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Inductive Sensors for Actuators and Automated Valves

Accurate Position Monitoring with IFM Inductive Sensors

Inductive sensors are essential components for non-contact position monitoring in industrial valve systems. They reliably detect the end positions of butterfly valves and ball valves and transmit precise feedback to pneumatic or electric actuators. Thanks to their robust housing, high protection rating and resistance to dust, moisture and vibration, they are ideally suited for demanding industrial environments.

The range includes proven models such as the IFT 206 for secure position feedback, the IFM IN5334 dual sensor with simple three-screw mounting, and the IN5327 designed specifically for rotary actuators. For NAMUR applications, the NN5008 offers maximum reliability, while the IN5225 combines fast installation with a highly durable design. These IFM inductive dual sensors provide long service life and low-maintenance performance in automation systems.

We also supply fully automated valve assemblies – pneumatic or electric – including Namur solenoid valves, limit switch boxes (Switchmaster) and inductive sensors. Each unit is professionally assembled and tested to ensure a ready-to-install and process-safe solution.

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Inductive sensors for valve actuators – contactless position and state monitoring for industrial actuators
SUBCATEGORIES
Magnetventile-Namurventile-Navi
Solenoid Valves
5/2- und 3/2-Wegeventil
Endschalter-box-Switch-master-Navi
Switchmaster
IP67 ATEX, Multispannung, Switchmaster M2, D2, N2
Pneumatic actuators for industrial valves – double‑acting and single‑acting with ISO5211 interface
Pneumatic Actuators
doppeltwirkend und einfachwirkend, 90° schwenkend, ISO Flansch 5211, einfachwirkend option: Federkraft öffnend(NO) Federkraft schließend(NC)
elektrisch-J4C
Electric Part-Turn Actuator
J4C Typen Standard, Stellungsregler, BSR Akkupack, Stellungsregler + Akkupack, Drehmoment 10Nm - 300Nm, Befestigung in Standard und auf Anfrage (9mm - 22mm), Spannung 24V - 230V - 240V
Automatisierte Absperrklappe, Die Absperrklappe ist mit einem pneumatischen Stellantrieb, einem Endschalterkasten und einem Namurventil ausgestattet.
Valves
Armaturen  aus dem Hause FERGO!  Armaturen automatisch steuern? kein Problem! Unsere Kugelhähne und Absperrklappen lassen sich über einen Antrieb extern steuern. Egal ob Sie eine pneumatischen Steuerung (einfa

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IFM IN 5327 Inductive double sensor electronic for part-turn actuators
Product number
Copy to clipboard 710-1100
IFM Inductive double sensor IN5327 for rotary actuatorsCuboid housing, switching distance 4mm, non-flush mountable, electrical version PNP, operating voltage 10...36 V DC, current consumption 15mA (24V), output function 2x NO contact, plug connection 1x M12; contacts gold-plated, housing PBT, display: 2x LED, yellow (switching status), ambient temperature: -25°C...+80°C, protection class IP67
Price €84.88
€101.01 incl. VAT
Delivery Time: in stock
Available: In Stock
IFM IFT206 Inductive sensor M12 10-36 DC Use in the food industry
Product number
Copy to clipboard 710-2060
Inductive sensor IFT 206 for pneumatic knife-gate valveSpecial feature Increased switching distance, Application Regular cleaning processes, IFB3004BBPKG/M/V4A/6M/WH, Metal thread M12x1, Switching distance 4mm; [b] flush mountable, Electrical version PNP, Output function: normally open, Operating voltage: 10-36 V DC, Ambient temperature 0°C  to 100°C, Protection class: IP 68; IP 69K; ( COP ), Connection cable. UL approval
Logo Product:
Fire Safe
Logo Product:
CE
Price €68.02
€80.94 incl. VAT
Delivery Time: in stock
Available: In Stock
IFM NN 5008 Inductive double sensor electronic for rotary actuators ATEX
Product number
Copy to clipboard 710-1103
IFM NAMUR Inductive double sensor NN5008 for rotary actuatorsConnection to certified intrinsically safe circuits (maximum values U=15V; I=50mA; P=120mW), ATEX marking: Ex ia, Electrical design: NAMUR, Output function: 2x NC contact Switching distance: 4mm, cannot be installed flush, Housing: cuboid, Nominal voltage: 8.2V DC (1k?),  Supply voltage: 7.5...15V DC, Current consumption: < 1mA; (blocking; conducting: > 2.1mA), Plug connection 1x M12, Housing: PBT Cover: PC Display: 2x LED, yellow (switching status), Ambient temperature: -20°C...+80°C, Protection class: IP67
Price €69.70
€80.74 incl. VAT
Delivery Time: in stock
Available: In Stock
IFM IN 5334 Inductive double sensor Actuator connection electronic for quarter-turn actuators IP67
Product number
Copy to clipboard 710-1101
IFM IN5334 Dual sensor with actuator connectionHousing: rectangular, Switching distance: 4mm, Non-flush mount, Electrical version: PNP, Operating voltage: 10...36 V DC, current consumption: 20mA (36V), output function: 2x NO contacts, plug connection, Rd24x1/8, 6-pin + M12 plug connection 5-pin, mounting according to ISO 5211 (VDI/VDE 3845), material: PBT, PC display: 2x LED, yellow (switching status), ambient temperature: -25°C...+80°C, protection class: IP67
Price €192.39
€228.94 incl. VAT
Delivery Time: in stock
Available: In Stock
IFM IN 5225 Inductive double sensor electronic for part-turn actuators
Product number
Copy to clipboard 710-1102
IFM Inductive double sensor IN5225 for rotary actuatorsHousing made of cuboid, switching distance 4mm, cannot be installed flush, 3-wire, DC PNP, operating voltage: 10...36 V DC, current consumption 15mA, output function: 2x NO contact, plug connection 1x M12; contacts: gold-plated, housing PBT, display: 2x LED, yellow (switching status), ambient temperature: -25°C...+80°C, protection class: IP67
Price €78.47
€93.38 incl. VAT
Delivery Time: in stock
Available: In Stock

Frequently Asked Questions – Inductive Sensors for Part-Turn Actuators

An inductive sensor for part-turn actuators is a non-contact proximity switch that detects the end position of an automated valve (OPEN / CLOSED) without any mechanical contact and reports it as an electrical signal to the control system (PLC/DCS). The operating principle:
  • Inductive effect: A coil inside the sensor head generates a high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field. When a metallic object (the cam disc on the actuator or a dedicated target flag) enters the sensing field, it damps the oscillating circuit – the sensor switches contactlessly to its active or inactive state
  • Dual sensor: Most FERGO variants (IN5225, IN5327, IN5334, NN5008) are designed as dual sensors – two switching elements in one housing for simultaneous detection of both end positions (OPEN and CLOSED) with a single device
  • Contactless operation: No mechanical contact between sensor and actuating element → no wear, no contact corrosion, no arcing; virtually unlimited switching life
  • Self-cleaning: Since there are no moving parts in the sensing zone, dirt, dust, or liquid cannot settle on critical contact surfaces
  • Output signal: Depending on model: PNP transistor output (10–36V DC, NO contact) or NAMUR current signal (7.5–15V DC, 2-wire, for Ex ia intrinsic safety)
FERGO's inductive sensors are specifically designed for use on pneumatic and electric part-turn actuators for quarter-turn process valves.
FERGO stocks five IFM sensor models covering different mounting requirements, switching principles, and protection ratings:

IFM IN5225 – Inductive dual sensor, PNP, standard:
  • Housing: cuboid PBT; switching distance: 4mm, non-flush; electrical version: PNP, 3-wire; operating voltage: 10–36V DC; output: 2× NO; connector: 1× M12; protection: IP67; temperature: −25°C to +80°C; contacts: gold-plated
  • Use: Standard part-turn actuators; 24V DC PLC systems; M12 fieldbus connector plants
IFM IN5327 – Inductive dual sensor, PNP, current standard model:
  • Identical core data to IN5225 (cuboid PBT, 4mm, PNP, 10–36V DC, 2× NO, M12, IP67, −25°C to +80°C, gold contacts, 2× yellow LED); current production model with LED status indicator; current consumption 15mA at 24V
  • Use: Preferred standard choice for all new installations; ball valves, butterfly valves, plug valves with pneumatic or electric part-turn actuator
IFM IN5334 – Dual sensor with actuator connection, ISO 5211:
  • Housing: cuboid PBT/PC; switching distance: 4mm, non-flush; PNP; 10–36V DC; current consumption: 20mA at 36V; 2× NO; connectors: Rd24×1/8, 6-pin + M12, 5-pin; mounting per ISO 5211 / VDI/VDE 3845; protection: IP67; temperature: −25°C to +80°C
  • Use: Direct mounting to ISO 5211 hole pattern without adapter plate; plants with Rd24 device connector on actuator; 3-screw quick installation; preferred for new installations with an integrated ISO 5211 automation concept
IFM NN5008 – NAMUR dual sensor, ATEX Ex ia (Zone 1/2/21/22):
  • Housing: cuboid PBT/PC; switching distance: 4mm, non-flush; electrical version: NAMUR, 2-wire; nominal voltage: 8.2V DC (1kΩ); supply: 7.5–15V DC; output current: blocked <1mA, conducting >2.1mA; connector: 1× M12; protection: IP67; temperature: −20°C to +80°C
  • ATEX: Ex ia; intrinsic safety limits: U=15V / I=50mA / P=120mW; Li=130μH; Ci=140nF; Category II 1G/2G + 1D; suitable for Zone 1, 2, 21, 22
  • Use: All hazardous areas; ATEX Zone 1 gas and Zone 21 dust; evaluation via NAMUR Zener barrier or galvanic isolator; NAMUR-compatible PLC input evaluation
IFM IFT206 – Single sensor M12, IP68/IP69K, for knife gate valves / food industry:
  • Housing: threaded type M12×1, L=50mm, stainless steel thread; switching distance: 4mm, flush-mountable; PNP, NO; operating voltage: 10–36V DC; current consumption: 10mA at 24V; cable: 6m fixed; protection: IP68 + IP69K (COP-rated – Cleaning-Out-of-Place with high-pressure steam jet); temperature: 0°C to +100°C
  • Characteristic: Increased sensing range; flush-mountable; designed for regular cleaning processes (CIP/COP)
  • Use: Knife gate valves (linear stroke, one IFT206 per end position OPEN and CLOSED); food, beverage, and pharmaceutical plants with high-pressure cleaning; applications with heavy contamination and moisture; wherever IP67 of standard sensors is insufficient
Both solutions perform the same core function (electrical OPEN/CLOSED position feedback to the PLC), but differ in construction, mounting approach, and optimal use cases:

Inductive sensor (IFM IN5xxx / NN5xxx / IFT206):
  • Mounting: Directly on the actuator housing or ISO 5211 hole pattern; most compact solution; no separate housing with cam shaft required
  • Actuating element: Cam disc on the actuator or dedicated target flag; contactless switching
  • Wear: No mechanical wear; virtually unlimited service life with correct installation
  • Visual indicator: LED status indicator on the sensor only (visible at short range); no large-format position display like the Switchmaster
  • ATEX suitability: NN5008 for Zone 1/21 (Ex ia); IFT206 for non-ATEX areas with high-pressure cleaning
  • Preferred for: Plants with a uniform inductive sensor concept throughout; IO-Link-capable PLC systems; high switching frequency; space-saving requirements; food/pharma (IFT206)
Limit switch box (Switchmaster):
  • Mounting: On NAMUR hole pattern of actuator; own housing with adjustable cam shaft (0–90°)
  • Actuating element: Internal cam disc, mechanically adjustable → precise switching point setting possible in the installed state
  • Visual indicator: Large-format, clearly visible red/green position display bar – readable from several metres; ideal for site walks and commissioning
  • Switching principle: Mechanical (M2: microswitch, 4V–250V AC, change-over), inductive PNP (D2), or NAMUR (N2, ATEX)
  • Preferred for: Requirement for a clearly visible position indicator; wide voltage range (mechanical up to 250V AC); change-over contacts (NO + NC in one device); straightforward field adjustment of switching points
Bottom line: Both solutions are equally valid for PLC position feedback. The inductive sensor is the more compact, wear-free solution for new 24V DC installations; the limit switch box is the more flexible solution with a large visual position indicator and wider voltage range.
PNP and NAMUR describe two fundamentally different output principles for inductive sensors:

PNP sensor (IN5225, IN5327, IN5334, IFT206):
  • Output: Transistor output (PNP); in the active state, the sensor connects the positive supply rail to the output pin (normally open / NO)
  • Voltage: 10–36V DC; typically 24V DC in PLC installations; output pin supplies up to 100–200mA directly into the PLC input terminal
  • Connection: 3-wire (V+, output, GND); direct connection to PLC PNP digital input; no evaluation unit required
  • ATEX: Standard PNP sensors are not intrinsically safe; they can be used in Zone 2/22 with a suitable Ex enclosure (Ex e, Ex d), but not in Zone 1/21 without an intrinsic safety concept
  • When to use: All standard 24V DC PLC installations without ATEX Zone 1/21 requirement
NAMUR sensor (NN5008):
  • Output: 2-wire current signal per EN 60947-5-6; no transistor output; the sensor modulates its own quiescent current: undamped (no metal in field): >2.1mA (switch open) / damped (metal in field): <1mA (switch closed)
  • Voltage: Nominal 8.2V DC; supply range 7.5–15V DC; from certified intrinsically safe circuit (Zener barrier or galvanic isolator)
  • Connection: 2-wire; evaluation via NAMUR-compatible evaluation unit or PLC NAMUR input card; evaluation unit generates the 24V DC PLC-compatible digital signal
  • ATEX: Ex ia – intrinsic safety; since all energy stored in the sensor (Li ≤130μH, Ci ≤140nF) and the maximum operating energy (U ≤15V, I ≤50mA, P ≤120mW) are well below the ignition limits for gas group IIC, the sensor can be used in Zone 1 and Zone 21
  • When to use: All ATEX Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust); plants with NAMUR signal circuits and Ex ia supply
Rule of thumb: PNP = standard 24V DC, no ATEX Zone 1. NAMUR = intrinsic safety Ex ia, Zone 1/21, evaluation via barrier/isolator.
The IFM IFT206 is a single inductive sensor in a stainless steel M12×1 threaded housing, specifically designed for applications with regular cleaning processes and extreme moisture exposure – and the preferred sensor for knife gate valves and slide gates in the FERGO range:

Technical features compared to the dual sensors (IN5xxx):
  • Housing form: Threaded type M12×1, 50mm length (cylindrical, flush-mountable) – can be fully recessed into a bore so that no part protrudes above the mounting surface; significantly more resistant to mechanical damage than cuboid housings
  • Flush-mountable: No lateral shielding of the sensing face required; more flexible installation in confined spaces
  • Protection class IP68: Submersion-proof (pressure water resistance beyond the IP67 rating); the sensor withstands continuous immersion depth and pressurised water ingress
  • Protection class IP69K: COP-rated (Cleaning Out of Place); the sensor withstands high-pressure steam jets up to approx. 80°C at 80 bar from 10–15cm distance – the most severe cleaning condition in food processing plants
  • Temperature range 0°C to +100°C: Suitable for hot water and steam cleaning processes (the PBT housing variants of the IN5xxx dual sensors are limited to +80°C)
  • Stainless steel M12×1 thread: Corrosion-resistant; EHEDG-compliant for food contact areas; cleaning-optimised surface
  • Connection: 6m fixed cable (no connector – no additional leak point)
Main applications for IFT206: Knife gate valves and slide gates (linear stroke → one IFT206 per end position OPEN and CLOSED); food and beverage industry; pharmaceutical plants; breweries; dairies; sugar industry; slaughterhouses; everywhere high-pressure steam cleaning or CIP/COP processes take place and the IP67 of standard sensors is insufficient.
Mounting the FERGO inductive sensors varies in effort depending on the model:

IN5334 (actuator connection, ISO 5211 / VDI/VDE 3845 mounting) – fastest installation:
  • Direct mounting to the ISO 5211 / NAMUR hole pattern of the actuator with 3 screws; the Rd24×1/8 connector on the actuator accepts the 6-pin plug of the sensor; M12 connector for the PLC signal cable
  • The target flags or cams on the actuator are mechanically fixed to the ISO 5211 mounting plate – no separate switching point adjustment required; end positions are determined by the actuator geometry
  • Commissioning: Mount sensor → apply supply voltage → check LED status in OPEN and CLOSED end positions → complete
IN5225 / IN5327 (M12 connector, free mounting):
  • Mounting via suitable bracket on the actuator or on the limit switch box mounting plate; sensing distance to actuating element (cam disc): 0–4mm (non-flush → no lateral metallic influence on the sensing field)
  • Switching points are set by positioning the cam disc on the actuator; 2× yellow LED on the sensor shows active switching state – visual aid during adjustment without test equipment
IFT206 (M12 threaded housing):
  • Screw into M12 threaded bore in the valve body or gate housing; flush-mountable → sensor face can be flush with the mounting surface; sensing distance 4mm to the actuating element (typically metal cam or gate plate)
  • No connector – 6m cable directly on the sensor; secure against rotation when screwing in
NN5008 (NAMUR): Mounting as for IN5225/IN5327; wiring to Zener barrier or galvanic isolator; barrier/isolator mounted in the control cabinet outside the hazardous area; PLC input connected to barrier/isolator output.
Signal evaluation for FERGO inductive sensors depends on the output principle:

PNP sensors (IN5225, IN5327, IN5334, IFT206) – direct PLC wiring:
  • Supply: 24V DC from PLC power supply or terminal supply (terminals: V+, GND, Output 1 NO, Output 2 NO for dual sensors)
  • PLC input (PNP/source): Sensor switches 24V DC onto the input pin when the switching distance to the actuating element is reached (end position achieved) → PLC input = "1" / HIGH
  • Typical PLC assignment:
    • Output 1 → "valve OPEN confirmed" (when cam disc in OPEN end position actuates the sensor)
    • Output 2 → "valve CLOSED confirmed" (when cam disc in CLOSED end position actuates the sensor)
  • Stroke time monitoring: PLC starts timer with positioning command; if position confirmation does not arrive within the set stroke time → alarm "stroke monitoring" or stroke time fault
NAMUR sensor NN5008 – evaluation via barrier/isolator:
  • Zener barrier or galvanic isolator (in the control cabinet outside the hazardous area) supplies the NAMUR sensor with 8V DC and evaluates the return current: conducting (>2.1mA) = not actuated; blocked (<1mA) = actuated (end position reached)
  • Barrier/isolator output: 24V DC PNP or potential-free relay contact → direct connection to standard PLC digital input
  • Additional function: NAMUR evaluation units detect cable break (current = 0mA) and short circuit (current >>3mA) as wire-break alarm / short-circuit alarm – higher diagnostic capability than PNP sensor
Uses of position signals in the process control system: Stroke confirmation (stroke time monitoring); process interlocks (e.g. pump start only after valve OPEN); position display in SCADA/HMI; SIL safety functions (IEC 61508/61511) for Ex plants with NN5008.
Yes – IFM inductive sensors can be integrated into the FERGO automation package as an alternative to the limit switch box (Switchmaster) and are factory-mounted and set on the actuator. The typical configuration:
  1. Process valve (butterfly valve, ball valve, knife gate valve etc.)
  2. Pneumatic part-turn actuator (DA or SA), ISO 5211 mounting
  3. NAMUR solenoid valve (3/2 or 5/2)
  4. Inductive sensor (IFM IN5334 direct to ISO 5211; or IN5327 on bracket; or NN5008 for ATEX installations)
Advantages of the factory-mounted inductive sensor package:
  • Switching points factory-set to the actuator geometry and documented
  • Cable harness (sensor → M12 connector on actuator) pre-assembled; only the system cable needs to be plugged in on site
  • For ATEX packages: NN5008 with ATEX documentation and Ex ia cables pre-assembled; matching Zener barriers available on request
  • More space-saving than limit switch box solution: no additional housing on the actuator; ideal for confined installation situations
Contact: shop@fergo-valve.com | +49 21 31 / 15 39 28-0 | Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00.