Tilt sensor for rugged, safety critical applications

Penny + Giles has launched a new robust tilt sensor, STT500, for use in safety critical applications used on cranes and lifting platforms. A tilt sensor is an essential part of a Safe Load Indicator (SLI) system on a crane, designed to alert the operator if the lift is exceeding the safe operating range of the machine. The SLI measures the angle and extension of the boom along with the load weight, and calculates if the machine is working within the manufacturers suggested safety margins.

Based on proven solid-state technology, the STT500 provides distinct advantages in reliability, stability and compactness over fluid based, electrolytic and pendulum operated sensors. It can operate from a 5V or 8-30V power source and has a measurement range of ±10º, ±20º, ±30º or ±60º with an output from 0.5 to 4.5Vdc over the full inclination angle.

STT500 is supplied in a marine grade (LM6) cast aluminium alloy housing with 88mm diameter flange. It has a high environmental protection rating of IP69K to withstand the ingress of dust and fluids, even under high pressure washing.

The sensor has no moving parts and as a result has excellent resistance to shock and vibration up to 20,000g. It can withstand operating temperatures of -40 to + 125°C and has an EMC Immunity of 100V/m.

For maximum flexibility the new sensor has a low power requirement of less than 6.5mA, so it can be used in hard-wired or battery-powered systems and for ease of installation OEMs can fit their own cable through the supplied gland or use Penny + Giles’ supplied cable option. Alternatively a circular M12 connector is available that can interface with industry standard sensor cables.

The company’s popular STT280, which has a smaller, moulded housing diameter of just 28mm, is also now available with ±10º, ±20º, ±30º or ±60º measurement range options.

Penny + Giles’ range of tilt sensors provide a highly reliable solution for absolute tilt measurement sensing in a variety of applications such as road construction equipment, cranes and booms, scissor lifts, agricultural vehicles, container handling and hydraulic lift systems.