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Difference Between Limit Switch and Proximity Sensor

Limit switches are contact devices used to control mechanical movement by detecting positions, while proximity sensors are non-contact devices that detect the presence of objects without physical contact. Limit switches have a shorter lifespan due to internal contacts and are used for one-directional position detection, whereas proximity sensors offer longer life and are better for two-way detection. Both devices play crucial roles in industrial automation, with limit switches often preventing collisions and enabling repetitive motion in machinery.

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96 views2 pages

Difference Between Limit Switch and Proximity Sensor

Limit switches are contact devices used to control mechanical movement by detecting positions, while proximity sensors are non-contact devices that detect the presence of objects without physical contact. Limit switches have a shorter lifespan due to internal contacts and are used for one-directional position detection, whereas proximity sensors offer longer life and are better for two-way detection. Both devices play crucial roles in industrial automation, with limit switches often preventing collisions and enabling repetitive motion in machinery.

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vivekpawar1106
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Difference between Limit Switch and

Proximity Sensor
Limit switch
Limit switch is used to limit the position or stroke of the mechanical movement, so that the
machine automatically stops, reverses, changes speed or automatically moves back and forth
according to a certain position or stroke. It can be installed on relatively stationary objects (such
as fixed mount or door frames) or moving objects (such as travelling crane, door, etc.). When the
object is close to the stationary object, the lever of the limit switch drives the switch contacts
open or close. According to the change of the contacts open/close state, the system can control
the action of the circuit and machine.

Proximity sensor
Proximity sensor can be also called non-contact limit switch. It can not only complete the stroke
control and limit protection, but also realize non-contact detection. It is used to detect the size of
parts, speed, or used in frequency conversion counter, frequency conversion pulse generator,
liquid level control and automatic connection of processing programs. Proximity sensor is a
devise that "perceives" the object approaching it. This perception distance is usually called the
"detection distance". The ability to respond to continuous detection objects is called the
"response frequency". Different proximity sensors have different detection distances and
response frequencies.

The difference between limit switch and proximity sensor:

1. Proximity sensors are non-contact switches with a long life and are suitable for passing
objects. Limit switches are contact switches. Due to the internal contacts, the working life
is relatively shorter.
2. Limit switches are used for position detection in one direction. For two-way position
detection, using a proximity sensor is better.
3. Use limit switch for protection function. Use a proximity sensor to detect when an object
passes a certain point.
4. The limit switch usually has 1 NO + 1 NC contacts. Generally only one group of contacts
is used, so there are 2 wires. Proximity sensors generally adopt 2-wire, 3-wire and 4-wire,
so they have more wires than limit switches. Some proximity sensors have to confirm it is
PNP or NPN based on the connected equipment.

The real use of the limit switch is in industry. It cooperates with other devices to form more
complex automation equipments.
There are many such limit switches on the machine tool, which are used to control the movement
of the workpiece or the stroke of the automatic feed to avoid collision accidents. Sometimes the
limit switch is used to make the controlled object automatic reverse between two specified
positions, so as to obtain continuous reciprocating motion.
For example, when the automatic feeding dolly reaches the destination and touches the roller
lever limit switch, the dumping device is power on. After dumping all the material, the dolly
returns to the starting point. When the dolly reaches the starting point and touches the limit
switch, the loading device is power on and automatic loading material. And that cycle repeats it
will become a set of automatic production line. Without human management, it can work around
the clock and save human physical labor.

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