Proximity Sensors | Inductive Proximity Sensors | RS
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    Proximity Sensors

    A proximity sensor is a non-contact component, designed to detect the presence or absence of a nearby object without any physical contact. Due to their non-contact nature, they are ideal for working with unstable or delicate objects that could otherwise be damaged by touch.

    Proximity sensors work by detecting a change in the electromagnetic field or return signal, referred to as a target. Different sensors are used depending on the specific target being identified. Proximity sensors have a prolonged lifespan as they work on a non-contact operation basis. You can find out more here in our useful guide to proximity sensors.

    There are various types of proximity sensors for use across different applications. Here are some of the common types of proximity sensors.

    Capacitive Proximity Sensors

    Capacitive sensors can detect various shapes and materials, even through non-metallic walls. They are suitable for use with conductive and non-conductive materials and are found in applications with close-range tasks such as touchscreens, liquid level detection and the detection of objects.

    Inductive Proximity Sensors

    Inductive proximity sensors can detect the presence or absence of metallic objects without physical contact. They do this by generating an electromagnetic field through an oscillating circuit. Any ferrous metal object, including aluminium, copper, brass, and iron, trigger a change in the output signal, which indicates the presence of a metallic object. They are robust and suitable for using in harsh environments. Commonly used in applications such as metal detecting, position sensing, as well as automation.

    Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors

    Ultrasonic sensors emit and receive high-frequency sound waves that can be reflected or absorbed by objects within their range. These sensors are ideal for high-speed and long-distance measurements, such as wind speed, fluid level, and speed through air or water. As well as being used for distance measurement, they are also used for presence detection and obstacle avoidance.

    7794 Products showing for Proximity Sensors

    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M18
    Threaded Barrel
    8 mm
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    NO
    2m
    Pre-Cabled
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    10 → 30 V dc
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    48mm
    1 kHz
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    Flush
    Brass Nickel Plated
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    30V
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    200 mA
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    +75°C
    1kHz
    -25°C
    Shielded
    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M12
    Threaded Barrel
    4 mm
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    PNP
    NO
    2m
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    IP68
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    10 → 30 V dc
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    50mm
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    Flush
    Stainless Steel
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    30V
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    200 mA
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    +100°C
    2kHz
    -40°C
    Shielded
    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M12
    Threaded Barrel
    8 mm
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    PNP
    NO
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    M12
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    IP67
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    10 → 30 V dc
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    63mm
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    Non-Flush
    Nickel Copper Alloy
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    30V
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    200 mA
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    +70°C
    500Hz
    -25°C
    Unshielded
    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M18
    Threaded Barrel
    8 mm
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    M12
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    69mm
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    Brass Nickel Plated
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M8
    Threaded Barrel
    2 mm
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    NO
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    M8
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    41mm
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    Brass Nickel Plated
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M30
    Threaded Barrel
    38 mm
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    M12
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    71mm
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    Brass Nickel Plated
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    30V
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    200 mA
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M30
    Threaded Barrel
    15 mm
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    NO
    2m
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    10 → 30 V dc
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    60mm
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
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    Rectangular
    4 mm
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    M8
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    26mm
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    26mm
    Flush
    Fibreglass Re-inforced Plastic
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    30V
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    200 mA
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
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    Block
    40 mm
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    IP67
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    20 → 250 V ac/dc
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    140mm
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    40mm
    40mm
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    PBT
    250V
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    300 mA
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M8
    Threaded Barrel
    2 mm
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    32mm
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M12
    Threaded Barrel
    8 mm
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    M12
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    10 → 30 V dc
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    46mm
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    Brass Nickel Plated
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M8
    Threaded Barrel
    2.5 mm
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    2m
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    52mm
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    8mm
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    Brass Nickel Plated
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    30V
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    200 mA
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    +75°C
    4kHz
    -25°C
    Unshielded
    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M12
    Threaded Barrel
    2 mm
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    NPN
    NO
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    M12
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    10 → 30 V dc
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    65mm
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    Brass Nickel Plated
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    150 mA
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M8
    Threaded Barrel
    4 mm
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    NO
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    M8
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    54mm
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    Stainless Steel
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M18
    Threaded Barrel
    8 mm
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    NO
    2m
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    40mm
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    Stainless Steel
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    RS PRO
    Capacitive
    M30
    Threaded Barrel
    15 mm
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    NO+NC
    2m
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    IP67
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    74mm
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    PBT
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    30V
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    15 mA
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    RS PRO
    Ultrasonic
    M18
    Threaded Barrel
    1 m
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    M12
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    M18
    10 → 30 V dc
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    86mm
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    18mm
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    Brass Nickel Plated
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    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M5
    Threaded Barrel
    1.5 mm
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    PNP
    NO
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    M8
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    IP67
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    10 → 30 V dc
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    38mm
    5 kHz
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    Flush
    Stainless Steel
    -
    30V
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    200 mA
    -
    +70°C
    5kHz
    -25°C
    Shielded
    RS PRO
    Inductive
    M18
    Threaded Barrel
    8 mm
    -
    -
    PNP
    NO
    2m
    Pre-Cabled
    -
    IP68
    -
    10 → 30 V dc
    -
    50mm
    1 kHz
    -
    -
    Quasi-Flush
    Stainless Steel
    -
    30V
    -
    200 mA
    -
    +100°C
    1kHz
    -40°C
    Quasi-Shielded
    RS PRO
    Capacitive
    M18
    Threaded Barrel
    8 mm
    -
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    PNP
    NO+NC
    2m
    Pre-Cabled
    -
    IP67
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    10 → 30 V dc
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    70mm
    50Hz
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    Non-Flush
    Nickel Copper Alloy
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    30V
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    200 mA
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    +70°C
    50Hz
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    Unshielded
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