Fork Sensors | McMaster-Carr

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34 Products

Choosing a Proximity Switch

Fork Shown Mounted

Angle Shown Mounted

These switches have a transmitter and receiver built into the housing, eliminating the need to align components and measure sensing distance during installation. They detect an object moving at high speeds when it passes between the light source and receiver. They produce PNP or NPN signal output; to determine the signal output of a switch you are replacing, use Testers for Proximity and Photoelectric Switches (not included). Adjust the intensity of the light beam to better detect shiny or translucent objects. All have a plug that connects to cables with a socket (sold separately), allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect the switch.

These switches meet American, Canadian, and European safety standards. They’re rated IP67 for protection from dust and temporary submersion.

Fork switches, also known as slot sensors, have a receiver and transmitter that directly face each other. They only work with components that fit between the transmitter and receiver. Those with a laser beam have a narrower light beam than those with an LED beam, making them best for detecting small objects.

Angle switches have a receiver and transmitter that are at a right angle. Use them to detect objects that are too large to fit through fork switches, such as boxes.

Switches with an IO link connect to a programmable logic controller (PLC), so you can remotely change your settings, view measurements, and receive error messages from your PC. You need an IO link controller to connect. If you already have a controller, you must add IO link software. If you don’t, you’ll need IO link software with a configuration module, which includes a controller and cables.

Switches with PNP/NPN signal output automatically produce the type of signal output that is needed based on the device they are connected to.

To view switch wiring diagrams, select a part number and click Product Detail.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Switches

Fork

Angle

Fork

Angle

3-Pole
Nano
M8 Plug

4-Pole
Micro
M12 Plug

								Inside
Light Beam Switch Operation	Max. Sensing Distance, mm	Min. Object Size Detected, mm	Plug Type	Input Voltage	Current Output	Signal Output Type	Communication Protocol	Lg., mm	Ht., mm	Lg., mm	Wd., mm	Ht., mm	Housing Material	Temp. Range, °F	Specifications Met		Each
Fork Shape
Receiver Switch with Infrared LED Light Beam
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	10	0.2	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	PNP/NPN	IO Link	17	10	45	10	25	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	0000000
Receiver Switch with Visible Laser Light Beam
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	30	0.05	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	PNP/NPN	IO Link	35	30	60	10	50	Powder Coated Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	00000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	50	0.05	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	PNP/NPN	IO Link	55	50	80	10	70	Powder Coated Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	00000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	80	0.05	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	PNP/NPN	IO Link	55	80	80	10	100	Powder Coated Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	00000000	000000
Receiver Switch with Visible LED Light Beam
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	20	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	PNP	IO Link	25	20	50	10	40	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	20	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	NPN	IO Link	25	20	50	10	40	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	30	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	PNP	IO Link	35	30	60	10	50	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	30	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	NPN	IO Link	35	30	60	10	50	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	50	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	PNP	IO Link	55	50	80	10	70	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	50	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	NPN	IO Link	55	50	80	10	70	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	80	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	PNP	IO Link	55	80	80	10	100	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	80	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	NPN	IO Link	55	80	80	10	100	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	120	0.5	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	PNP	IO Link	60	120	90	12	144	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	120	0.5	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-35V DC	100mA	NPN	IO Link	60	120	90	12	144	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	0000000	000000
Angle Shape
Receiver Switch with Infrared LED Light Beam
On When Object Absent	40	0.3	4-Pole Micro M12	10V DC-35V DC	200mA	PNP	__	31	50	83	10	60	Zinc	15° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	00000000	000000
Receiver Switch with Visible LED Light Beam
On When Object Absent	60	0.3	4-Pole Micro M12	10V DC-35V DC	200mA	PNP	__	54	55	106	10	65	Zinc	15° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	00000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	60	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	PNP	IO Link	50	50	75	10	75	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	00000000	000000
On When Object Absent, On When Object Present	100	0.3	3-Pole Nano M8	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	PNP	IO Link	80	80	105	10	105	Anodized Zinc	-10° to 140°	UL Listed, C-UL Listed, CE Marked	00000000	000000

Cable with 3-Pole Nano M8 Socket	0000000	Each	000000
Cable with 4-Pole Micro M12 Socket	0000000	Each	00000

Slot DC Metallic-Object Proximity Switches

These inductive proximity switches sense metallic objects each time they pass through the slot, even when they’re obscured by water, oil, dirt, or a surface finish. Use them to measure the speed of rotating equipment and to count or detect moving objects, such as sheet metal being fed into a stamping process. Send their signal to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to support automated processes within your system. Switches are UL and C-UL listed, CE marked, and CSA certified, meeting strict domestic and international safety requirements. They’re also rated IP67 to protect against dust, washdowns, and temporary submersion.

To view switch wiring diagrams, select a part number and click Product Detail.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

	Inside
Switch Starting Position	Lg., mm	Ht., mm	Signal Output Type	Switching Frequency	Input Voltage	Current Output	No. of Wire Leads	Lg., mm	Wd., mm	Ht., mm	Circuit Protection	Wire Lead Lg., ft.	Cable Lead Lg., ft.	Cable OD	Temp. Range, °F	Environmental Rating		Each
Plastic Housing
With Wire Leads
1 Off (Normally Open)	10	3.5	PNP	3 kHz	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	3	15	10	19	Reverse Polarity	1 1/2	__	__	-10° to 155°	IP67	0000000	000000
1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)	10	3.5	PNP	3 kHz	10V DC-30V DC	100mA	4	15	10	19	Reverse Polarity	__	1 1/2	0.12"	-10° to 185°	IP67	0000000	00000
1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)	80	30	PNP	150 Hz	10V DC-30V DC	200mA	4	110	51	84	Reverse Polarity	__	6 1/2	0.27"	-10° to 155°	IP67	0000000	000000

Hazardous Location Slot DC Metallic-Object Proximity Switches

Commonly used to measure the speed of motors and other rotating equipment in the oil and gas industry, chemical plants, and grain mills, these switches detect objects each time they pass through the slot. Switches are intrinsically safe and produce a low-current, low-voltage NAMUR signal, so they won’t ignite or create sparks while being used. ATEX and IECEx certified, they meet international standards to protect against explosion in environments containing flammable gases and combustible dust. Prior to use, these switches must be connected to the required barriers (sold separately), which reduce the current and voltage coming from your power source. Unlike the switches, barriers must be installed in a separate nonhazardous area.

Also known as inductive proximity switches, they sense metallic objects even when they’re obscured by water, oil, dirt, or a surface finish. Send their signal to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to support automated processes within your system. Switches meet various national and international safety standards, and they’re rated IP67 to protect against dust, washdowns, and temporary submersion.

To view switch wiring diagrams, select a part number and click Product Detail.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Switch

	Inside
Switch Starting Position	Lg., mm	Ht., mm	Signal Output Type	Switching Frequency	Input Voltage	Current Output	No. of Wire Leads	Lg., mm	Wire Lead Lg., ft.	Cable Lead Lg., ft.	Cable OD	Temp. Range, °F	Environmental Rating		Each
Plastic Housing
With Wire Leads
1 On (Normally Closed)	10	3.5	NAMUR	3 kHz	5V DC-25V DC	10mA	2	15	1 1/2	__	__	-10° to 210°	IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP67	0000000	0000000
1 On (Normally Closed)	32	10	NAMUR	1 kHz	5V DC-25V DC	10mA	2	45	__	6 1/2	0.24"	-10° to 210°	IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP67	0000000	000000

Barriers

Barrier

	Inputs				Outputs
Operating Voltage	Voltage	Current	No. of	Signal Type	Current	No. of	Signal Type	Switching Frequency	Environmental Rating		Each
Plastic Housing
115V AC	10V DC	8mA	1	NAMUR	2 A @ 253 V AC 2 A @ 40 V DC 4 A @ 126 V AC	1	Relay	10 Hz	Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP20	0000000	0000000
24V DC	10V DC	8mA	1	NAMUR	0.05 A @ 24 V DC	2	Transistor	5 kHz	Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP20	0000000	000000

Cut-to-Length Level Switches for Conductive Liquids

Switch With Two Probes

Relay

Cut the probes on these switches to fit the size of your tank. They’re designed to use the properties of conductive liquid for operation, and actuate when conductive liquid reaches the probes to close the circuit. Do not use in flammable liquids. Mount them vertically through the top of your tank.

Switches with two probes detect one level change.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Level Switches
Probes															Replacement Probes
No. of	Lg.	Pipe Size	Thread Type	Gender	Max. Pressure	Temp. Range, °F	Switch Starting Position	Industry Designation	Current	Electrical Connection	Includes	Specifications Met		Each		Each
120V AC Input Voltage
Aluminum Body
2	12"	2	NPT	Male	250 psi @ 70° F	-40° to 150°	1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	SPDT	10 A @ 120 V AC	Screw Terminals	Relay	UL Listed, CSA Certified	00000000	0000000	000000000	000000
2	18"	2	NPT	Male	250 psi @ 70° F	-40° to 150°	1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	SPDT	10 A @ 120 V AC	Screw Terminals	Relay	UL Listed, CSA Certified	00000000	00000000	000000000	000000
2	24"	2	NPT	Male	250 psi @ 70° F	-40° to 150°	1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	SPDT	10 A @ 120 V AC	Screw Terminals	Relay	UL Listed, CSA Certified	00000000	000000	000000000	000000
2	36"	2	NPT	Male	250 psi @ 70° F	-40° to 150°	1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	SPDT	10 A @ 120 V AC	Screw Terminals	Relay	UL Listed, CSA Certified	00000000	00000000	000000000	000000

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Choosing a Proximity Switch

Easy-Install Photoelectric Switches

Slot DC Metallic-Object Proximity Switches

Hazardous Location Slot DC Metallic-Object Proximity Switches

Cut-to-Length Level Switches for Conductive Liquids