
**What is a proximity sensor?** A proximity sensor is a non-contact component designed to detect the presence or absence of an object without physical contact. It offers a valuable solution for working with delicate or unstable objects. Proximity sensors have key features and benefits, including motion detection of metallic and non-metallic objects, wide temperature range (-50°C to 100°C), high-speed motion sensing without contact, usability in applications with oil or water, and quicker response times compared to contactors. You can find out more on our useful [guide to proximity sensors](https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/proximity-sensors-guide).

There are various types of proximity sensors suitable for different applications. They operate based on a universal working principle and transmit data about object presence or motion via an electrical signal when the object is within the sensor's range. Here are some common types:

- **Infrared Sensors (IR Sensor):** Infrared sensors consist of passive infrared sensors (PIR) and active infrared sensors. PIR sensors utilize pyroelectric infrared sensors in a magnetic lens, which detect changes in the signal between them. Active IR sensors employ an IR LED that emits an infrared beam to an infrared receiver, detecting obstacles that block the infrared radiation.
- **Inductive Proximity Sensors:** Inductive proximity sensors generate an electromagnetic field through an oscillating circuit. Any ferrous metal object, including aluminium, copper, brass, and iron, triggers a change in the oscillation, indicating its presence.
- **Capacitive Proximity Sensors:** Capacitive sensors can detect various shapes and materials, even through non-metallic walls. They are suitable for use with non-ferrous materials and find applications in close-range tasks like level detection and monitoring.
- **Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors:** Ultrasonic sensors emit and receive high-frequency sound waves that can be reflected or absorbed by objects within their range. These sensors are ideal for high-speed and long-distance measurements, such as wind speed, fluid level, and speed through air or water.
- **Magnetic Proximity Sensors:** Magnetic proximity sensors measure the presence or absence of an object using an external magnetic field. The sensor's reed switch is operated by a magnet, activating the sensor when the reed switch is turned ON.

Proximity sensors are widely used in various industries and applications. They find application in automation systems, robotics, industrial manufacturing, security systems, mobile devices, and more. Proximity sensors enhance safety, efficiency, and accuracy in processes involving object detection, motion sensing, level monitoring, and presence verification.



Proximity Sensors

Sensors

Automation & Control Gear

Electrical, Automation & Cables

Automation Signalling

Contactors & Auxiliary Contacts

Electric Motors

Industrial Robots

PLCs, HMIs & Industrial Computing

Process Control

Solenoids

Cables & Wires

AV Cables

Cable Glands & Fittings

Cable Joints & Cable Sleeving

Cable Management

Cable Ties & Fixings

Computer Cables

Electrical Power & Industrial Cables

Networking & Coaxial Cables

Single Core Cable

Wire to Board Cables & Ribbon Cable

Enclosures & Server Racks

19-Inch Racking

Enclosures

Enclosures & Racking Components

Fuses & Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breakers

Earth & Lightning Protection

Fuse Holders & Accessories

Fuses

HVAC, Fans & Thermal Management

Air Conditioning & Fans

Air Conditioning & Heating Accessories

Building Automation

Electronics Heating & Cooling Components

Fan Accessories

Heaters & Radiators

Lighting

Light Bulbs, Lamps & Tubes

Light Fittings, Fixtures & Luminaires

Lighting Components

Torches & Inspection Lamps

Relays & Signal Conditioning

Relay Accessories

Relays

Signal Conditioners & Isolators

Switches

Capacitive, Magnetic and Piezo Switches

DIP & Rotary Encoded Switches

Domestic Installation Switches

Foot Switches & Components

Joysticks & Components

Key Switches & Selector Switches

Keyboard & Keypad Switches

Limit & Position Switches

Micro Switches & Detector Switches

Push Button Switches & Components

Rocker Switches & Components

Rope Pull Switches & Components

Rotary Switches & Components

Safety Enabling & Control Switches

Safety Interlock Switches & Components

Switch Disconnectors & Components

Toggle Switches & Slide Switches

Electronic Components, Power & Connectors

Batteries & Chargers

Battery & Charger Accessories

Battery Chargers & Power Banks

Non-Rechargeable Batteries

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Connectors

AV Connectors

Automotive Electrical Connectors

Backplane & Rack Connectors

Circular Connectors

IC Sockets & Adapters

Mains & DC Power Connectors

Network & Telecom Connectors

PCB Connectors & Wire Housings

Power Connectors

RF Coaxial Connectors & Adapters

Terminal Blocks

USB, D Sub & Computing Connectors

Wire Terminals & Splices

Displays & Optoelectronics

Display Modules

Fibre Optic Components

Indicators & Indicator Components

LED Lighting Components

LEDs - Light Emitting Diodes

Laser Modules & Components

Optocouplers & Photodetectors

ESD Control, Cleanroom & PCB Prototyping

ESD Control & Clean Room

PCB Etching, Preparation & Developing

PCB Handling

PCB Spacers, Pillars & Supports

PCB Tools

Prototyping Boards

Passive Components

Antennas

Capacitors

Crystals, Oscillators & Resonators

EMI Filters & Protection

Fixed Resistors

Inductors

Passive Components Kits

Rotary Encoders

Sounder, Buzzer & Microphone Components

Surge Protection Components

Variable Resistors

Power Supplies & Transformers

Power Supplies

Renewable Energy

Transformers

Voltage Converters

Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ROCK, STEM Education & Development Tools

Arduino Shop

BBC micro:bit Shop

Development Tools & Single Board Computers

ROCK SBC Shop

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STEM Education

Semiconductors

Amplifiers & Comparators

Audio & Video ICs

Chip Programmers & Debuggers

Clock, Timing & Frequency ICs

Communication & Wireless Module ICs

Data Converters

Discrete Semiconductors

Interface ICs

Logic ICs

Memory Chips

Power Management ICs

Processors & Microcontrollers

Programmable Logic ICs

Sensor ICs

Mechanical, Fluid Power & Tools

Access, Storage & Material Handling

Ladders & Steps

Material Lifting & Loading Equipment

Storage & Shelving

Transit & Equipment Cases

Trucks, Trolleys & Lifting Tables

Adhesives, Sealants & Tapes

Adhesive, Sealant & Tape Dispensers

Adhesives & Glues

Sealants & Resins

Tapes

Bearings & Seals

Gaskets, Seals & Packings

Linear Motion

Rotary Bearings & Housing Units

Engineering Materials & Industrial Hardware

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Carbon Fibre & Felt Sheets

Castors & Wheels

Ceramic Materials

Channel Support Systems

Conveyor Components

Insulation Materials

Knobs, Levers & Handles

Metal Materials

Plastic & Rubber Materials

Polishing & Finishing

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Fasteners & Fixings

Clips & Springs

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Nails & Rivets

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Hand Tools

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Hammers & Demolition

Knives, Scissors & Saws

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Pliers & Cutters

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Screwdrivers, Hex & Torx Keys

Spanners, Sockets & Wrenches

Specialist Tools

Staplers & Riveters

Threading Tools

Tool Kits & Tool Storage

Mechanical Power Transmission

Belts & Pulleys

Brakes & Clutches

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