Baumer Holding AG (Switzerland) – Baumer announced the immediate availability of LBFH and LBFI level switches with IO-Link and ATEX approval. The IO-Link interface allows the user to automate the configuration of sensors.The inclusion of ATEX also enables the use of commercially available barriers. The sensors are suitable for hygienic and industrial applications.

Thanks to IO-Link integration, the level switches are Industry 4.0-ready. The communication interface enables each application to be configured quickly and easily using standard network components. This ensures error-free duplication of the system and device replacement without the need for additional programming, thereby saving time. Diagnostic data can be called up and evaluated at any time, which increases system availability.

Just like their predecessors, LBFH and LBFI level switches meet the criteria for ATEX categories 1 and 2 for gas and dust. The reduced current consumption of their more advanced electronics means that commercially-available standard barriers can now be used in addition to the Baumer barriers. This increases flexibility in terms of integration even in existing plants, and reduces installation costs.

Two switching outputs make it possible to set independent trigger thresholds. This means two different process steps, such as production and cleaning, or two media groups, such as water and oil, can be monitored with one sensor. Additionally, the two switching outputs facilitate a plausibility check of the sensor. Complementary trigger point setting ensures wire breaks are reliably detected, thus guaranteeing effective monitoring of all programs. Both variants are suitable for use in temperatures up to 135 °C while the variant for hygiene applications also has SIP capabilities.