Limit switches and position sensors
Our plastic limit switches and metal limit switches as well as our inductive, capacitive or magnetic sensors have been specifically developed for safety monitoring and position detection under various conditions. Our product portfolio covers all areas, from confined spaces to dirty but also damp environments.
Position switches and position sensors are typically used to monitor doors, flaps or bonnets, to detect the position of moving machine parts and to monitor the end position of components.
For more safety in everyday life: limit switches and position sensors
BERNSTEIN limit switches and position sensors are available in numerous designs. Thanks to a large selection of different actuators and designs as well as the choice between a plastic or metal housing, they can be used in almost any application.
Not only because of this diversity, position switches are used in a wide range of industries, including the automotive industry and agricultural engineering.
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
Position switches
With plastic housing
Plastic-encapsulated limit switches fulfil protection class 2 and are also resistant to many aggressive chemicals and liquids.
Condensation in humid environments with strong temperature fluctuations is greatly reduced with plastic enclosures.
Position switches
With metal housing
Metal-encapsulated limit switches can withstand high mechanical stresses.
They can also be used where hot chips and sparks are produced and are resistant to many solvents as well as cleaning agents.
Position switches
With safety function
Over time, the areas of application for limit switches and sensors have changed.
While they were initially mainly used to detect end positions, they are increasingly taking on functions aimed at protecting people and production goods; for example, whether a safety gate is fully closed.
