IEC 60947-5-2:2007

IEC 60947-5-2
Edition 3.0 2007-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 5-2: Control circuit devices and switching elements – Proximity switches

Appareillage à basse tension –
Partie 5-2: Appareils et éléments de commutation pour circuits de commande –
Détecteurs de proximité
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IEC 60947-5-2
Edition 3.0 2007-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 5-2: Control circuit devices and switching elements – Proximity switches

Appareillage à basse tension –
Partie 5-2: Appareils et éléments de commutation pour circuits de commande –
Détecteurs de proximité
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
XD
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.120.40; 29.130.20 ISBN 2-8318-9318-6

– 2 – 60947-5-2 © IEC:2007
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.6

1 General .8

1.1 Scope and object.8

1.2 Normative references .8

2 Definitions .10

2.1 Basic definitions .12

2.2 Parts of a proximity switch .13
2.3 Operation of a proximity switch .15
2.4 Switching element characteristics .17
3 Classification .20
3.1 Classification according to sensing means .20
3.2 Classification according to the mechanical installation.20
3.3 Classification according to the construction form and size .20
3.4 Classification according to switching element function.20
3.5 Classification according to type of output .20
3.6 Classification according to method of connection .20
4 Characteristics.20
4.1 Summary of characteristics.20
4.2 Operating conditions.21
4.3 Rated and limiting values for the proximity switch and switching element(s).23
4.4 Utilization categories for the switching element .24
5 Product information.25
5.1 Nature of information – Identificatoin.25
5.2 Marking .26
5.3 Instruction for installation, operation and maintenance .26
6 Normal service, mounting and transport conditions.26
6.1 Normal service conditions.26
6.2 Conditions during transport and storage.27
6.3 Mounting .27
7 Constructional and performance requirements .27
7.1 Constructional requirements .27

7.2 Performance requirements.30
7.3 Physical dimensions .40
7.4 Shock and vibration .40
8 Tests .40
8.1 Kinds of tests.41
8.2 Compliance with constructional requirements.41
8.3 Performances .41
8.4 Testing of operating distances .50
8.5 Testing for the frequency of operating cycles .54
8.6 Verification of the electromagnetic compatibility .58
8.7 Test results and test report .59

Annex A (informative) Typical dimensions and operating distances of proximity

60947-5-2 © IEC:2007 – 3 –
switches.

Annex B (normative) Class II proximity switches insulated by encapsulation –

Requirements and tests .86

Annex C (normative) Additional requirements for proximity switches with integrally

connected cables .90

Annex D (normative) Integral connectors for plug-in proximity switches.93

Annex E (normative) Additional requirements for proximity switches suitable for use in
strong magnetic fields .97

Annex F (informative) Symbols for proximity switches. 102

Figure 1 – Sensing range and operating range of photoelectric proximity switches (see
7.2.1.3 and 8.4).16
Figure 2 – Ultrasonic proximity switch operating distances.18
Figure 3 – Relationship between operating distances of inductive and capacitive
proximity switches (see 4.2.1, 7.2.1.3 and 8.4.1) .22
Figure 4 – Relationship between operating distances of ultrasonic proximity switches
(see 4.2.2, 7.2.1.3 and 8.4.1) .22
Figure 5 – Method of measuring the operating distance (8.3.2.1 and 8.4.1) .43
Figure 6 – Test circuit for the verification of time delay before availability (see 7.2.1.7
and 8.3.3.2.1).44
Figure 7 – Signal output across load in Figure 6 (see 8.3.3.2.1) .45
Figure 8 – Test circuit for the verification of minimum operational current OFF-state
current, voltage drop and independent snap action (see 8.3.3.2.2, 8.3.3.2.3, 8.3.3.2.4
and 8.3.3.2.5).46
Figure 9 – Test circuit for the verification of making and breaking capability (see 8.3.3.5) .49
Figure 10 – Short-circuit testing (see 8.3.4.2) .50
Figure 11 – Testing of the sensing range (see 8.4) .53
Figure 12 – Methods for measuring the operating frequency of inductive, capacitive and
non-mechanical magnetic proximity switches (if applicable) .54
Figure 13 – Methods for measuring the operating frequency f, ultrasonic proximity
switch .55
Figure 14 – Output signal of direct current proximity switch during the measurement of
operating frequency f .55
Figure 15 − Measurement means for turn-on time t and turn-off time t .56
on off
Figure 16 − Turn-on time t measurement.57
on
Figure 17 – Turn-off time t measurement .57
off
Figure A.1 (IA) – Dimensions.60
Figure A.2 (IA) – Installation (mounting) .62
Figure A.1 (IB) – Dimensions.63
Figure A.2 (IB) – Installation in damping material.64
Figure A.1 (IC) – Dimensions in millimetres .65
Figure A.1.2 (IC) – Dimensions in millimetres .66
Figure A.1.3 (IC) – Dimensions in millimetres .66
Figure A.1.4 (IC) – Dimensions in millimetres .67
Figure A.2 (IC) – Installation of a I1C proximity switch in damping material .68
Figure A.3 (IC) – Installation of I2C35 in damping material.69
Figure A.1 (ID) – Dimensions .70

– 4 – 60947-5-2 © IEC:2007
Figure A.2 (ID) – Installation of I2D in damping material .71

Figure A.1 (CA) – Dimensions .72

Figure A.2 (CA) – Installation (mounting) .73

Figure A.1 (CC) a – Dimensions, type C30 in millimetres .75

Figure A.1 (CC) b – Dimensions, type C40 in millimetres .76

Figure A.2 (CC) – Installation (mounting).77

Figure A.1 (CD) – Dimensions in millimetres.78

Figure A.2 (CD) – Installation (mounting).79

Figure A.1 (UA) – Dimensions .80
Figure A.1 (UC) – Dimensions of type U3C40 .82
Figure A.1 (UD) – Dimensions of type U3D80 in millimetres.84
Figure B.1 – Encapsulated device .87
Figure B.2 – Test device .89
Figure D.1 – M12 Ø 3-pin integral connector for a.c. proximity switches .93
Figure D.2 – M12 Ø 5-pin integral connector for d.c. proximity switches .94
Figure D.3 – 8 mm Ø 3-pin integral connector for d.c. proximity switches .94
Figure D.4 – 8 mm Ø 4-pin integral connector for d.c. proximity switches .95
Figure D.5 − M12 ∅ 4-pin integral connector for a.c. proximity switches .95
Figure D.6 – M12 ∅ 5-pin integral connector for a.c. proximity switches .96
Figure D.7 – M12 ∅ 6-pin integral connector for a.c. proximity switches .96
Figure E.1 – Examples of test configuration for verification of the immunity to an
alternating field . 100
Figure E.2 – Example of test configuration for verification of the immunity in a constant
magnetic field . 101
Figure F.1 − Examples of symbols for proximity switches . 102

Table 1 – Classification of proximity switches .19
Table 2 – Utilization categories for switching elements .25
Table 3 – Connection and wiring identification .29
Table 4 – Verification of making and breaking capacities of switching elements under
a
normal conditions corresponding to the utilization categories .35
Table 5 – Verification of making and breaking capacities of switching elements under

a
abnormal conditions corresponding to the utilization categories .36
Table 7 − Acceptance criteria .37
Table 8 – Immunity tests .38
Table 6 – Test voltages .48
Table A.1 (IA) – Dimensions in millimetres .61
Table A.2 (IA) – Rated operating distances in millimetres .61
Table A.1 (IB) – Dimensions in millimetres .63
Table A.2 (IB) – Rated operating distance in millimetres .64
Table A.2 (IC) – Rated operating distance in millimetres .67
Table A.1 (ID) – Dimensions in millimetres .70
Table A.2 (ID) – Rated operating distances in millimetres .71
Table A.1 (CA) – Dimensions in millimetres .72

60947-5-2 © IEC:2007 – 5 –
Table A.2 (CA) – Rated operating distances in millimetres .

Table A.2 (CC) – Rated operational distance in millimetres.76

Table A.1 (UA) – Dimensions in millimetres .80

Table A.2 (UA) – Requirements for sensing range in millimetres .81

Table A.1 (UC) – Requirements for sensing range in millimetres.82

Table A.2 (UD) – Requirements for sensing range in millimetres.85

– 6 – 60947-5-2 © IEC:2007
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

___________
LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 5-2: Control circuit devices and switching elements –

Proximity switches
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard IEC 60947-5-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 17B: Low-voltage
switchgear and controlgear, of IEC technical committee 17: Switchgear and controlgear.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1997, amendment 1
(1999) and amendment 2 (2003).
The document 17B/1570/FDIS, circulated to the National Committees as Amendment 3, led to
the publication of the new edition.
The text of this standard is based on the second edition, its amendment 1, amendment 2 and
on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
17B/1570/FDIS 17B/1576/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.

60947-5-2 © IEC:2007 – 7 –
The main changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:

– modification of Table 3;
– modifications of voltage dips and voltage interruptions immunity tests, in Table 8;

– modification of status of Annex A, now informative.

This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

A list of all the parts in the IEC 60947 series, under the general title Low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under “http://webstore.iec.ch” in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 8 – 60947-5-2 © IEC:2007
LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 5-2: Control circuit devices and switching elements –

Proximity switches
1 General
The provisions of the general rules in IEC 60947-1 are applicable to this standard, where
specifically called for. General rules clauses and subclauses thus applicable, as well as tables,
figures and annexes, are identified by references to IEC 60947-1, e.g. subclause 7.1.9.3 of
IEC 60947-1 or Annex C of IEC 60947-1.
Clauses 1 to 8 contain the general requirements. Specific requirements for the various types of
proximity switches are given in Annex A.
1.1 Scope and object
This part of IEC 60947 applies to inductive and capacitive proximity switches that sense the presence
of metallic and/or non-metallic objects, ultrasonic proximity switches that sense the presence of
sound reflecting objects, photoelectric proximity switches that sense the presence of objects
and non-mechanical magnetic proximity switches that sense the presence of objects with a
magnetic field.
These proximity switches are self-contained, have semiconductor switching elements(s) and
are intended to be connected to circuits, the rated voltage of which does not exceed 250 V
50 Hz/60 Hz a.c. or 300 V d.c. This Standard is not intended to cover proximity switches with
analogue outputs.
The object of this standard is to state for proximity switches:
– definitions;
– classification;
– characteristics;
– product information;
– normal service, mounting and transport conditions;
– constructional and performance requirements;

– tests to verify rated characteristics.
1.2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050(441):1984, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 441:
Switchgear, controlgear and fuses
Amendment 1 (2000)
IEC 60068-2-6:1995, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-14:1984, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature

60947-5-2 © IEC:2007 – 9 –
Amendment 1 (1986)
IEC 60068-2-27:1987, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock

IEC 60068-2-30:2005, Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic

(12 h + 12 h cycle)
IEC 60364 (all parts), Low-voltage electrical installations

IEC 60446:2007, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and

identification – Identification of conductors by colours or numerals
IEC 60947-1:2007, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: General rules
IEC 61000-3-2:2005, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for
harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)
IEC 61000-3-3:1994, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-3: Limitation of voltage
fluctuations and flicker in low-voltage supply systems for equipment with rated current ≤ 16 A
Amendment 1 (2001)
Amendment 2 (2005)
IEC 61000-4-2:1995, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-2: Testing and
measurement techniques – Electrostatic discharge immunity test
Amendment 1 (1998)
Amendment 2 (2000)
IEC 61000-4-3:2006, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-3: Testing and
measurement techniques – Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test
IEC 61000-4-4:2004, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-4: Testing and
measurement techniques – Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test
IEC 61000-4-6:2003, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-6: Testing and
measurement techniques – Immunity to conducted disturbances, induced by radio-frequency
fields
Amendment 1 (2004)
Amendment 2 (2006)
IEC 61000-4-8:1993, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-8: Testing and

measurement techniques – Power frequency magnetic field immunity test
Amendment 1 (2000)
IEC 61000-4-11:2004, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-11: Testing and
measurement techniques – Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations immunity
tests
IEC 61000-4-13:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-13: Testing and
measurement techniques – Harmonics and interharmonics including mains signalling at a.c.
power port, low-frequency immunity tests
IEC 61140:2001, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment
Amendment 1 (2004)
CISPR 11:2003, Industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio-frequency equipment –

– 10 – 60947-5-2 © IEC:2007
Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics – Limits and methods of measurement

Amendment 1 (2004)
Amendment 2 (2006)
ISO 630:1995, Structural steels – Plates, wide flats, bars, sections and profiles

Amendment 1 (2003)
2 Definitions
Clause 2 of IEC 60947-1 applies with the following additions:

Alphabetical index of definitions References

A
Adjuster of a proximity switch . 2.2.15
Adjuster of a capacitive proximity switch. 2.2.15.1
Adjuster of an ultrasonic proximity switch . 2.2.15.2
Ambient light for a photoelectric proximity switch. 2.4.7
Assured operating distance (s). 2.3.1.7
a
Axial approach. 2.3.3
B
Blind zone. 2.3.1.3
Break function. 2.4.1.2
C
Capacitive proximity switch. 2.1.1.2
Currents (I). 2.4.5
D
Damping material. 2.2.5
Differential travel (H). 2.3.5
Direct operated proximity switch . 2.1.1.6
E
Effective operating distance (s). 2.3.1.5
r
Embeddable proximity switch. 2.2.9
Emitter. 2.2.12
Excess gain for a photoelectric proximity switch. 2.4.6
F
Free zone . 2.2.4
Frequency of operating cycle (f). 2.4.3
I
Independent (snap) action. 2.4.2
Indirect operated proximity switch. 2.1.1.7
Inductive proximity switch. 2.1.1.1
L
Lateral approach . 2.3.2
M
Make function. 2.4.1.1
Make-break, or changeover function. 2.4.1.3
Maximum operating distance. 2.3.1.2.2
Minimum operating distance. 2.3.1.2.1

60947-5-2 © IEC:2007 – 11 –
). 2.4.5.2
Minimum operational current (I
m
N
Neutral density filters. 2.1.1.8

No-load supply current (I). 2.4.5.3

o
Non-damping material . 2.2.6

Non-embeddable proximity switch . 2.2.10

Non-mechanical magnetic proximity switch. 2.1.1.5

O
OFF-state current (I). 2.4.5.1
r
Operating distances (s). 2.3.1
Operating range (r). 2.3.1.8
o
Operation of a proximity switch. 2.3
P
Parts of proximity switches . 2.2
Photoelectric proximity switch. 2.1.1.4
Photoelectric proximity switch - type D. 2.1.1.4.1
Photoelectric proximity switch - type R. 2.1.1.4.2
Photoelectric proximity switch - type T . 2.1.1.4.3
Proximity switch (IEV 441-14-51). 2.1.1
R
Rated operating distance (s). 2.3.1.1
n
Receiver. 2.2.13
Reference axis. 2.2.2
Reflector. 2.2.14
Repeat accuracy (R). 2.3.4
Response time proximity switch. 2.4.1.4
S
Semiconductor switching element. 2.2.1
Sensing face. 2.2.11
Sensing range (s). 2.3.1.2
d
Sound absorbing material. 2.2.8
Sound reflecting material. 2.2.7
Standard target. 2.2.3
Switching element characteristics. 2.4
Switching element function. 2.4.1
T
Time delay before availability (t). 2.4.4
v
Total beam angle . 2.3.1.4
Turn off time for a photoelectric proximity switch. 2.4.1.6
Turn on time for a photoelectric proximity switch. 2.4.1.5
U
Ultrasonic proximity switch. 2.1.1.3
Usable operating distance (s). 2.3.1.6
u
– 12 – 60947-5-2 © IEC:2007
2.1 Basic definitions
2.1.1
proximity switch
a position switch which is operated without mechanical contact with the moving part

[IEV 441-14-51]
2.1.1.1
inductive proximity switch
a proximity switch producing an electromagnetic field within a sensing zone and having a
semiconductor switching element
2.1.1.2
capacitive proximity switch
a proximity switch producing an electric field within a sensing zone and having a semiconductor
switching element
2.1.1.3
ultrasonic proximity switch (see Figure 2)
a proximity switch transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves within a sensing zone and
having a semiconductor switching element
2.1.1.4
photoelectric proximity switch (see Figure 1)
a proximity switch which senses objects that either reflect or interrupt visible or invisible light
and having a semiconductor switching element
2.1.1.4.1
type D
diffuse reflective photoelectric proximity switch which is directly operated through lateral or
axial approach to its reference axis by a defined object
2.1.1.4.2
type R
retroreflective photoelectric proximity switch which is indirectly operated through lateral
approach to its reference axis between emitter-receiver and reflector by a defined object
2.1.1.4.3
type T
through beam photoelectric proximity switch which is indirectly operated through lateral
approach of its reference axis between emitter and receiver by a defined object
2.1.1.5
non-mechanical magnetic proximity switch
proximity switch which senses the presence of a magnetic field and has a semiconductor
switching element and no moving parts in the sensing element
2.1.1.6
direct operated proximity switch
proximity switch which detects its target without the use of an external means, e.g. a reflector
___________
See IEC 60050(441).
60947-5-2 © IEC:2007 – 13 –
2.1.1.7
indirect operated proximity switch
proximity switch which detects its target with the use of an external means, e.g. a reflector

2.1.1.8
neutral density filters
filters which uniformly attenuate the intensity of light over a broad spectral range

NOTE Attenuation is accomplished by using either a light-absorbing glass or a thin-film metal coating that

combines absorption and reflection.

2.2 Parts of a proximity switch
2.2.1
semiconductor switching element
an element designed to switch the current of an electric circuit by controlling conductivity of a
semiconductor
2.2.2
Reference axis
2.2.2.1
reference axis for inductive, capacitive, non-mechanical magnetic and ultrasonic
proximity switches
an axis perpendicular to the sensing face and passing through its centre
2.2.2.2
reference axis for types R and D photoelectric proximity switches
an axis located midway between the optical axis of the emitter and this of receiver elements or
lenses (see Figure 1)
2.2.2.3
reference axis for type T photoelectric proximity switches
an axis perpendicular to the centre of the emitter
2.2.3
standard target
a specified object used for making comparative measurements of the operating distances and
sensing distances
2.2.4
free zone
a volume around the proximity switch which is kept free from any material capable of affecting
the characteristics of the proximity switch
2.2.5
damping material
a material which has an influence on the characteristics of a proximity switch
2.2.6
non-damping material
a material which has negligible influence on the characteristics of a proximity switch
2.2.7
sound-reflecting material
a material which reflects the ultrasound waves and gives detectable echoes

– 14 – 60947-5-2 © IEC:2007
2.2.8
sound-absorbing material
a material with negligible reflecting characteristics for ultrasound waves which gives no

detectable echo
2.2.9
embeddable proximity switch
a proximity switch is "embeddable" when any damping material can be placed around the

sensing face plane without influencing its characteristics

2.2.10
non-embeddable proximity switch
a proximity switch is "non-embeddable" when a specified free zone around its sensing face is
necessary in order to maintain its characteristics
2.2.11
Sensing face
2.2.11.1
sensing face of an inductive proximity switch
a surface of the proximity switch through which the electromagnetic field emerges
2.2.11.2
sensing face of a capacitive proximity switch
a surface of the proximity switch through which the electric field emerges
2.2.11.3
sensing face of an ultrasonic proximity switch
a surface of the proximity switch where ultrasound is transmitted and received
2.
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