Balluff Inductive Proximity Switches and Proximity Sensors
Specifications
Details
Inductive proximity switches and proximity sensors
Inductive sensors
Balluff offers a wide range of inductive proximity switches and sensors for various applications and industries. You can select from standard sensors as well as specialized variants for demanding conditions, with multiple housing sizes and thread options for easy integration—even when space is limited.
The portfolio includes options for high-pressure, hygienic / washdown, factor 1, magnetic-field-resistant, weld-immune, high-temperature, explosion-proof (IECEx, ATEX), and NAMUR applications.
What special features are available for Balluff inductive sensors?
Balluff inductive proximity sensors are available in multiple connection and design options, including variants built for harsh environments.
Available special features
- Plug or cable connection
- Cylindrical and various rectangular designs
- Variants for DC-3/4 wire, IO-Link and DC, AC and AC/DC-2 wire
- Flush and non-flush sensors
- Explosion proof proximity switches and sensors
- High-pressure-resistant sensors up to 500 bar
Built for demanding conditions
- High-temperature sensors up to 230 °C
- Hygienic sensors with high chemical resistance and protection up to IP69K
- Magnetic field resistant sensors
- Weld-immune proximity switches and sensors
- Factor 1 sensors
- NAMUR sensors
Which series are available (and how do I compare them)?
Below is a practical, spec-style overview of common Balluff inductive sensor series, including housing style, maximum range, switching function, output, connection type, and installation type.
| Series | Style | Range (Sn max.) | Switching function | Switching output | Connection / Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical version (S-BES M S)
Threads: M18x1, M30x1.5, M12x1, M8x1
|
Cylindrical | 30 mm | NC / NO / NO-NC | Push-pull, NPN, PNP, PNP/NPN/push-pull | Cable / cable w/ connector / connector Flush, non-flush, quasi-flush |
| Cylindrical without thread (S-BES G S)
Diameters: D3.0, D6.5, D8.0, D10.0, D4.0
|
Cylindrical | 5 mm | NC / NO | NPN, PNP | Cable / cable w/ connector / connector Flush, non-flush |
| Cylindrical miniature (S-BES M M)
Threads: M12x1, M8x1, M4x0.5, M5x0.5
|
Cylindrical | 6 mm | NC / NO | NPN, PNP | Cable / cable w/ connector / connector Flush, non-flush |
| Square compact (S-BES Q M)
Sizes: 8×8, 5×5
|
Squarel rectangular | 3 mm | NC / NO / NO-NC | NPN, PNP, PNP/NPN/push-pull | Cable / cable w/ connector / connector Flush mounting |
| Cubic version (S-BES R S)
Sizes: 30×20×10, 50×25×10, 59×25×10, 32×20×8, and more
|
Cubic | 8 mm | NC / NO / NO-NC | NPN, PNP | Cable / cable w/ connector / connector Flush, non-flush |
| Square 40 mm height (S-BES Q40 S)
Size: 40×40
|
Square | 40 mm | NO / NO-NC | NPN, PNP | Screw terminals / connector Flush, non-flush |
| Factor 1 cylindrical (S-BES M F1)
Threads: M18x1, M30x1.5, M12x1, M8x1
|
Cylindrical | 20 mm | NO | NPN, PNP | Connector Flush, non-flush |
Selection guidance: match your target (metal type, distance, environment) and then confirm wiring (DC 3/4-wire, IO-Link, AC, AC/DC 2-wire), output (PNP/NPN/push-pull), and installation (flush/non-flush).
Where are inductive proximity switches used?
Inductive proximity switches are commonly used for reliable metal object detection in automation, helping increase system availability and reduce maintenance effort.
Typical applications
- Position detection on conveyors, fixtures, and automated assembly
- End-position sensing on cylinders and linear axes
- Machine tool and metalworking environments (including welding fields)
- Packaging and washdown areas (hygienic / IP69K variants)
Why teams standardize on Balluff variants
- Broad portfolio from standard to specialized sensors
- Robust options for heat, pressure, chemicals, and welding fields
- Easy integration via multiple housing sizes and thread options
- Operational efficiency through reduced downtime and maintenance
FAQ: Balluff inductive proximity switches and sensors
Clear answers that help engineers and maintenance teams choose the right sensor configuration.
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