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BSI

BRITISH STANDARD

BS EN
60947-5-6:2001
IEC
60947-5-6:1999

Low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear
Part 5-6: Control circuit devices and
switching elements DC interface for
proximity sensors and switching
amplifiers (NAMUR)

The European Standard EN 60947-5-6:2000 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 29.130.20

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

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BS EN 60947-5-6:2001

National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of EN 60947-56:2000. It is identical with IEC 60947-5-6:1999.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
PEL/ 17, Switchgear controlgear and HV-LV co-ordination, to Subcommittee
PEL/ 17/ 2, Low voltage switchgear and controlgear, which has the
responsibility to:

aid enquirers to understand the text;

present to the responsible international/European committee any

enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
UK interests informed;

monitor related international and European developments and

promulgate them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
From 1 January 1997, all IEC publications have the number 60000 added to
the old number. For instance, IEC 27-1 has been renumbered as IEC 60027-1.
For a period of time during the change over from one numbering system to
the other, publications may contain identifiers from both systems.
Cross-references
Attention is drawn to the fact that CEN and CENELEC Standards normally
include an annex which lists normative references to international
publications with their corresponding European publications. British
Standards which implement these international or European publications may
be found in the BSI Standards Catalogue under the section entitled
International Standards Correspondence Index, or by using the Find
facility of the BSI Standards Electronic Catalogue.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of
a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct
application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the
Electrotechnical Sector
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Committee and
comes into effect on
15 June 2001

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 15, and a back cover.
The BSI copyright date displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No.
BSI 06-2001

ISBN 0 580 37438 6

Date

Comments

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Page 2
EN 6094756:2000

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Page 3
EN 6094756:2000

CONTENTS
Page

Clause

Scope.............................................................................................................................. 4

Normative references ...................................................................................................... 4

Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 4

Classification................................................................................................................... 6

Characteristics ................................................................................................................ 7
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7

Control input of the switching amplifier ..................................................................... 7

Interaction between proximity sensor and switching amplifier ................................... 7
Continuous characteristic ......................................................................................... 7
Discontinuous characteristic ..................................................................................... 7
Switching current difference ..................................................................................... 7
Line resistance ......................................................................................................... 7
Insulation resistance................................................................................................. 7

Product information ......................................................................................................... 8

6.1 Proximity sensors ..................................................................................................... 8
6.2 Switching amplifiers.................................................................................................. 8

Normal service, mounting and transport conditions.......................................................... 9

7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4

Normal service conditions......................................................................................... 9

Connection identification and marking .....................................................................11
Conditions during transport and storage ..................................................................11
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) .......................................................................11

Constructional and performance requirements................................................................11

Tests ..............................................................................................................................11
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4

Switching amplifier ..................................................................................................11

Proximity sensor ......................................................................................................12
Results to be obtained .............................................................................................13
Verification of the electromagnetic compatibility ......................................................14

Figure 1 Example of a continuous characteristic of a proximity sensor ............................................................. 10

Figure 2 Example of a discontinuous characteristic of a proximity sensor ......................................................... 10
Figure 3 Control input of the switching amplifier .............................................................................................. 12
Figure 4 Characteristics of proximity sensor in the high impedance state ......................................................... 13
Figure 5 Characteristics of proximity sensor in the low impedance state ...................................................... .... 14
Table 1 Classification of proximity switches ...................................................................................................... 6
Table 2 Connection and wiring identification ................................................................................................... 11
Annex ZA (normative) Normative references to international publications with their corresponding
European
publications ..15
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Page 4
EN 6094756:2000

LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR

Part 5-6: Control circuit devices and switching elements
DC interface for proximity sensors and
switching amplifiers (NAMUR)

1 Scope
This International Standard applies to proximity sensors connected for operation by a two-wire
connecting cable to the control input of a switching amplifier. The switching am plifier contains
a d.c. source to supply the control circuit and is controlled by the variable internal resistance
of the proximity sensor.
These devices can be used in an explosive atmosphere if they also comply with
IEC 60079-11.
NOTE These devices have been defined by the German organization Normenausschu fr Me- und
Regelungstechnik (NAMUR) (Office for Standardization of Measurement and Regulation Techniques).

2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this International Standard. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to
agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility
of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Mem bers of IEC
and ISO maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
IEC 60079-11:1999, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres Part 11: Intrinsic
safety i
IEC 60947-1:1999, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear Part 1: General rules
IEC 60947-5-2:1999, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear Part 5-2: Control circuit
devices and switching elements Proximity switches

3 Definitions
For the purpose of this International Standard the following definitions apply.
3.1
proximity sensor
device which converts the travel of an influencing body relative to it into an output signal
NOTE 1

The proximity sensor is preferably contactless (e.g. inductive, capacitive, magnetic, photoelectric).

NOTE 2

The proximity sensor may be operated with or without mechanical contact.

3.2
switching amplifier
device which converts the signal from the proximity sensor presented at the control input into
a binary output signal which may be produced e.g. by an electromagnetic relay or a semiconductor switching element

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EN 6094756:2000

3.3
control circuit
system comprising the proximity sensor, the control input of the switching amplifier and the
two-wire connecting cable
3.4
output signal of the proximity sensor
output current as a function of the variable internal resistance
3.5
distance/current characteristic of the proximity sensor
relationship of the output signal (the current value) in the steady state to the distance of the
influencing body relative to the sensor. Both continuous and discontinuous characteristics are
permitted (see 5.3 and 5.4, and figures 1 and 2)
3.6
actuating range ( I 1 )
range defined by four straight lines in the current-voltage graph of the control input of the
switching amplifier to which is assigned a switching function of the switching amplifier.
There are three actuating ranges covered by the current-voltage characteristic of the control
input (see figure 3, a, b and d)
3.7
slope
change in the continuous characteristic of a proximity sensor in the actuating range ( I 1 ) (see
figure 1)
NOTE

The slope can assume different values within the control span.

3.8
maximum-operating frequency of the proximity sensor
maximum switching frequency achieved through periodic influencing at which the limits of the
actuating range ( I 1 ) are reached (see figures 1 and 2)
3.9
switching current difference
change in control current within the actuating range ( I 1 ) at which the switching amplifier
changes its output signal (see figures 1, 2 and 3)
3.10
switching travel difference
travel of the influencing body which changes the output signal of the switching amplifier. W ith
a discontinuous characteristic of the proximity sensor, the switching travel difference is
identical to the control span s
3.11
line resistance
effective resistance of the two-wire connecting cable between the switching amplifier and the
proximity sensor

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EN 6094756:2000

3.12
insulation resistance
effective resistance between the wires of the two-wire cable connecting the switching
amplifier to the proximity sensor
3.13
time delay before availability (t v )
time between the switching on of the supply voltage and the instant at which the proximity
sensor becomes ready to operate correctly
3.14
control span ( s)
travel of the influencing body in which the actuating range ( I1) is operative. W ith a
discontinuous characteristic, the control span is identical to the switching travel difference
(see figures 1 and 2)

4 Classification
Proximity switches are classified according to various general characteristics as shown in
table 1.
The ability to fulfil the requirements of the present standard is designated by a capital letter N
placed in the eighth position.
Table 1 Classification of proximity sw itches
1st position
1 digit

2nd position
1 digit

3rd position
3 digits

4th position
1 digit

5th position
1 digit

6th position
1 digit

8th position
1 digit

SENSING
MEANS

MECHANICAL
INSTALLATION

CONSTRUCT.
FORM AND
SIZE

SW ITCHING
ELEMENT
FUNCTION

TYPE OF
OUTPUT

METHOD OF
CONNECTION

NAMUR
FUNCTION

I = inductiv e C

1 = embeddable
2 = nonembeddable

FORM
(1 capital letter)

A = NO (make)

= capacitiv e U

D = 2 terminal
d.c.

1 = integral
leads

N = NAMUR
function

S = other

2 = plug-in

= ultrasonic
D = diffuse
reflectiv e
photoelectric
R =
retroreflectiv e
photoelectric
T = through
beam
photoelectric

3 = either

A = cylindrical
threaded barrel
B = cylindrical
smooth barrel

B = NC (break)
P =
programmable
by user

3 = screw
9 = other

S = other

C = rectangular
with square
cross-section
D = rectangular
with rectangular
cross-section
SIZE
(2 numbers) for
diameter or
side length

NOTE

This table is an extension of table 1 of IEC 60947-5-2.

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EN 6094756:2000

5 Characteristics
5.1 Control input of the switching amplifier
The binary output signal of the switching amplifier shall only change when the operating point
of the control circuit is within the relevant actuating range (see figure 3).
5.2 Interaction between proximity sensor and switching amplifier
The proximity sensor shall be designed in such a way, that when actuated by the intended
influence the current-voltage characteristic reliably reaches the high impedance and low
impedance states.
The high impedance state is shown in figure 4 and the low impedance state in figure 5.
NOTE The limits for the permitted characteristic range of the proximity sensor and the switching amplifier
have been selected so as to provide a safety margin.

5.3 Continuous characteristic

W ithin the actuating range ( I 1 ):
a) the output signal of the proximity sensor shall be adjustable;
b) the slope of the characteristic shall be either positive or negative and there shall be no
hysteresis (see the example in figure 1).
5.4 Discontinuous characteristic
W ithin the actuating range ( I 1 ):
a) the output signal of the proximity sensor shall not be adjustable, and
b) the characteristic shall have hysteresis (see the exam ple in figure 2).
5.5 Switching current difference
The preferred value of the switching current difference is 0,2 mA. The preferred position of
the switching current difference is the centre of the actuating range ( I 1 ).
5.6 Line resistance
The line resistance shall not exceed 50

5.7 Insulation resistance

The insulation resistance shall not be less than 1 M .

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EN 6094756:2000

6 Product information
Characteristic product data shall be stated by the manufacturer together with details of the
measuring procedure.
6.1 Proximity sensors
For proximity sensors such characteristic data shall include the following:
a) operating frequency;
b) slope with continuous characteristic;
c) switching travel difference with discontinuous characteristic;
d) rated operating distance;
e) time delay before availability.
The above data shall be related to the rated operating conditions according to 9.2.
f) operating, transport and storage temperature range;
g) direction of action, i.e. details of how the low impedance or high impedance state is
reached;
h) installation instructions;
i) IP degree of protection (according to IEC 60947-1, annex C);
j) influence of variations of the supply voltage and ambient temperature on the characteristic
data.

6.2 Switching amplifiers

For switching amplifiers the data to be provided by the manufacturer shall include the
following:
a) rated supply voltage(s);
b) operating frequency and switching times;
c) switching current difference;
d) position of the switching points for the switching current difference in accordance with c);
e) operating, transport and storage temperature range;
f) assignment of the output signals to the monitoring and actuating ranges;
g) description of the output signals;
h) influence of variations of the supply voltage and the ambient temperature on the
characteristic data;
i) installation instruction;
j) IP degree of protection (according to IEC 60947-1, annex C).

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EN 6094756:2000

7 Normal service, mounting and transport conditions

7.1 Normal service conditions
Proximity sensors and switching amplifiers complying with this standard shall be capable of
operating under the following conditions.
7.1.1 Ambient temperature (during operation)
The operating characteristics shall be maintained over the permissible range of ambient
temperature.
7.1.1.1 Inductive, capacitive and magnetic proximity sensors
These shall operate in an ambient temperature between 25 C and +70 C.
7.1.1.2 Photoelectric proximity sensors
These shall operate in an ambient temperature between 5 C and +55 C.
7.1.1.3 Switching amplifiers
These shall operate in an ambient temperature between 5 C and +55 C.
7.1.2 Altitude
Subclause 6.1.2 of IEC 60947-1 applies.
7.1.3 Climatic conditions
7.1.3.1 Humidity
The relative humidity (RH) of the air shall not exceed 50 % at 70 C. Higher relative
humidities are permitted at lower temperatures, e.g. 90 % at 20 C.
NOTE
Condensation on the sensing face and changes of humidity may influence the operating distances.
Care should be taken concerning condensation which may occur due to variations in temperature (50 % RH at
70 C is equivalent to 100 % RH at 54 C).

BSI 06-2001

Switching distance difference

mA
3

Switching points
Switching current
difference
2,1

2
I

I1
1,2
1
s

0
Distance s

IEC

179 2/99

Figure 1 Example of a continuous characteristic of a proximity sensor

mA
3

2,1

I
I1

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EN 6094756:2000

1,2
1

s
0
Distance s
IEC

179 3/99

Figure 2 Example of a discontinuous characteristic of a proximity sensor

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EN 6094756:2000

7.1.3.2 Pollution degree

Unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer, a proximity sensor is intended for installation
under environmental conditions of pollution degree 3 as defined in 6.1.3.2 of IEC 60947-1.
However, other pollution degrees may apply depending upon the micro-environment.
For the switching amplifier the pollution degree shall be stated by the manufacturer.
7.2 Connection identification and marking
Connection identification and marking shall be in accordance with table 2.
Table 2 Connection and w iring identification
Type

NAMUR

Function

High impedance

Low impedance

sensor

Wire colour

Terminal number or pin

number of integral
connector

+ Brown

Blue

+ Brown

Blue

In the absence of a target.

7.3 Conditions during transport and storage

A special agreement shall be made between the user and the manufacturer if the conditions
during transport and storage, e.g. temperature and humidity conditions, differ from those
defined in 7.1.
7.4 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
EMC requirements shall be verified according to 9.4.

8 Constructional and performance requirements

Subclause 7.1.9.1 of IEC 60947-5-2 applies.

9 Tests
9.1 Switching amplifier
The current-voltage characteristic of the control input shall be plotted and the actuating range
( I 1 ) shall be checked, as well as the switching current difference and, where included, the
control circuit monitoring (see figure 3).

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EN 6094756:2000

V
13

12
Example of a current-voltage
characteristic. The characteristic
may assume any curve between
the limits shown.

11
10
a

9
8
7
U

6
5
4

3
2
e

1
0

0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6

0,15
I2

I1

8
I

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
mA

IEC

Actuating range for changing the switching state

Actuating range for interruption in the control circuit

Monitoring range for interruption: I

Actuating range for short-circuit in the control circuit

Monitoring range for short-circuit: R

179 4/99

I 1 : 1,2 mA to 2,1 mA
I 2: 0,05 mA to 0,35 mA

0,05 mA
R: 100

to 360

100

Figure 3 Control input of the switching amplifier

9.2 Proximity sensor

The following tests shall be carried out in accordance with the conditions specified below.
Open-circuit voltage:

(8,2

Source resistance of the

switching amplifier:

(1 000

Ambient temperature:

(23

Actuating element:

In accordance with data sheet or

operating conditions.

0,1) V d.c.
10)

5) C

9.2.1 The steady-state current values for the low impedance state and for the high
impedance state respectively shall be measured and plotted.
9.2.2 The steady-state distance-current characteristic shall be plotted.

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EN 6094756:2000

9.3 Results to be obtained

Results shall be within the limits of figures 4 and 5.

V
13
12,5

12
11
10
9,5

9,5 V/17 mA

9
8

7
U

6
5
7 V/7 mA

4
3
2
1
0

0 ,1 0 ,2 0 ,3 0 ,4 0 ,5 0 ,6 0 ,7 0 ,8 0 ,9 1

1 ,1 1 ,2 1 ,3 1 ,4 1 ,5 1 ,6 1 ,7 mA
I
IEC

normal working area

non permissible area

Figure 4 Characteristics of proximity sensor in the high impedance state

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179 5/99

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EN 6094756:2000

IEC

179 6/99

12
11
10
U

9
8

6,5

7
6

R = 400

5
4
3
2
1

2,2

7
6,5

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17 mA

normal working area

non permissible area

Figure 5 Characteristics of proximity sensor in the low impedance state

9.4 Verification of the electromagnetic compatibility

Subclause 8.6 of IEC 60947-5-2 applies, with the following addition: during the tests the
impedance state of the sensor shall not change.

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EN 6094756:2000

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BS EN
60947-5-6:2001
IEC
60947-5-6:1999

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