April 10, 2013 – Honeywell announced the Limitless WLS Series Wireless Non-Contact Switch. The switch uses non-contact technology, enabling the device to actuate based on the presence or absence of magnets installed on a customer’s device – making it suitable for harsh operating environments. The battery-operated Limitless Wireless Non-Contact Switch allows customers to choose either top sensing or side sensing. This flexibility, combined with proven harsh-duty packaging, can increase efficiency and reduce installation and maintenance costs compared to a traditional wired switch.
Wireless offers advantages over traditional wired switches by reducing total installed costs as there are no wires or conduit to install, no cable wear-and-tear to mend, and no cords or connectors that can be damaged in the application. Wireless also increases flexibility by offering easy reconfiguration in remote or temporary installations. Instead of a lever, button, or wobble stick, the Limitless Wireless Non-Contact Switch can be actuated with a magnet, simplifying use in tight areas often found in machine tools, packaging machinery, lifts, ag/construction equipment, and industrial machines, or in applications where mechanical actuators are not feasible.
Designed for rugged environments, the switch’s zinc head and body are phosphate treated and epoxy finished to deliver sealing to IP67 and NEMA 1, 4, 12, 13, and all-stainless steel hardware. Honeywell’s Limitless Wireless Non-Contact Switch joins a broad wireless product line that features three limit switch families: WLGA Series Global Limit Switch, WLS Series Heavy-Duty Limit Switch; WLS Series Limit Switch with Eyelet Pull; WLS Series Single Switch Adapter; WOI Series Wireless Operator Pushbutton; WPMM Series Panel-Mount Monitor; and WDRR Series Din-Rail Receiver.
The entire Limitless portfolio utilizes the global, license-free RF wireless 802.15.4 WPAN protocol that provides up to a 305 m [1000 ft] line-of-sight communication range, and prolongs battery life with advanced power management technology. As with all Limitless products, battery and signal diagnostics are standard features.
“With the addition of the WLS Series Non-Contact Switch, customers now have a choice of wireless mechanical actuation, non-contact actuation, and wireless operator push-buttons and interfaces to reduce installation cost, increase flexibility, reduce ongoing maintenance costs, and solve some of their toughest challenges,” said Joseph Citrano, senior global product marketing manager, Honeywell Sensing and Control. “Wireless reduces capital and operating expenses, and adds reliability in many applications.”
Honeywell International is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges.