Balluff Inductive Proximity Switches and Proximity Sensors

Balluff Inductive Proximity Switches and Proximity Sensors


Specifications
Model
BES00
Details

Product family Inductive sensors
Tip: Use the series table below to match housing style, range, switching function, and connection type to your application.

Inductive proximity switches and proximity sensors

Inductive sensors

Non-contact object detection Wide range of designs Short delivery times

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.

Our inductive BES Entry Line portfolio
Perfectly fitting performance at an excellent price — no more and no less.

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.

Technical features Filter
Style
Cylindrical Square Cubic
Installation
Flush mounting Non-flush Quasi-flush
Connection
Connector Cable Cable with connector
Signals
PNP NPN Push-pull IO-Link
Definition: Flush mounting means the sensor can be installed level with metal; non-flush typically needs clearance to achieve rated distance.
24 Series Grouped by series View all
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
Short definition: An inductive sensor detects metal targets without contact by using an electromagnetic field—ideal for fast, reliable switching in industrial automation.

FAQ: Balluff inductive proximity switches and sensors

Clear answers that help engineers and maintenance teams choose the right sensor configuration.

Flush sensors can be installed level with metal because the sensing field is directed forward. Non-flush sensors typically require clearance around the active face to achieve their rated sensing distance.

Balluff series include common industrial outputs such as PNP, NPN, and push-pull, with switching functions including NO, NC, and NO/NC depending on the series.

Options include explosion-proof sensors (IECEx/ATEX), high-pressure variants up to 500 bar, high-temperature variants up to 230 °C, hygienic designs up to IP69K, plus magnetic-field-resistant, weld-immune, factor 1, and NAMUR sensors.

Yes. The portfolio includes variants for DC 3/4-wire, IO-Link, and also DC, AC, and AC/DC 2-wire options, with either plug or cable connection depending on the model.

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