How do I choose between a Connection Enclosure (HS-CE) and a Switching Enclosure (HS-SE)?

Decision rule: how will the data collector be used? Choose a Connection Enclosure (HS-CE) when: • Each sensor has its own output connector on the front panel — operator plugs the data collector into each connector one by one. • Sensor signals can also reach PLC/DCS via permanent wiring (separate from BNC, through terminal blocks). • Up to 40 channels capacity, larger panel. • Advantage: multiple data collectors can be connected simultaneously; each channel independently accessible. Choose a Switching Enclosure (HS-SE) when: • Front panel has one BNC output + rotary switch — operator plugs the data collector once, selects sensor with the switch. • Classic for walking-around CBM teams: up to 70 channels, single cable. • Advantage: less plugging/unplugging on the data collector side, fast switching; particularly efficient in 10+ sensor panels. Rule of thumb: • Fewer than 5 sensors, multi-access: HS-CE (passive), each channel its own connector. • 5-15 sensors, walking-around: HS-SE (switch), single BNC, fast. • 15+ sensors, main CBM panel: HS-SE-TX or transmitter modules — continuous PLC monitoring instead of manual switching.

What is a Junction Enclosure (HS-JE), and when is it preferred over a Connection Enclosure?

Junction Enclosure is the simplest waterproof terminal box — no switch, no BNC output, just Klippon DIN-rail terminal blocks . It joins sensor cables at the field, sending one multi-core control cable to the control room. Prefer HS-JE when: • No walking-around CBM — sensor data only goes to PLC/DCS via permanent cabling. • Budget is tight — more economical than HS-CE (no rotary switch, no BNC panel). • Pure consolidation — 8 sensor cables → 1 single 12-conductor control cable. Reduces field cabling cost by 40-50%. • Shared as junction box with other equipment — temperature sensors, pressure sensors etc. consolidated in the same enclosure. Prefer HS-CE when: • CBM teams walk around with a data collector for periodic readings (BNC outputs needed). • Both permanent monitoring and walking-around are active (dual access). Logic: HS-JE = passive cabling consolidation. HS-CE = passive consolidation + data collector access. HS-SE = active channel selection. Three different use cases.

What's the difference between HS-SE-DT (dual output + display) and HS-SE-TX (transmitter)?

Both are enhanced variants of the HS-SE Switching Enclosure, adding different signal-processing layers. HS-SE-DT (Dual Output + Display): • Dual-channel output — for clean separation of dual-output sensors like Hansford HS-100T / HS-100RT (vibration + temperature from one cable). • When a channel is selected, both vibration and temperature go to the BNC output; operator reads both with data collector. • Channel capacity: 1-12 sensors (half of standard HS-SE due to dual output). • Ideal: bearing monitoring programmes, vibration and temperature trends in one panel. HS-SE-TX (with Transmitter): • Built-in 4-20 mA transmitter — sensor signal passes through the switch, the internal module converts mV/g to 4-20 mA, and the terminal output feeds the PLC. • Both walking-around (via BNC) and 24/7 PLC monitoring operate from the same module. • Channel capacity: 1-12 triaxial points. • Ideal: main CBM panel — field teams use a daily data collector while the PLC continuously sees a valid signal. Decision table: • Dual-output sensors (HS-100T/RT) + switching needed → HS-SE-DT. • Standard IEPE sensors + walking-around + PLC monitoring at once → HS-SE-TX. • Only walking-around, no PLC → standard HS-SE is enough (more economical).

Material choice: painted steel, stainless steel, polycarbonate, diecast aluminium — which goes where?

Material selection combines environmental conditions + application requirements . Painted Mild Steel (RAL 7042 — HS-CE / HS-SE standard): • Standard industrial indoor installation (motor room, factory interior). • Temperature -20 to +60°C, normal humidity. • Most economical and durable. 15+ year service life in non-corrosive environments. • Advantage: no premium cost, large channel capacity. 304 Stainless Steel (HS-CE-SRM / HS-SEC / HS-ICE / HS-CEI): • Hygienic wash-down (food, pharmaceutical, beverage production). • Marine or coastal environment (salt spray, high humidity). • Chemical environment (mild acid/alkali vapours). • Advantage: corrosion-resistant, certification-friendly (FDA, GMP). • Typically 25-40% more expensive than painted steel. Polycarbonate (HS-CE-PCM / HS-BE): • Outdoor (UV-resistant grades), under sunshade. • Corrosive ambient but low mechanical load (lightweight boxes). • Advantage: very light, easy mounting, transparent options for visual inspection. • Limitation: lower mechanical impact resistance than metal; deformation possible at very high temperatures (>80°C). Diecast Aluminium (HS-DE): • Compact, economical for small panels — up to 4 channels. • Good mechanical strength, moderate corrosion resistance (powdercoated). • Advantage: small, robust, low cost. • Limitation: small channel count, no switch integration. Decision table: Standard industry → mild steel. Hygienic/marine → 304 stainless. Outdoor → polycarbonate. Budget/small → diecast.

Channel count planning: how much capacity should I reserve for future expansion?

Hansford enclosures come in 3 standard sizes plus extra-large options (HS-CE example): • 200×200×150 mm — 1-8 channels • 200×300×150 mm — 9-16 channels • 300×450×150 mm — 17-40 channels • (Larger: custom order, up to 70 channels on HS-SE) Field rule: reserve 30-40% spare capacity. In a typical 3-5 year plant expansion, sensor counts grow 20-50%. With 10 sensors at first installation, choose the 16-channel size — you can add 6 more points later without making space. Cost of no spare capacity: Buying a new enclosure + installation + rewiring + machine downtime ≈ 3-5 times the cost of the original enclosure. Reserving spare capacity upfront is far more economical. Practical recommendations: • Label every entry gland + every terminal number — when replacing one sensor during maintenance, avoid touching the others. • Leave empty terminal slots (capped or open), allocate blank gland holes for cable entries. • Reserve spare conductors in multi-core cable — pulling extra wires later for new sensors is expensive.

Output connector: BNC, M12, MS, TNC — which goes where?

Output connector selection depends on compatibility on the data collector / PLC side . BNC (default): • Industry standard for walking-around CBM data collectors (CSI 2140, SKF Microlog, Fluke 805 etc.). • Fast bayonet connection, common, inexpensive. • Limit: carries one coaxial signal only (1 channel). • IP66 when mated, but unsealed when not plugged in (needs a protective cap). • Preferred: periodic data collector access, not permanent cabling. M12 (4-pin): • Modern Hansford sensors' own connector — cable + power + signal in one. • IP67 sealing , vibration-resistant locking connection. • For permanent cabling + long distance. • Preferred: permanent PLC monitoring between sensor and enclosure. MS (2-pin Military Spec): • Legacy industrial sensors and special environments. • Robust bayonet , slightly larger than M12. • Legacy plant compatibility. • Preferred: when legacy sensors require it, retrofit installations. TNC (Threaded BNC): • Threaded version of BNC — more vibration-resistant. • Same coaxial pinout, only the locking mechanism differs. • Preferred: high-vibration environments (presses, heavy machinery) where BNC may loosen. Mixed options: A single enclosure can carry different connectors on different channels — Hansford's order form lets you specify each channel's connector separately. Typical mix: main monitoring points use M12 (permanent), spot-check points use BNC (data collector).

What's the difference between HS-ICE and HS-CEI? Which should I choose for an ATEX hazardous area?

Both are Hansford's certified solutions for ATEX hazardous areas, at different integration levels. HS-ICE — Full ATEX Intrinsically Safe Connection Enclosure: • Entire enclosure is ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb certified (Group II, Zone 1/2). • 304 stainless steel, lockable door, blue IS-compatible cable entry. • Permanent installation in the hazardous area is safe — no additional certification required. • Operating temperature: -25 to +70°C. • Typical use: sensor junction at a Zone 1 field point (pumping station, gas processing). HS-CEI — Connection Enclosure with Zener Barriers: • Standard HS-CE enclosure (stainless steel) + integrated Zener barrier option ("I" code). • Zener barriers limit current/voltage entering the hazardous area — the sensor side is IS, but the enclosure itself must be installed in the safe area . • Lockable door, stainless steel. • Typical use: IS-barrier panel on the control-room side — sensors in Zone 1, enclosure in the safe area. Decision: • Field junction needed in the hazardous area → HS-ICE (permanent IS-certified). • Want an IS-barrier panel in the safe area without buying a separate barrier module → HS-CEI (integrated Zener barriers). • Hybrid installation → contact IMB Electric engineering with the site's ATEX documentation plan. ATEX installation is a whole-system thing — sensor + cable + barrier + enclosure require joint certification documentation. Evaluate as a system architecture rather than picking individual components.

Field installation: sensor to enclosure, enclosure to control room — practical cabling recommendations?

Industrial enclosure installation is planned in three stages: 1) Sensor → Enclosure (field side): • Each sensor reaches the enclosure on its own shielded cable (typically 4-6 m). • Anchor the cable 100-150 mm past the sensor with a clamp (vibration fatigue). • Cable enters the enclosure through a cable gland (typically M16 or M20). • Cable shield is grounded at the enclosure terminal block (single-point earthing). 2) Enclosure front panel (operator access): • BNC or M12 connectors mount on the panel, labelled (each channel number). • Engraved traffolyte panel shows channel numbers and machine IDs. • Lockable door prevents unauthorised access. 3) Enclosure → Control room (long distance): • Single multi-core cable (e.g., 12× shielded twisted pair) carries all signals to the control room. • Distance limit: up to 1000 m for BNC signal without issue; M12 IEPE the same. • Multi-core jacket material chosen for environment (PUR standard, FR flame-retardant, silicone high-temp). • On the control-room side, the shield is grounded at one point only (not at the sensor side — to prevent ground loops). Practical observation: • Install the enclosure 5-10 m from the sensors — cable thickness/cost is reasonable, but the enclosure isn't exposed to direct machine vibration. • Add a passive vent at the top — internal temperature can be 5-15°C higher than ambient. • Outdoor enclosure under direct sunlight → sunshade or UV-resistant material (polycarbonate UV-grade). For detailed field architecture, IMB Electric engineering team can propose site-specific cabling plans.

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Hansford Sensors Industrial Sensor Enclosures and Modules

Field cabinets that consolidate, protect and route multiple sensors into a single panel

In industrial vibration monitoring programmes, cabling architecture is as critical as sensor selection. A compressor building with 40 separate sensors means 40 long cables to the control room — a cost, noise and maintenance nightmare. The solution: field-side intermediate enclosures.

Connection Enclosures (HS-CE, HS-DE, HS-BE) consolidate 4-40 sensors onto terminal blocks in one junction box. CBM teams plug data collectors into the BNC output to read each sensor as a separate channel. Switching Enclosures (HS-SE, HS-SEC) add a front-panel rotary switch — operators manually toggle between sensors using a single data collector. HS-SE-DT/TX variants integrate a display and a transmitter. Junction Enclosures (HS-JE) are simplified waterproof terminal boxes — joining sensor cables to a long-run multi-conductor cable.

For ATEX hazardous areas, HS-CEI (with built-in Zener barriers) and HS-ICE (full stainless steel Ex ia) variants provide certified solutions. Material options — painted mild steel, polycarbonate, 304 stainless steel and diecast aluminium — suit chemical, marine and high-hygiene environments. All series meet IP66 ingress protection (HS-BE excepted, IP55).

Multi-sensor consolidationWalking-around data collectionField junction boxChannel selector switchLocal RMS displayMulti-core cable terminationATEX hazardous areaHygienic / marine environmentLow-cost budget enclosure

REFERENCE SPECIMENINDUSTRIAL SENSOR ENCLOSURES AND MODULES · 01

INDUSTRIALVIBRATION SENSORHANSFORD SENSORS

Models

Configurable

Multi-Sensor Connection Enclosures

Passively consolidate multiple sensors in one junction box — direct output to a data collector BNC or control-room cable · no switch, no transmitter

5 MODELS2 PRODUCTS

SHARED IN THIS GROUPCapacity:4-40 channelsOutput:BNC standardConnector:M12 / MS / TNC optionHousing:Steel · Stainless · Polycarbonate · DiecastProtection:IP66 (HS-BE: IP55)Panel:Engraved traffolyte

Model	Electrical Output	Additional Features	Datasheet
HS-CE	Passive terminal junction · BNC standard (M12/MS/TNC option)	RAL 7042 painted 1.5 mm steel · 1-40 channels · IP66 · Klippon termination · Twist-handle lid · 4× mounting brackets · Sub-variants: -M / -PCM / -SR / -SRM / -SSM (material combinations)	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-CE

HS-CE-PCM	Passive terminal junction · BNC output	Lightweight polycarbonate housing · UV-resistant · for outdoor and damp environments · 1-16 channels · IP66 · corrosion-resistant	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-CE-PCM

HS-CE-SRM	Passive terminal junction · BNC + optional TNC/MS	304 stainless steel · food processing, pharma, marine, chemical environments · hygienic wash-down compatible · IP66 · 1-40 channels	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-CE-SRM

HS-DE	Passive terminal junction · BNC output (fixed)	Black powdercoated aluminium · 4 channels max · compact form · industrial connectors · single-latch lid · low cost, rugged · IP66	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-DE

HS-BE	Passive terminal junction · BNC output (TNC/MS option)	Compact polycarbonate housing · 2-6 channels · hinged lid · PCB-mounted screw terminal · IP55 · low-cost alternative	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-BE

Multi-Sensor Switching Enclosures

Adds a front-panel rotary switch to the connection enclosure · operators manually toggle between sensors with a single data collector · classic walking-around CBM solution

4 MODELS

SHARED IN THIS GROUPCapacity:1-70 channelsSwitch:Rotary channel selectorOutput:BNC standardDT:Vibration + temperatureTX:Built-in 4-20 mA transmitterProtection:IP66

Model	Electrical Output	Additional Features	Datasheet
HS-SE	Rotary switch · BNC output (M12/MS/TNC option)	RAL 7042 painted steel · 1-70 channel capacity (3 sizes) · IP66 · engraved traffolyte panel · mild steel sub-variants: -M (metal panel) / -PCM (Polycarbonate Marine) / -SRM (Stainless Marine) / -SSM (304 Stainless) / -SR (Stainless Steel)	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-SE

HS-SE-DT	Rotary switch · Dual output: vibration + temperature · BNC	Mild steel or stainless · 1-12 channels · no local display but dual-channel BNC output · pairs with HS-100T/RT sensors (vibration and temperature on the same channel) · IP66	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-SE-DT

HS-SE-TX	Rotary switch · built-in 4-20 mA transmitter output	Active signal conditioning + switch in one module · 1-12 triax channels · DIN-rail terminals · IP66 · mild steel or stainless · sends 4-20 mA directly to PLC (data collector + 24/7 monitoring together)	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-SE-TX

HS-SEC	Rotary switch · BNC output (M12/MS/TNC option)	304 stainless steel standard · compact 130×110×150 mm form · 1-6 channels max · IP66 · DIN-rail terminations · for hygienic / tight-space applications	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-SEC

Junction Enclosures (Waterproof Terminal Box)

Bare-bones waterproof cable consolidation box · joins sensor cables at the field side · multi-core long-distance routing · Klippon terminal blocks only

1 MODELS

SHARED IN THIS GROUPCapacity:4-30 channelsTerminal:Klippon DIN-railHousing:Mild steel · 304 stainlessProtection:IP66Temperature:-20 → +110°COutput:Multi-core cable

Configurator	Model	Electrical Output	Additional Features	Datasheet
	HS-JE	Passive Klippon terminal junction (no BNC or switch)	RAL 7042 painted steel standard · 4 sizes (150x150 → 300x300 mm) · 4-30 channels · IP66 · Klippon DIN-rail terminals · multi-core cable glanding · -SS option: 304 stainless steel · for field multi-sensor → single control-cable consolidation	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-JE

ATEX Hazardous Area Enclosures (Intrinsically Safe)

Certified sensor junction for petrochemical, gas, refinery and dust-explosive zones · HS-ICE full ATEX Ex ia · HS-CEI built-in Zener barrier option

2 MODELS

SHARED IN THIS GROUPATEX:Ex ia IIC T4 GbTemperature:-25 → +70°CHousing:304 stainless steelCable Entry:Blue IS-compatibleBarrier:Built-in Zener option (HS-CEI)Terminal:Klippon

Model	Electrical Output	Additional Features	Datasheet
HS-ICE	Passive IS terminal junction · BNC standard (M12/MS/TNC option)	Full ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb certified · 304 stainless steel standard · -25 to +70°C · 1-16 channels · blue IS cable entry · lockable lid · safe for permanent installation in hazardous areas	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-ICE

HS-CEI	Passive terminal junction + built-in Zener barrier · BNC standard	304 stainless steel · selecting "I" option adds a built-in Zener barrier (no need to install an extra IS barrier in the field) · 1-16 channels · IP66 · lockable lid · semi-integrated solution for ATEX-compatible installation	Datasheet (PDF) — HS-CEI

Hansford Accessories

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All connectors, brackets, cable sets and protective caps for every Hansford series in a single catalog.

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Hansford Sensors Industrial Sensor Enclosures and Modules

About the Industrial Sensor Enclosures and Modules series

Go deeper

Saha Kabloluk Mimarisi: 40 Sensörü Kontrol Odasına Nasıl Götürürsünüz?

Walking-Around CBM: Switching Enclosure Stratejisi ve Saha Turu Verimliliği

Enclosure Malzeme Seçimi: Mild Steel vs Stainless vs Polycarbonate — Ortama Göre Doğru Karar

ATEX Patlayıcı Bölge IS Enclosure Mimarisi: HS-ICE vs HS-CEI Tasarım Kararı

Multi-Sensör Konsolidasyon: Connection vs Switching vs Junction Enclosure Karşılaştırması

Hansford Sensors Industrial Sensor Enclosures and Modules

About the Industrial Sensor Enclosures and Modules series

01How do I choose between a Connection Enclosure (HS-CE) and a Switching Enclosure (HS-SE)?

02What is a Junction Enclosure (HS-JE), and when is it preferred over a Connection Enclosure?

03What's the difference between HS-SE-DT (dual output + display) and HS-SE-TX (transmitter)?

04Material choice: painted steel, stainless steel, polycarbonate, diecast aluminium — which goes where?

05Channel count planning: how much capacity should I reserve for future expansion?

06Output connector: BNC, M12, MS, TNC — which goes where?

Go deeper

Saha Kabloluk Mimarisi: 40 Sensörü Kontrol Odasına Nasıl Götürürsünüz?

Walking-Around CBM: Switching Enclosure Stratejisi ve Saha Turu Verimliliği

Enclosure Malzeme Seçimi: Mild Steel vs Stainless vs Polycarbonate — Ortama Göre Doğru Karar

ATEX Patlayıcı Bölge IS Enclosure Mimarisi: HS-ICE vs HS-CEI Tasarım Kararı

Multi-Sensör Konsolidasyon: Connection vs Switching vs Junction Enclosure Karşılaştırması