Key Technical Data/Specification

Inductive sensors have typical key technical data. This must be known to ensure proper use in plants and applications.

Term	Description
Tightening torque	For cylindrical sensors in metal housings: The defined torque with which a fastener is tightened. Special tools (torque wrenches) are available to apply the tightening torque.
Rated operating current (I_e)	This value specifies the maximum load current during continuous operation. cf. EN 60947-5-2
Rated operating distance (s_n)	The rated operating distance is a normative variable for defining the operating distances. This distance does not take into account manufacturing tolerances or changes caused by external influences such as voltage and temperature. cf. EN 60947-5-2
Time delay before availability (t_v)	Time delay before availability is the time it takes until a proximity sensor is ready for operation once the operating voltage has been switched on. Pepperl+Fuchs inductive sensors have a maximum time delay before availability of 300 ms according to EN 60947-5-2.
Operating voltage (U_B)	The operating voltage indicates the voltage range with which the equipment may be supplied. +U_B and -U_B designate the connections of the sensor for the supply voltage: -U_B is the ground connection and +U_B is the live connection. For NAMUR sensors, the rated voltage is specified.
Start-up signal suppression	Device on sensors that suppresses a false output signal when the operating voltage is applied during the time delay before availability (t_v)
Assured release distance of a PDDB (s_ar)	For inductive sensors in safety-related applications: For PDDBs (PDDB = proximity device with defined behavior under fault conditions), this is the distance from the sensing face outside of which the absence of the specified target object is correctly detected, taking into account all specified ambient conditions and manufacturer tolerances. This refers to the distance or distance range for safe non-operation (release). cf. EN 60947-5-3
Assured operating distance (s_a)	Distance from the sensing face, within which actuation of the sensor is assured under set conditions: cf. EN 60947-5-2
Assured operating distance of a PDDB (s_ao)	For inductive sensors in safety-related applications: For PDDBs (PDDB = proximity device with defined behavior under fault conditions), this is the distance from the sensing face outside of which the presence of the specified target object is correctly detected, taking into account all specified ambient conditions and manufacturer tolerances. This refers to the distance or distance range for safe operation. cf. EN 60947-5-3
Hysteresis (H)	Distance between the switch points when the damping element approaches the sensor and when it moves away. Proximity sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs usually have a hysteresis of 5% … 10% of the rated operating distance.
Short-circuit protection	Measure taken in electrical or electronic circuits that prevents damage to the sensor in the event of a short circuit. Many sensors feature cyclical short-circuit protection. When a current limit is exceeded, the output opens and closes periodically until the short circuit is rectified.
Short-term current (I_K)	Current that may occur briefly when switching on without destroying the electrical components. The specification of the short-term current is particularly important when operating light bulbs. At the point in time when they are switched on, light bulbs briefly have a much higher current consumption than during operation.
No‑load current (I₀)	The current received by a sensor with no load connected.
Useful operating distance (s_u)	Operating distance of a single sensor, measured under specified conditions. cf. EN 60947-5-2
Effective operating distance (s_r)	Operating distance of a single proximity sensor, which is measured at a specified temperature and voltage, and in specified installation conditions. cf. EN 60947-5-2
Residual current (I_R)	Current that flows through the load when the electronic component (e.g., a switch) is disabled.
Ripple voltage	The alternating-current voltage (peak-peak) superimposed on the operating voltage as a percentage of the arithmetic average. Inductive sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs have a maximum ripple voltage of 10%. cf. EN 60947-5-2
Rated immersion depth (s_n)	Rated operating distance s_n for slot-shaped sensors.
Switching frequency (f)	Number of switching cycles of a sensor per second and under specified conditions. Maximum number of changes in Hertz (Hz) from the attenuated to the non-attenuated state.
Shock resistance	A measure of the ability of a housing for electrical equipment to withstand impact loading. The shock resistance test is performed at 30 times gravitational acceleration and 11 ms duration. cf. IEC 60068-2-27.
Degree of protection	Extent of protection provided by a housing against access to dangerous parts, against penetration of solid foreign matter and against water ingress, proven by standardized test methods. Classification of electrical equipment according to the following aspects: 1. Suitability for various ambient conditions 2. Protective measures against potential danger to people. Classification of electrical equipment according to the following aspects: referred to colloquially as "IP protection." IP stands for International Protection. cf. DIN EN 60529:2014-09 and VDE 0470-1:2014-09
Vibration resistance	The ability to withstand mechanical vibrations. Vibration resistance is tested at a resonance frequency between 10 Hz ... 55 Hz and 1 mm amplitude. cf. IEC 60068-2-6
Voltage drop (U_d)	A potential difference that occurs when current passes through a resistor/load located between two terminals of a circuit or through an electrical component. U_d is measured by the activated sensor or output. cf. EN 60947-5-1; VDE 0660-200:2018-03
Ambient temperature	Temperature range within which a product, component, or device operates without interference according to the specification.