Exclusive Hansford Sensors distributor for Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Guides to selecting and mounting vibration sensors, product documentation and answers to the questions customers ask us most often.
Guide · Sensor selection · 6 min read
Choosing a vibration sensor starts with the question of where the signal will go. Step by step, we cover the output type, measured quantity, sensitivity, frequency range, operating conditions, connection type, mounting and number of axes — with a checklist at the end.
Guide · Sensor selection · 5 min read
An IEPE accelerometer delivers the full vibration signal for analysis, while a 4–20 mA transmitter delivers a single overall value to the PLC. We explain how both types work, how they differ and when a dual-output sensor is worth using.
Guide · Mounting and installation · 5 min read
The mounting method determines which frequencies the sensor can measure and whether successive measurements will be comparable. We compare studs, adhesive mounting pads and magnetic mounts, and cover surface preparation, measurement direction, cable routing and common mistakes.
Guide · Hazardous areas · 6 min read
In a hazardous area, a vibration sensor is part of the explosion protection system, not just a measuring instrument. We explain zone classification, the principle of intrinsic safety, the role of barriers and what to check in the certificate and documentation.
Article · Vibration diagnostics · 5 min read
Displacement, velocity and acceleration describe the same motion, but each of them emphasises a different frequency range. We explain when to measure velocity in mm/s RMS, when acceleration in g and the envelope, and when displacement.
Yes. You can use the sensor selector, which asks a few questions about the machine, the signal and the operating conditions and then shows matching products. Alternatively, describe your application in the contact form. Tell us what the machine is, what speed it runs at, where the signal is to go and what the conditions are at the mounting location.
IEPE (Integrated Electronics Piezo-Electric) is a standard for piezoelectric accelerometers with built-in electronics. The sensor is powered with a constant current from the measuring instrument, over the same cable that carries its signal. Its output is an AC vibration signal superimposed on a DC bias voltage. This signal — 100 mV/g as standard — is read by data collectors, analysers and online monitoring systems with an IEPE input.
A 4–20 mA transmitter converts vibration into a single overall value — RMS vibration velocity in mm/s or acceleration in g — over a range chosen when ordering, e.g. 0–25 mm/s. A current of 4 mA corresponds to zero, and 20 mA to the full range. The signal goes directly to an analogue input of a PLC, DCS or SCADA system and is used for trends and alarms, but it does not contain the vibration spectrum.
A sensor with a connector, e.g. M12 or MS, can be disconnected and replaced without running a new cable. An integral cable is connected to the sensor at the factory, so there is no additional connection that is exposed to moisture or can work loose. It is a good choice where there is washdown, flooding or strong vibration. For versions with a cable, you also choose the sheath type: PUR, braided, FR, HFFR or FEP.
Datasheets, manuals and drawings are in the “Documentation” section of each product page. Certificates and the manufacturer’s other documents are collected in the document library in the knowledge base. Most of the manufacturer’s documents are in English, and datasheets are often available in versions with metric and imperial units.