signal?

The majority of inductive sensors we supply to the Australian market are PNP. We also offer a full range of NPN sensors for specific applications.

Inductive proximity sensor selection guide
Free download

Download your free sensor cheat sheet

Do you have a sensor experiencing repeated failure? Specify the best solution every time with this handy PDF guide.

Alternatively, get in touch today for individualised assistance.

Download the Guide

Request guidance on choosing the right inductive sensors for long-term performance and reliability

Send us the application: the target metal, the sensing distance, the mounting, the environment and what your control system expects. Our team will scope the variant to match, and tell you what is in stock.

We supply and support the product. Your team or your integrator installs and commissions it. We make sure it is the right one.