Limit switches and sensors
Detect positions reliably and precisely – with mechanical position switches and non-contact sensors that are built for everyday industrial use. This allows you to keep track of moving machine parts and end positions at all times during operation.
Non-contact sensors:
Inductive, capacitive or magnetic
Safety position switches:
For increased safety requirements
Lift technology:
Special designs for lifts and escalators
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Limit switch or sensor?
Mechanical or non-contact - depending on the application, both can be useful. Position switches and sensors follow different principles and represent two independent approaches.
A direct comparison shows what is important.
| Feature | Limit switch | Proximity sensor |
| Type of detection | Mechanical | Non-contact |
| Function | Position detection / end position monitoring | Non-contact detection (e.g. fill level, objects) |
| Mechanical load | Very high load capacity possible | No mechanical actuation |
| Safety monitoring | Yes (depending on model) | Yes (under certain conditions) |
| Application | Robust industrial environment | Confined or sensitive areas |
Position switches or limit switches: they all basically describe the same application principle.
The basic mode of operation is that they switch the machine or system on or off as much as initiate certain actions depending on the position or status of an object.
In short, they monitor, control or detect. Recognise when a moving object has reached a certain position. Monitor whether a safety gate is completely closed. They can be used in confined, dirty as well as damp environments.
A position sensor detects physical bodies without contact and converts them into electrical quantities such as currents or voltages. In this area, BERNSTEIN focusses on inductive, capacitive and magnetic proximity switches.
You can also find further information on the different proximity switch variants in our product catalogue.
Inductive sensors
An inductive position sensor detects metallic objects. It consists of 4 functional groups:
- Coil
- Oscillator
- Threshold switch
- Switching output stage
Capacitive sensors
A capacitive position sensor detects materials in a solid or liquid state. It consists of the following 4 functional groups:
- Sensor electrode
- Oscillator
- Threshold switch
- Switching output stage
Magnetic sensors
BERNSTEIN offers the following variants of magnetic position sensors:
- Electromechanical magnetic switches with reed contact
- Electronic magnetic sensors based on the Hall and magnetoresistive principle
Safety position switches are specially designed limit switches that are used to protect people and must therefore fulfil certain standard requirements.EN ISO 14119 for interlocking devices and EN ISO 13849 for integration into the safety-related control system are particularly relevant.
Which standard is to be applied in a specific case depends on the risk analysis and the safety concept of the machine. The decisive factor is how the position switch is integrated into the overall control system and which performance level must be achieved.
Further information on suitable designs can be found in the Safety switches and sensors section .
Limit switches are also used in lift technology, where high demands are placed on reliability, precision and safety. They detect defined states and positions in lifts and escalators and contribute to safe control.
Depending on the installation situation, robust mechanical switches are used that are customised to the specific requirements of this sector . Suitable sensor solutions can also be used in certain applications.
Special product variants for lifts and escalators are bundled in our product catalogue.
Things to know about limit switches
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