Can the measuring cable run around a pulley?
Only if the sensor manufacturer and application design permit it. A pulley changes alignment, friction and fatigue conditions, so it must be reviewed rather than assumed.
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Displacement sensor guide
How to select a draw-wire displacement sensor
Define the travel, output, accuracy, cable path, duty cycle and environment before comparing models.
DIRECT ANSWER
Select a draw-wire displacement sensor by defining the full linear travel, output interface, required accuracy, cable exit direction, movement speed, acceleration, cycle life and environment. The measuring cable must remain aligned and free from side loading, and the selected range should include safe overtravel without using the sensor cable as a load-bearing element.
✓ Short to long measuring ranges✓ RS485, CANopen, analog or incremental output✓ Cable direction and mounting geometry✓ Standard, waterproof and explosion-protected options
SELECTION TABLE
Draw-wire sensor selection checklist
Use this table as an initial engineering checklist. Final model configuration must be confirmed against the controller, mechanical drawing and operating environment.
FactorWhat to verify
RangeNormal travel, setup movement and safe overtravel
OutputPLC analog input, pulse counter, RS485 Modbus or CANopen
PerformanceLinearity, repeatability, resolution, speed, acceleration and cycle life
MechanicsCable exit, mounting plane, eyelet, alignment and retraction force
EnvironmentWater, dust, salt spray, temperature, vibration and hazardous-area requirements
ENGINEERING PROCESS
How to select the right configuration
- 01
Measure the minimum, maximum and possible overtravel.
- 02
Choose the controller interface and supply.
- 03
Define required linearity, resolution, speed and duty cycle.
- 04
Plan a straight cable path without side loading or impact.
- 05
Confirm enclosure, mounting and controlled drawing.
RELEVANT PRODUCTS
Technical product pages
RS485 Modbus Draw-wire Displacement Sensor
Absolute linear position and speed feedback with power-off memory for short, medium and long travel.
View parameters and drawings →
Analog Draw-wire Displacement Sensor
Direct analog linear-position feedback for standard PLC current and voltage inputs.
View parameters and drawings →
IP68 Waterproof Draw-wire Sensor
Protected linear-position measurement for outdoor, washdown and water-infrastructure applications.
View parameters and drawings →COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a sensor range exactly equal to the machine stroke?
Usually include reasonable setup and overtravel margin while preserving the required resolution and package size. Do not allow the mechanism to pull beyond the rated range.
What output is best for a draw-wire sensor?
Use the output supported by the controller and environment: analog for straightforward PLC input, incremental for relative motion, or digital absolute protocols for retained position and configuration.
RELATED GUIDANCE
Continue your selection
EDITORIAL SCOPE
How this guidance is prepared
FOSAI consolidates available supplier technical material into a buyer-oriented selection guide. Parameters, certifications and compatibility are not generalized across every model; the final suffix, controlled drawing and project conditions must be confirmed before ordering.
MODEL SELECTION SUPPORT
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Include the existing model, controller interface, supply, measurement range, shaft or mounting drawing, environment and quantity.
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