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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    626

    NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    I bought some Proxs off Ebay to try as limit switches, but the cables are too short.
    The conductors are 0.1mm sq, 3 cores, brown, blue and black. ( Standard colours for Prox Probes )

    I'd like to keep the conductor colours the same to prevent confusion.
    I've been searching for days trying to find some...no dice.
    All the usually suspects, RS, Farn...sorry....Element 14, Jaycar, altronics, Digikey, Ebay. Even asked the Supplier...no meaningful response.

    Surely it must be available somewhere? Doesn't make sense.

    Anybody know where I can buy 25M roll anywhere?

    Steve

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    1267

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Solution #1: extend the cable in the middle so the end will have the original colors.

    Solution #2: buy different switches with longer cables (probably would be cheaper than buying cable from DigiKey).

    Solution #3: use a cable with different colors and make a note in the machine's paperwork.

    Solution #4: use colored heatshrink tubes to change the wire color.

  3. #3

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    You should be using shielded wire on them anyways with the shielded wire soldered in fairly close to the sensor. Just make a note on how the colors correspond and move on.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Posts
    178

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    buy prox cables from Automationdirect ( they're cheap) cut the plug off, solder and heat shrink and you're done. Colors match

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    626

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Thanks Guys,
    Don't really want to repurchase any more, so will use another solution.
    The Proxi's didn't come with shielded cables, so I assumed they didn't need it.. It makes sense that they should though.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    1267

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Quote Originally Posted by Sterob View Post
    The Proxi's didn't come with sheild cables, so I assumed they didn't need it.. It makes sense that they should though.
    No, they should not. Most proximity switches - not just Chinese ones, but brand names like Telemecanique/Schneider - have unshielded cables. Using 24V logic gives you enough noise immunity without shielding.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    626

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Quote Originally Posted by CitizenOfDreams View Post
    No, they should not. Most proximity switches - not just Chinese ones, but brand names like Telemecanique/Schneider - have unshielded cables. Using 24V logic gives you enough noise immunity without shielding.
    Makes sense...thanks.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    23

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Those NPN proximity switches on eBay are around $2 or so right? 10 for $20. Could just buy a couple more if you didn't get extra ones, cut off the wires from another one or two and extend the one you are using, same wire.

  9. #9

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    I have the Chinese ones and I had issues with them until I shielded them. I use 30V by the way.

  10. #10

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Also if you do go the Chinese route and have coolant then make sure you get potted ones. The other ones don’t hold up well in coolant.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    626

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Quote Originally Posted by minitech cnc View Post
    Those NPN proximity switches on eBay are around $2 or so right? 10 for $20. Could just buy a couple more if you didn't get extra ones, cut off the wires from another one or two and extend the one you are using, same wire.
    A couple of them may need that done twice...hard to say at this point.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    626

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Quote Originally Posted by CL_MotoTech View Post
    I have the Chinese ones and I had issues with them until I shielded them. I use 30V by the way.
    hmmm...ok. I better keep that in mind.
    Maybe I should just cut the whole cable off and fit shielded cable from the start. So much for usin gthe KISS principle....lol

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by CL_MotoTech View Post
    Also if you do go the Chinese route and have coolant then make sure you get potted ones. The other ones don’t hold up well in coolant.
    Yes, they are potted....At last that is ok...

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    1943

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    I have the chinese potted prox switches on my machine and I used the unshielded cables that came on them and they work fine on my machine. No issues whatsoever.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    626

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Quote Originally Posted by 109jb View Post
    I have the chinese potted prox switches on my machine and I used the unshielded cables that came on them and they work fine on my machine. No issues whatsoever.
    Ok...maybe the potted switches don't require shielding?....dunno.
    Seeing as I have to extend the leads anyway, I may just buy shielded cable and repalce the lot.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    626

    Re: NPN Proximity Switch Extension Cable

    Decided to err on the side safety and use screened cable ( thanks gents )
    Gave up on trying to find the correct colours and just went with the right gauge.
    I'll join the cable at about 100mm from the Prox to maximise the screening.
    This means I'll need 24 pins for connector at the control box. ( 6 x 4 ) Lucky I have 25 ( DB25 )

    Steve

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