Limit Switch

-is an electromechanical device that contains an actuator linked to a series of contacts. When an object
meets the actuator, the limit switch triggers the contacts to either form or break an electrical
connection. Limit switches are commonly employed in a wide range of applications and under a variety
of operating conditions due to their ease of installation, relatively straightforward design, ruggedness,
and reliability.

Function
In most cases, a limit switch begins operating when a moving machine or a moving component
of a machine makes contact with an actuator or operating lever that activates the switch. The
limit switch then regulates the electrical circuit that controls the machine and its moving parts.
These switches can be used as pilot devices for magnetic starter control circuits, allowing them
to start, stop, slow down, or accelerate the functions of an electric motor. Limit switches can be
installed into machinery as control instruments for standard operations or as emergency
devices to prevent machinery malfunction. Most switches are either maintained contact or
momentary contact models.

Inductor Proximity Sensors

-are detection devices that provide data on an object’s displacement in relation to a specific
boundary or marker. They can indicate whether the object is closer or further to the boundary in
respect to a predetermined distance, essentially signaling if something is near or far. Like most
distance sensors, they employ a detector unit whose output changes according to the magnitude
of energy beyond a certain threshold, and a power source. These sensors can measure linear and
angular motion without making physical contact with the object, and they are often used in
industrial inspection, machine tool positioning, and controlling moving parts of valves and
dampers.

Function
A sensor that can be used for detecting the presence of objects surrounding it without having
any physical contact is termed as a proximity sensor. This can be done using
the electromagnetic field or electromagnetic radiation beam in which the field or return signal
changes in the event of the presence of any object in its surrounding. This object sensed by the
proximity sensor is termed as a target.

Capacitive Proximity Sensors

- are similar in function to inductive sensors, but have certain unique design specifications and
operating parameters. They rely on the capacitive principle to detect small objects and can
handle both conductive and insulating material, including unprepared mechanical surfaces and
items moving along a conveyor. They are usually designed in the form of a small cylinder with
electrodes and wiring at the ends. Capacitive proximity sensor output is typically transmitted as
a contact closure or a pulse that is activated when an object reaches a specific distance
threshold.
Function
Capacitive proximity sensors sense "target" objects due to the target's ability to be electrically charged.
Since even non-conductors can hold charges, this means that just about any object can be detected with
this type of sensor. Inside the sensor is a circuit that uses the supplied DC power to generate AC, to
measure the current in the internal AC circuit, and to switch the output circuit when the amount of AC
current changes. Unlike the inductive sensor, however, the AC does not drive a coil, but instead tries to
charge a capacitor.

Protoelectric Sensor
-A photoelectric sensor emits a light beam (visible or infrared) from its light-emitting element. A
reflective-type photoelectric sensor is used to detect the light beam reflected from the target. A
thru beam type sensor is used to measure the change in light quantity caused by the target
crossing the optical axis.

Function
Photoelectric Sensors detect objects, changes in surface conditions, and other items through a variety of
optical properties. A Photoelectric Sensor consists primarily of an Emitter for emitting light and a Receiver
for receiving light. When emitted light is interrupted or reflected by the sensing object, it changes the
amount of light that arrives at the Receiver. The Receiver detects this change and converts it to an
electrical output. The light source for the majority of Photoelectric Sensors is infrared or visible light
(generally red, or green/blue for identifying colors).

Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor

-are a common type of proximity sensor used in many manufacturing and automation
applications. Mainly for object detection and distance measurement, they’re commonly used in
food and beverage processing and various packaging applications. Ultrasonic sensors work by
using sound frequencies higher than the audible limit of human hearing (around 20 kHz), which
is typically in the range of 25 to 50 kHz.

Function
Ultrasonic Sensors measure the distance of target objects or materials through the air using “non-
contact” technology. They measure distance without damage and are easy to use and reliable. Whether
used indoors or out, Tough Sonic sensors can take abuse. Solid state electronic components are epoxy
potted into stainless steel housings, and there are no mechanical parts to break. IEC compliant electrical
interfaces are protected from reversed connections and over-voltages. These distance measurement
sensors connect with all common types of automation and telemetry equipment. Applications range
from simple analog connections to sophisticated multi-sensor data networks. Our sensors are cost
effective because flexible connectivity is embedded in the sensor’s software – power that you can
unlock with the SenixVIEW PC software included with every sensor. Push-button “teach” is also
included in many models.
Types of Relay
All the relay has three essential elements. These elements are measured element, comparing element
and controlling element. Measured element measured the change in the actuating quantity, whereas
comparing element compare the actuating quantity on the relay with a preselected relay setting. The
controlling element manages a sudden change in the controlled quantity such as the closing of the
current operative circuit. Relays may be classified on the basis of the electrical quantity (actuated by the
voltage, current, power, etc.); the mechanical quantity (actuated by pressure, the velocity of outflow of
a liquid gas or gas, etc.,) and thermal quantity( actuated by heating effect) optical, acoustical, and other
types of relays. The electrical protective relay can be broad, classified into two categories (i)
Electromagnetic Relay and (ii) Static Relay. According to the principle of operation and construction, the
relay may be classified such as the electromagnetic attraction type, electromagnetic induction type,
electrodynamic type, moving coil type, electro-thermal type, physics electric type, and static relays.

Function
Relays are switches that open and close circuits electromechanically or electronically. Relays control one
electrical circuit by opening and closing contacts in another circuit. As relay diagrams show, when a relay
contact is normally open (NO), there is an open contact when the relay is not energized. When a relay
contact is Normally Closed (NC), there is a closed contact when the relay is not energized. In either case,
applying electrical current to the contacts will change their state. Relays are generally used to switch
smaller currents in a control circuit and do not usually control power consuming devices except for small
motors and Solenoids that draw low amps. Nonetheless, relays can "control" larger voltages and
amperes by having an amplifying effect because a small voltage applied to a relays coil can result in a
large voltage being switched by the contacts. Protective relays can prevent equipment damage by
detecting electrical abnormalities, including overcurrent, undercurrent, overloads and reverse currents.
In addition, relays are also widely used to switch starting coils, heating elements, pilot lights and audible
alarms.

Motor Starters
A magnetic motor starter is an electromagnetically operated device that starts and stops a
connected motor load. Magnetic starters consist of an electrical contactor and an overload
which provides protection in case of a sudden loss of power.

Function
The primary function of a motor starter is to start and stop the motor to which it is connected.
These are specially designed electromechanical switches similar to relays. The main difference
between a relay and a starter is that a starter contains overload protection for the motor. So the
purpose of the starter is twofold, i.e., to switch the power automatically or manually to a motor
and at the same time protect the motor from overload or faults. Motor starters are available in
different ratings and sizes depending on the motor (AC motor) rating and size. These starters
safely switch the necessary power to the motor and also prevent the motor from drawing heavy
currents.