Industrial vibration sensors: IEPE accelerometers and 4–20 mA transmitters

Sensor types in the catalogue

Industrial AC accelerometers (IEPE)

IEPE accelerometers provide a dynamic voltage signal proportional to acceleration — 100 mV/g as standard, over a frequency range of 0.8 Hz – 15 kHz (±3 dB). This is the signal for portable data collectors, analysers and online monitoring systems, from which the spectrum, envelope and overall values are calculated. The Standard line includes sensors with a piezoelectric element working in compression, e.g. HS-100, and the Premium line — shear designs, e.g. HS-150 and HS-170.

4–20 mA vibration transmitters

Loop-powered sensors convert vibration into a single overall value and output it as a 4–20 mA signal that goes directly to the controller’s analogue input. You can choose versions proportional to vibration velocity (HS-420) or to acceleration (HS-422), as well as versions with an additional AC output for analysis (HS-421).

Velocity output sensors

Velocity output sensors provide an AC signal proportional to vibration velocity — for instruments and systems that expect this type of signal.

Biaxial and triaxial sensors

Biaxial and triaxial accelerometers, e.g. HS-172 and HS-173, measure vibration in several directions from a single mounting point. Triaxial versions are also available with a 4–20 mA output.

Hazardous areas

Intrinsically safe versions of accelerometers and 4–20 mA transmitters have the letter “I” in the model designation, e.g. HS-100I or HS-420I/M. For an overview of explosion-protected versions, see the ATEX vibration sensors page.

High temperatures

High-temperature accelerometers work with an external charge amplifier, so the electronics stay outside the high-temperature zone — the HS-105 operates at up to 250 °C.

Low power

Low Power accelerometers, e.g. HS-104, are designed for battery-powered devices and wireless monitoring systems.

Vibration and temperature

Sensors with an additional temperature output (10 mV/°C or PT100) measure vibration and bearing housing temperature at a single point — for more, see the vibration and temperature sensors page.

The catalogue also includes accelerometers with a Line Drive current output and OEM capsules for building into your own equipment.

How to use the catalogue

Categories correspond to signal types and applications. On a category page you can narrow down the list with filters — for example by output type, sensitivity, cable exit direction, connector, cable type, IP rating, number of axes, Ex version and operating temperature.

Models usually come in several connection versions — with an M12 or MS connector, or with an integral PUR, FR, HFFR, FEP or braided cable — and many of them also in a side-exit variant marked with the letter “S” (e.g. HS-100S). Some parameters, such as sensitivity, mounting thread or cable length, are selected when ordering; the available options are given on the product page and in the datasheet. You can compare selected models side by side in the product comparison.

Where to start the selection

First, establish where the signal will go. If it goes to a data collector or an online system, choose an IEPE accelerometer. If it goes to a PLC, DCS or SCADA system, choose a 4–20 mA transmitter. Then define the conditions at the mounting point: temperature, moisture and washdown, oils, dust, a possible Ex zone, and the space available above the measuring point. The guide How to choose a vibration sensor for your machine describes the procedure in detail, and the sensor selector narrows down the choice after a few questions.

Accessories for a complete measuring point

A sensor usually needs mounting hardware — studs, adhesive mounting pads or magnetic mounts — and cables and connectors. With many measuring points, the signals are collected in industrial enclosures, i.e. connection boxes and switch boxes, and then processed in modules and systems. You can add all of these items to a single quote request.