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Dry contact IoT sensors - What we need to konw

Dry contact IoT sensors: simplicity and efficiency for your connected projects

In a world where connected technologies play an increasingly important role in optimising processes, dry contact sensors occupy a unique position. Their simplicity, combined with remarkable reliability, makes them invaluable allies for professionals in industry, construction and other sectors. Discover how these discrete, versatile sensors respond to real-life problems by detecting simple but essential states.

Understanding dry contacts IoT sensors

Dry contact sensors are devices designed to detect binary states, such as the opening or closing of a circuit. Unlike other sensors that measure complex variables (temperature, pressure, etc.), they focus on precise and often critical events.

But what is a ‘dry contact’?

A dry contact refers to an electrical circuit where no current or voltage is directly supplied by the device being monitored. This means that the sensor acts solely as a passive switch, transmitting a signal based on the state of the circuit.

Why use dry contact sensors?

Simplicity: These sensors require no calibration or complex maintenance.
Versatility: They can monitor a wide range of equipment and processes.
Reliability: Their robust design ensures long-lasting operation even in demanding environments.

In short, dry contact sensors are an affordable and effective solution for monitoring simple but crucial events.

How dry contact IoT sensors work

The operating principle of Dry contacts sensors is based on binary detection of a change of state in a circuit. This operation can be simplified into two steps:

“Open” state

The circuit is interrupted, signalling that no event is detected (e.g. a door is closed, an alarm is deactivated).

“Closed” state

The circuit is activated, indicating that an event has occurred (e.g. a door has opened, a machine has reached its travel limit).

Benefits of dry contact

1- Low energy consumption

With no active current in the monitored circuit, the sensors require very little energy to operate, which extends the life of their batteries.

One of the major advantages of dry contact IoT sensors is their extremely low energy consumption. This is due to their passive operation: the circuit being monitored does not emit any current, which reduces the energy required to detect a state (open or closed).

Why is this important?

Longer life:

Low energy consumption means that sensor batteries can last for several years, reducing maintenance costs.

Applications in remote areas:

Thanks to their autonomy, these sensors are ideal for installation in hard-to-reach or remote locations, such as industrial infrastructures or rural areas.

Reduced environmental impact

Their long life and energy efficiency contribute to a more sustainable approach by limiting frequent replacement and electronic waste.

Case in point: On a remote industrial site, a dry contact sensor installed to monitor a maintenance hatch can operate without intervention for several years, ensuring continuous monitoring with minimal operational cost.

2- Robustness

The absence of voltage reduces the risk of wear or short-circuiting, making these sensors ideal for industrial or outdoor applications.

Dry contact sensors are designed to withstand the most demanding environments. Their robust design ensures reliable operation, even in extreme conditions.

Key features of their robustness:

Resistance to extreme temperatures

They can operate in a wide range of temperatures, from icy environments to intense heat.

Immunity to interference

The absence of current in the monitored circuit limits the risk of disturbance due to electromagnetic interference, guaranteeing consistent accuracy in readings

Protection against moisture and dust

Many Dry contacts IoT sensors, like those offered by Adeunis, have IP68-compliant waterproof housings, making them suitable for outdoor or industrial environments.

3- Simple integration

Another key advantage of dry contact IoT sensors is their ease of installation and integration into existing systems. Their universal nature and compatibility with the main IoT protocols make them easy to deploy in a variety of projects.

The benefits of their simplicity:

Compatibility with standardised IoT networks

These sensors work with protocols such as LoRaWAN and Sigfox, enabling seamless integration into existing IoT infrastructures.

Rapid installation

Their compact design and lack of complex requirements (such as calibration or a permanent power supply) reduce installation time.

4- Versatility and association capability:

One of the main advantages of Dry contacts sensors is their ability to be integrated into larger systems in association with other equipment, enabling the creation of customised solutions such as level, temperature and vibration sensors, for example.

These association and integration capabilities multiply the possibilities of use, making the dry contact sensor a central pillar in innovative and flexible IoT ecosystems. In this way, it adapts to constantly changing needs, making your connected systems even more flexible.

Use cases for Dry contacts IoT sensors

Dry contact IoT sensors stand out for their ability to meet a wide range of needs in sectors as diverse as industry, building management and public infrastructure. Here are a few concrete examples of applications where they provide real added value.

In industry

Monitoring openings and closures:

In a factory, monitoring the status of hatches or valves is crucial to ensuring safe operations. A dry contact sensor can signal unauthorised opening or a mechanical malfunction.

Example: A poorly closed maintenance hatch is immediately detected, avoiding the risk of an accident.

Detection of equipment faults:

By monitoring the limit switches on conveyors or industrial machines, the sensors can detect unexpected stoppages or limits being exceeded.

Example: When a machine reaches its maximum position, a signal is sent to automatically stop its operation.

In connected buildings

Optimising resources and saving energy:

By detecting the use of spaces or equipment, these sensors can automate the energy management of buildings.

For example, if a meeting room is not in use, the lights and heating are automatically switched off, thanks to the data transmitted by the sensor.

Access and security management:

Dry contact sensors are often used to monitor doors and windows in buildings. They signal in real time if a door is left open or if an intruder attempts to gain access.

Example: An emergency door opened outside authorised hours triggers an alarm and immediately informs the security team.

Monitoring the correct operation of emergency equipment:

Connected to a piece of equipment, the dry contact sensor alerts you as soon as a malfunction is detected. Thanks to this system, action can be taken quickly to repair/replace the defibrillator concerned. There’s no need to go out and check that it’s working properly.

Example: the dry contact sensor can be connected to a defibrillator to send out an alert if it malfunctions.

In public infrastructures

Monitoring water or gas networks:

Placed on valves or access hatches, dry contact sensors detect tampering or incidents on the network.

Example: A gas valve opened outside the authorised range generates an alert for immediate action.

Managing public spaces:

Sensors can monitor urban equipment such as electrical boxes or technical cabinets, signalling any abnormal opening.

Example: An electrical cabinet in an isolated area is monitored to prevent acts of vandalism.

The versatility and simplicity of Dry contacts IoT sensors make them essential solutions for automating and securing simple but critical processes. Whether you need to monitor a door in a building, a valve in a factory, or a piece of public equipment, these sensors offer a reliable and accessible response to your real-time monitoring needs. Thanks to its expertise and the robustness of its products, Adeunis can support your connected projects by offering solutions tailored to each application.