5 Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Sensor

Here at Automation Products Group, Inc. (APG), each of our sensors are custom-built to serve the needs of each individual customer. But before you start customizing your sensor, you first need to ask yourself a few questions.

Sensor Selection Process

1. Contact or Non-contact?

Whether or not your sensor directly touches what it’s measuring will determine what type of sensor it will be. APG offers radar and ultrasonic level sensors for non-contact applications, while level transmitters, pressure sensors, and float switches can handle direct contact with a variety of chemicals and materials.

2. What Are You Trying to Measure?

Your sensor will be crafted out of different materials depending on what will be measured. A sensor measuring diesel fuel requires more robust materials than a sensor measuring fresh water.

APG sensors are always constructed out of materials such as:

• 316 Stainless Steel
• Titanium
• PVDF
• Polyurethane

3. Where Will Your Sensor Go?

Location is critical to your sensor type, as certain sensors thrive in different environments. Pressure transducers can squeeze into small pipes, while level transmitters are great for containers. Some areas are exposed to extreme pressure and temperature rates, which will also alter your sensor’s configuration.

4. What Range Is Your Sensor Measuring?

With many sensors, choosing the correct range allows a sensor to accurately measure is vital to its detection capabilities. If your sensor can’t cover a shorter range, consider upgrading to one with a longer range. Pressure sensors need a pressure range, while ultrasonic and radar level sensors require a distance range for optimal performance.

5. What Sensor Output Signal Do You Need?

All sensors require an output to communicate their data , so you need to know what kind of output your sensor needs. APG offers sensors with the following output signals:

• Voltage output, which varies from millivolts to volts
• 4-20 mA current output
• RS485 digital output or Modbus output

Conclusion

Knowing what your sensor will be exposed to is the first step in selecting the right product for your application. This overview should help you get started in your product selection at APG. Our Sales Team would be happy to talk through these questions and guide you to the appropriate sensor for your unique application.

If you have any further questions, our Sales Team is happy to help you. Please feel free to reach out to us today!