Magnetic safety switch

PSENmag

Guards move, settle and go slightly out of true over their life. A magnetic switch tolerates that without a mechanical actuator to align, and because it works through non-magnetic materials it can be concealed entirely within the guard structure.

Magnetic action principleSwitching distance 3–8 mmUp to PL e / SIL CL 3IP65, IP67, IP6K9KATEX certificate possible
PL eEN ISO 13849-1
SIL CL 3EN/IEC 62061
3–8 mmSwitching distances
Pilz PSENmag non-contact magnetic safety switches in square and round designs
PSENmagSquare and round designs shown
PL eEN ISO 13849-1
SIL CL 3EN/IEC 62061
3–8 mmSwitching distances
IP6K9KHighest listed protection
Why it is specified

Magnetic sensing provides

The manufacturer positions the family as the highest level of safety at a low price, with a manipulation-proof concept and scope for concealed installation.

Works when concealed

The sensors remain functional even if concealed by non-magnetic materials, allowing installation inside the guard structure.

Tolerates guard movement

Non-contact operation removes the mechanical actuator alignment that a mechanical switch depends on.

Hygiene and washdown

Recommended for areas with high hygiene requirements — food, packaging and pharmaceutical industries.

Explosion-protected option

A certificate for potentially explosive areas in accordance with the ATEX Directive is possible.

Applications

PSENmag is used

The manufacturer lists the food industry, packaging technology and the pharmaceutical industry among the industry uses, and describes the family as especially suitable for classic mechanical engineering.

Pilz PSENmag magnetic safety switch application on a machine guard
Guard monitoring

Machine guards and covers

Guard position monitoring on classic mechanical engineering equipment, where coding is not required but reliability is.

ConfirmConfirm switching distance and alignment.
Pilz PSENmag sensor installed on production machinery
Hygiene areas

Food and pharmaceutical machinery

Washdown environments where a concealed, sealed sensor survives cleaning better than an exposed mechanical actuator.

ConfirmConfirm cleaning regime and required IP rating.
Pilz PSENmag magnetic safety switch range
Explosive areas

ATEX applications

Where a certificate for potentially explosive areas is required, an ATEX route is available for this family.

ConfirmConfirm zone classification and certificate requirement.
Technical data

Selection parameters that matter

These are the values that decide the variant. Switching distance and design must be matched to the guard before an order number is fixed.

Switching distance is not a mounting gap to be maximised. It defines the assured operating range and has to be respected in both directions.
FunctionMonitoring the position of guards in accordance with EN 60947-5-3, and general position monitoring
Action principleMagnetic
Performance levelDesigned for applications up to PL e of EN ISO 13849-1
Integrity levelDesigned for applications up to SIL CL 3 of EN/IEC 62061
Switching distancesFrom 3 to 8 mm
DesignsSquare or round
Protection typesIP65, IP67, IP6K9K
IndicationAvailable with and without LED
ConnectionAlso available as a fixed cable version
Series connectionSuitable for series connection
Explosion protectionCertificate for potentially explosive areas in accordance with the ATEX Directive is possible
Concealed installationRemains functional when concealed by non-magnetic materials
Magnetic switches do not provide the coded manipulation resistance of PSENcode. Where the guard is realistically likely to be defeated with a spare magnet, review a coded device instead.
Models

Variant decisions

Four choices define the order: design, switching distance, protection type and whether an LED or fixed cable is wanted.

Design

Square or round

Selected from the mounting face available on the guard and the frame.

Options
2 forms
Standard
EN 60947-5-3
Switching distance

3 to 8 mm

Chosen from the achievable and repeatable gap between sensor and actuator over the guard life.

Range
3–8 mm
Type
Non-contact
Protection

IP65 / IP67 / IP6K9K

Selected from the cleaning regime and the exposure at the guard.

Highest
IP6K9K
Washdown
Suitable
Options

LED and cable version

Available with and without LED, and as a fixed cable version where a connector is not wanted.

LED
Optional
Cable
Fixed version
Accessories

Actuators, cables and evaluation

The actuator and the connection method are the two accessory decisions that recur.

Actuator

Magnetic actuator

The actuator is matched to the sensor and the required switching distance for the guard.

ConfirmConfirm switching distance and mounting.
Connection

Cables and connectors

A fixed cable version is available, or connector versions with cables selected for the run length.

ConfirmConfirm cable length and connection method.
Evaluation

Safety relay or controller

The switch provides the guard signal; a PNOZ relay or configurable controller performs the safe evaluation.

Typical pairingPNOZ relay or PNOZmulti 2.
Before quotation

Application review

PSENmag suits guards that move slightly and environments that are cleaned. If manipulation is the concern, review PSENcode.

Guard and mounting

  • Guard type, weight and how it moves
  • Achievable and repeatable gap between sensor and actuator
  • Available mounting faces, and whether concealed mounting is wanted
  • Whether surrounding materials are magnetic

Safety function

  • The hazard the guard protects and the machine run-down time
  • Whether guard locking is required instead of monitoring
  • Target performance or integrity level, if determined
  • Whether two devices are intended for the highest requirement

Environment

  • Cleaning regime and required IP rating
  • Whether an ATEX certificate is required, and the zone
  • Temperature, vibration and contamination
  • Presence of strong magnetic fields nearby

Electrical and commercial

  • Number of devices and whether series connection is planned
  • Existing safety controller and spare safe inputs
  • LED indication and cable or connector preference
  • Quantity and delivery timeline
Related technologies

PSENmag sits in the architecture

The switch reports guard position. Whether the machine reaches a safe state depends on the evaluation, the output stage and the reset arrangement behind it.

PSENcode where coding is required
PSENmech for positive mechanical action
PSENhinge for hinged guards
PSENmlock where locking is required
PNOZ relay or PNOZmulti 2 for evaluation
Contactors with feedback loop
Pilz PSENmag magnetic safety switch guard application