01
Coding level matched to risk
RFID versions support coded, codable and uniquely coded actuator concepts for stronger tamper resistance.
ifm · Guard monitoring
ifm Coded & Magnetic Safety Switches
Monitor machine guards, doors and gates without mechanical contact. Choose RFID coding when manipulation protection and high-integrity series connection matter, or magnetic coding where flexible actuation and compact installation are priorities.
MN7xxS RFIDMN5xxS magneticMN2xxS compactNon-contactSeries connection
RFID familyMN7xxSCodable / uniquely coded routes
Magnetic familiesMN5xxS / MN2xxSFlexible actuation directions
RFID seriesUp to 32Codable / uniquely coded sensors with same integrity
DesignNon-contactWear-free sensing principle
Guard protection
Non-contact sensing removes the mechanical switch from the door interface
02
No routine mechanical contact
The sensor and actuator do not need to collide during normal operation.
03
Visible status on RFID route
MN7 RFID switches provide LED indication to support alignment and troubleshooting.
04
Series connection
Multiple doors can be connected in series; exact integrity depends on the family and coding architecture.
Applications
Safety door switches for physically guarded hazards
01
Maintenance and operator access
Opening the guard is detected so the safety control system can bring the machine to its safe state.
02
Large machine systems
Series-connected switches can simplify wiring across multiple protected doors when the architecture permits.
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Tamper-resistant installations
Magnetic sensing can operate through suitable non-ferromagnetic materials; RFID coding adds actuator identification.
How the technologies differ
RFID identifies an actuator; magnetic switches detect the coded magnetic field
RFID MN7 sensors exchange identification information with the actuator before the safety outputs switch. Magnetic MN5/MN2 sensors use two reed channels and a coded magnetic actuator. Both are non-contact, but they differ materially in coding, diagnostics and series behaviour.
RFID uniquely codedFactory-paired sensor and actuator for the highest coding level.
RFID codableActuator is taught during installation and can be reprogrammed as required.
Magnetic codedAny matching coded actuator can operate the sensor; simpler architecture and flexible actuation.
OSSDMN7 provides intrinsically safe OSSD outputs; magnetic families require the approved evaluation architecture.
Current family comparison
Select by coding, sensing distance and system architecture
| Family | Principle | Dimensions | Published sensing / safe switch-off | Safety route | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MN7xxS | RFID-coded | 72 × 18 × 25 mm | 12 / 16 mm | PL e Cat. 4 / SIL 3 | Highest coding, LEDs, same-integrity series route |
| MN5xxS | Magnetically coded | 88 × 13.1 × 25 mm | 8 / 20 mm | PL e / SIL 3 with approved ifm relay architecture | Longer range, three actuation directions |
| MN2xxS | Magnetically coded | 36 × 13 × 26 mm | 5 / 15 mm | PL e / SIL 3 with approved ifm relay architecture | Compact guard monitoring |
Important: product-level PL/SIL data does not by itself establish the final machine safety performance. Evaluate the complete input, logic, output and fault architecture.
Engineering criteria
Guard geometry and coding strategy matter as much as the sensor family
Confirm before quoting
Door alignment, actuator approach, manipulation risk, required diagnostic feedback and the safety-controller interface should be fixed before choosing a part number.
Guard typeDoor, sliding guard, gate, removable cover
CodingCoded, codable or uniquely coded requirement
Series connectionNumber of doors and required diagnostic strategy
LogicSafety PLC / relay / safe I/O architecture
MountingAvailable space, approach direction and misalignment
EnvironmentWashdown, dust, vibration, metal surroundings
Requirement capture
Guard-switch selection criteria
Machine / guardMachine type and guard design.
Number of doorsSingle guard or series-connected system.
Coding requirementStandard coded, teachable or unique coding.
Available spaceMounting dimensions and actuator approach.
Safety logicExisting safety relay / PLC and input type.
EnvironmentTemperature, washdown, contamination and vibration.