From liquid level sensors to float switches to pressure transducers—it’s vital that each industrial sensor performs its job correctly. Upgrading or replacing sensors is a necessary task for operations to run smoothly. But when is the best time to do it? At Automation Products Group, Inc. (APG), we’ve put together a handy guide on five signs that it’s time to upgrade or replace your industrial sensor.
Without question, the first sign you need an upgrade is if your current sensor isn’t functioning. A liquid level sensor that fails to trigger a critical high-level alarm in a tank can lead to disaster. A malfunctioning sensor leads to costly and expensive downtime, and a replacement sensor is required.
Frequent recalibration and slow response times are frustrating and eat up valuable time. Inconsistent readings can indicate the sensor has become out of calibration or has an internal component failure. If the sensor can’t be recalibrated to the correct range, it should be replaced.
A cracked or corroded sensor is not a good sign! Any visible signs of wear and tear can compromise the sensor’s performance. A cracked body can lead to water or dust getting inside the sensor and damaging the valuable electronics inside. Frayed wires can lead to poor reading or sensor failure.
A vital part of production is having sensors communicating with the system in place. But if the software is so old that it can’t communicate with newer products, then it’s time to upgrade to something more recent. Older software is also at a higher risk for viruses and cybersecurity issues.
For many sensors, the hardware or extra parts are a quick and easy fix. When these parts become hard to find or take weeks to arrive due to their obsolescence, something faster and more recent is in order. If the current equipment becomes obsolete, the manufacturer may no longer support it and make repairs difficult to perform. More recent products have ample availability in both parts and technical support.
Many industries rely on functional sensors to operate. Take a proactive approach to your industrial sensors by inspecting and replacing them when needed for reliable operation. When one of your sensors needs to be replaced, let APG know. Our Technical Engineers are happy to talk with you about your needs!
