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AA1/AP-3A IMO Inductive Proximity Switch 3mm Shielded, PUR Cable 2m
IMO AA1/AP-3A is a 3 mm diameter shielded inductive proximity sensor with a 1 mm sensing distance, 10-30 V DC PNP normally-open output, IP67 protection and a fixed 2 m PUR cable.
£71.07
Why Choose the IMO AA1/AP-3A Inductive Proximity Switch?
The IMO AA1/AP-3A is an ultra-miniature 3 mm diameter shielded inductive proximity sensor designed for reliable non-contact detection of metallic objects in compact industrial automation applications. It combines a 1 mm nominal sensing distance, PNP normally-open output and fixed 2 m PUR cable in a compact stainless steel housing.
Operating from 10–30 V DC, the AA1/AP-3A can switch loads up to 100 mA and provides a high switching frequency of up to 3.5 kHz. A yellow LED provides immediate visual indication of the output state, helping simplify machine commissioning, alignment and fault diagnosis.
The sensor's AISI 303 stainless steel housing, shielded flush-mounting design and IP67 protection make it suitable for demanding machinery and automation environments where installation space is limited. Integrated short-circuit, reverse-polarity, impulsive-overvoltage and inductive-load protection further support dependable operation in industrial control systems.
Key Advantages
- Ultra-compact 3 mm diameter sensor for space-constrained machinery.
- 1 mm nominal sensing distance for precise metallic object detection.
- PNP normally-open transistor output for common DC automation systems.
- High switching frequency of up to 3.5 kHz supports fast-moving applications.
- Rugged AISI 303 stainless steel housing with IP67 protection.
- Fixed 2 m PUR cable provides a robust connection for industrial installations.
Key Features
- IMO AA Series miniature inductive proximity sensor.
- Ø3 mm cylindrical sensor body.
- Shielded / flush-mount configuration.
- PNP normally-open (NO) output.
- 10–30 V DC operating voltage.
- 1 mm nominal sensing distance.
- Maximum load current of 100 mA.
- Switching frequency up to 3.5 kHz.
- Yellow LED output-state indication.
- 2 m PUR cable connection.
- IP67 environmental protection.
- Short-circuit and reverse-polarity protection.
Compact Non-Contact Metal Detection
The IMO AA1/AP-3A uses an electromagnetic sensing field to detect metallic targets without requiring physical contact. When a suitable metal target enters the sensor's detection zone, the PNP normally-open output switches, allowing the signal to be used by a PLC, controller or other compatible automation equipment for position, presence or movement detection.
With a body diameter of only 3 mm and length of approximately 22 mm, the AA1/AP-3A is particularly useful where conventional M8, M12 or larger proximity sensors cannot be accommodated. Its fast 3.5 kHz switching capability also makes it suitable for detecting rapidly moving machine components and workpieces.
Typical Applications
- Metallic component presence detection.
- Machine position and end-of-travel sensing.
- High-speed counting and object detection.
- Compact assembly and production machinery.
- Robotics and automated handling equipment.
- Industrial applications with restricted sensor mounting space.
Technical Specifications
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| Supply Voltage | 12 V DC, 24 V DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Coil / Supply Voltage | 10–30 V DC | |
| Mounting Condition | Flush | |
| IP Rating | IP67 | |
| Output Type | PNP | |
| Sensing Principle | Inductive | |
| Sensing Distance | 1 mm | |
| Output Function | NO | |
| Connection | Cable | |
| Manufacturer | IMO Precision Controls | |
| Series | AA Series | |
| Model | AA1/AP-3A | |
| Manufacturer part number | AA1/AP-3A | |
| Alternative SKU | AA1AP3A | |
| Product type | Inductive proximity sensor | |
| Detection principle | Inductive | |
| Sensor shape | Cylindrical miniature | |
| Diameter | 3 mm | |
| Body length | 22 mm | |
| Mounting | Shielded / flush | |
| Nominal sensing distance (Sn) | 1 mm | |
| Operating distance | 0–0.81 mm | |
| Output Type | PNP | |
| Output function | Normally open (NO) | |
| Operating voltage | 10–30 V DC | |
| Maximum load current | 100 mA | |
| No-load supply current | ≤10 mA | |
| Leakage current | ≤10 µA | |
| Output voltage drop | ≤1.5 V at 100 mA | |
| Switching frequency | 3.5 kHz | |
| Hysteresis | 1–20% | |
| Repeat accuracy | <5% | |
| Maximum ripple | ≤10% | |
| Power-on delay | ≤50 ms | |
| Output indication | Yellow LED | |
| Housing material | AISI 303 stainless steel | |
| Active face material | PBT | |
| Connection | Fixed 2 m PUR cable | |
| Operating temperature | -25 to +70 °C | |
| Protection rating | IP67 | |
| Short-circuit protection | Yes | |
| Reverse-polarity protection | Yes | |
| Impulsive-overvoltage protection | Yes | |
| Protection against inductive loads | Yes | |
| EMC standard | IEC 60947-5-2 | |
| Vibration standard | IEC 60068-2-6 | |
| Shock standard | IEC 60068-2-27 | |
| Approvals | CE, UL | |
| Product weight | Approx. 30 g | |
| Barcode | 5056207403972 | |
| HS Code | 8536508000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMO AA1/AP-3A used for?
The AA1/AP-3A is a miniature inductive proximity sensor used for non-contact detection of metallic objects in industrial machinery and automation systems.
What is the sensing distance of the IMO AA1/AP-3A?
The sensor has a nominal sensing distance of 1 mm, with a specified operating distance of approximately 0–0.81 mm.
What output does the AA1/AP-3A provide?
The AA1/AP-3A has a DC PNP normally-open (NO) output capable of switching a load current up to 100 mA.
What voltage does the IMO AA1/AP-3A require?
The sensor operates from a 10–30 V DC supply, making it suitable for common industrial DC control systems.
Is the IMO AA1/AP-3A flush mountable?
Yes. The AA1/AP-3A is a shielded inductive sensor designed for flush mounting in suitable machine components and mounting structures.
What cable does the AA1/AP-3A use?
The sensor is supplied with a permanently attached 2 m PUR cable for connection to the control system.
What is the protection rating of the IMO AA1/AP-3A?
The AA1/AP-3A has an IP67 protection rating, providing protection against dust ingress and temporary water immersion when correctly installed.
How fast can the IMO AA1/AP-3A switch?
The sensor has a switching frequency of up to 3.5 kHz, making it suitable for many high-speed position, presence and counting applications.
Trusted by Machine Builders and Automation Professionals
IMO miniature inductive proximity sensors provide compact and dependable non-contact metal detection for industrial machinery, helping machine builders, panel builders and automation professionals implement precise position and presence sensing where installation space is limited.
