Inductive Sensor IFT203

Introduction – Inductive Sensor IFT203

The Inductive Sensor IFT203 from ifm electronic is a robust and hygienic proximity sensor engineered for demanding industrial environments. Built with a stainless-steel (316L) housing and PEEK sensing face, it provides exceptional resistance to high-pressure and aggressive cleaning agents, making it ideal for use in the food, beverage, and packaging industries.

This M12 threaded, flush-mountable sensor offers a 4 mm sensing range and operates reliably across a wide temperature range (0…100 °C). Its IP68/IP69K protection rating ensures complete resistance against dust, water, and washdown procedures, even under frequent temperature fluctuations or chemical exposure.

The sensor’s PNP, normally open output and gold-plated contacts guarantee stable electrical performance, while advanced protection features—such as reverse polarity, overload, and short-circuit protection—enhance operational safety.

Trusted by engineers and system integrators, the Inductive Sensor IFT203 delivers long-term reliability with a mean time to failure (MTTF) of 1134 years, ensuring minimal maintenance and maximum uptime in hygienic and industrial automation applications. Available through Dubai Sensor, this model is well-suited for facilities across the UAE and MENA region seeking durable sensing solutions.

Key Features & Benefits

• Stainless-steel (316L / 1.4404) housing for maximum corrosion resistance
  
• Designed for hygienic and food industry applications
  
• Sensing range: 4 mm (increased range design)
  
• Protection rating: IP68/IP69K (“COP”)
  
• Operates across 0…100 °C temperature range
  
• Resistant to high-pressure, aggressive cleaning processes
  
• Gold-plated contacts ensure secure electrical connection
  
• Built-in short-circuit, overload, and reverse polarity protection
  
• Long service life with MTTF of 1134 years
  
• PNP, normally open output for easy integration into control systems
  
• Compact M12 threaded design, flush mountable
  

Technical Specifications – Inductive Sensor IFT203

Standards & Certifications

• EMC compliance: EN 61000-4-2, EN 61000-4-3, EN 61000-4-4, EN 61000-4-6
  
• Safety and quality approval: UL E174191 (Type 1 enclosure)
  
• Environmental protection: IP68 / IP69K compliant
  
• Design standard: ISO 9001 manufacturing and hygiene-compatible materials
  

Applications & Industries

• Food and beverage processing systems
  
• Bottling, packaging, and filling machinery
  
• Automated cleaning and washdown areas
  
• Industrial automation systems in harsh environments
  
• Pharmaceutical and hygienic production facilities
  
• Machine tool and stainless-steel equipment manufacturing
  

Installation, Commissioning & Maintenance

The Inductive Sensor IFT203 is designed for quick and secure installation using its M12 × 1 threaded housing and two stainless-steel lock nuts (included). It supports flush mounting, ensuring stable operation without false triggering.

For electrical connection, use an M12 A-coded connector with gold-plated contacts to maintain signal integrity. Routine maintenance is minimal — the stainless-steel construction and PEEK face simplify cleaning and resist contamination or mechanical wear, ensuring long-term accuracy in continuous operations.

Why Choose Inductive Sensor IFT203

The Inductive Sensor IFT203 combines hygienic design, reliability, and durability in one compact package. Its robust build and compliance with strict industrial and EMC standards make it an ideal choice for automation engineers demanding precision in tough conditions.

With its proven ifm engineering quality, wide temperature capability, and IP69K protection, the IFT203 ensures dependable detection performance across food processing and industrial environments. For users in the UAE and MENA, Dubai Sensor provides trusted supply and technical support for seamless integration.

Ordering Guide

1. Model: Inductive Sensor IFT203
   
2. Order code: IFB3004BBPKG/V4A/US-104
   
3. Included accessories: 2 × stainless steel lock nuts
   
4. Connector: M12 A-coded (4-pin), gold-plated contacts
   
5. Mounting: Flush installation, M12 × 1 thread
   

For verified sourcing and expert assistance, the Inductive Sensor IFT203 is available through Dubai Sensor, the official distributor of ifm products in the UAE and MENA region.

FAQ – Inductive Sensor IFT203

Q1: What is the sensing range of the Inductive Sensor IFT203?
A: The Inductive Sensor IFT203 offers a sensing range of 4 mm, with an operating distance up to 3.24 mm and an increased sensing range design for enhanced detection reliability.

Q2: Can the IFT203 be used in food and beverage applications?
A: Yes. The sensor features a 316L stainless steel housing and PEEK sensing face, both suitable for hygienic and washdown environments such as food, beverage, and packaging lines.

Q3: What protection rating does the sensor have?
A: The IFT203 is rated IP68/IP69K, providing full protection against dust, water immersion, and high-pressure cleaning, even with aggressive cleaning agents.

Q4: What type of electrical output does it provide?
A: It has a PNP, normally open (NO) output configuration, compatible with most industrial control and automation systems.

Q5: What is the operating temperature range?
A: The sensor is designed to operate reliably between 0 and 100 °C, with excellent temperature shock resistance for applications with frequent thermal fluctuations.

Q6: Does the IFT203 have built-in electrical protection?
A: Yes. It includes reverse polarity, short-circuit (pulsed), and overload protection, ensuring long-term operational safety and stability.

Q7: How is the Inductive Sensor IFT203 connected?
A: The sensor uses an M12 A-coded 4-pin connector with gold-plated contacts for stable electrical connections and corrosion resistance.

Q8: What approvals and certifications does the sensor have?
A: The IFT203 complies with EN 61000-4 EMC standards and is UL approved (E174191), meeting international safety and reliability requirements.

Q9: What is the expected lifetime of the IFT203?
A: It has a very high Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) of approximately 1134 years, ensuring outstanding long-term reliability.

Q10: What accessories are included with the sensor?
A: Each unit is supplied with two stainless steel lock nuts for secure installation in threaded mounting applications.