IEC 60947-5-2:2019 applies to inductive and capacitive proximity switches that sense the presence of metallic and/ or non-metallic objects, ultrasonic proximity switches that sense the presence of sound reflecting objects, photoelectric proximity switches that sense the presence of objects and non-mechanical magnetic proximity switches that sense the presence of objects with a magnetic field.

This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2007 and Amendment 1:2012. This edition constitutes a technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:

• update of the scope


• adaptation and update of the construction requirements according to IEC Guide 116 (e.g. material requirements, artificial optical radiation, instruction requirements, hot surface, unattended operation, foreseeable misuse…)


• modification of the specifications concerning the sensing range and operating distance


• new definitions for photoelectric proximity switch type D with background suppression


• integration of the requirements and test procedures of photoelectric proximity switch type D with background suppression


• update of EMC requirements in Table 9 and Table 10


• integration of environmental information requirements and environmental condition by referencing Annexes O, W and Q of IEC 60947-1:2007, IEC 60947-1:2007/ AMD1:2010 and IEC 60947-1:2007/ AMD2:2014


• modification of impulse withstand voltage test (5.3.1.3, 9.3.3.4.5)


• modification of the references in the (normative) standard body to the (informative) Annex A


• major update of Annex A (definitions update, new dimensions and shapes)


• update of C.9.1.1


• update of Annex D in order to consider new connector types and normative references


• update of Annex F (additional symbols for photoelectric proximity switches).