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PROXIMITY

PROXIMITY is a brand of industrial level and flow detection equipment, primarily known for its paddle level switches and spring paddle assemblies. The product line is designed for point-level detection of dry bulk solids and, in some configurations, liquid or gas flow in piping systems. PROXIMITY paddle level switches operate on a simple mechanical principle: a motor-driven paddle rotates until it is impeded by material, at which point the resulting torque change actuates a switch output. This makes them suitable for applications where material presence must be detected without relying on dielectric constants, conductivity, or other media properties that can vary in bulk solids handling.

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About PROXIMITY

PROXIMITY is a brand of industrial level and flow detection equipment, primarily known for its paddle level switches and spring paddle assemblies. The product line is designed for point-level detection of dry bulk solids and, in some configurations, liquid or gas flow in piping systems. PROXIMITY paddle level switches operate on a simple mechanical principle: a motor-driven paddle rotates until it is impeded by material, at which point the resulting torque change actuates a switch output. This makes them suitable for applications where material presence must be detected without relying on dielectric constants, conductivity, or other media properties that can vary in bulk solids handling.

The PROXIMITY range includes single-sided and double-sided spring paddles, tri-paddle assemblies, and mounting flanges. Spring paddle models such as PLS2-PL1 and PLS2-PL2 are used in flow switches to detect liquid or gas movement in piping systems. They feature male process connection threads and are rated NEMA 4 and IP66, providing protection against windblown dust and water jets. Tri-paddle models PDL-1 and PDL-2 are configured for bulk density detection in silos, hoppers, and bins. PDL-1 requires a minimum bulk density of 5 lb/cu ft (80 kg/cu m), while PDL-2 requires a minimum of 30 lb/cu ft (481 kg/cu m), allowing selection based on material characteristics. The paddle level switch model PLS-W-S-1-0-0-0-0 uses a 1-1/4" male NPT process connection and provides SPDT contacts rated 15 A at 120/230 V AC and 5 A at 24 V DC. Its NEMA 4X enclosure is suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Mounting accessories include coupling flanges in carbon steel and 316 stainless steel. The FLG-CSF is a carbon steel full coupling flange, while FLG-CSH is a carbon steel half coupling flange. The FLG-SSH is a 316 stainless steel half coupling flange. These flanges are designed to mate with PROXIMITY paddle level switches, providing a secure interface for process vessels, hoppers, and silos. The choice of carbon steel or 316 stainless steel allows users to match the flange material to the process environment.

3G Electric supplies the PROXIMITY line as part of its industrial equipment catalog. The available SKUs cover spring paddles, tri-paddles, complete paddle level switches, and mounting flanges. Technical documentation, including datasheets and manufacturer part numbers, is provided for each item to support specification and procurement. 3G Electric ships globally and can assist with identifying the correct model based on process connection, enclosure rating, and bulk density requirements. For plant engineers and maintenance managers, the PROXIMITY line offers a mechanical level detection option that does not require calibration for different materials, provided the bulk density is within the specified range. The NEMA 4, NEMA 4X, and IP66 ratings make the equipment suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor industrial environments where dust and water exposure are concerns.

Common Applications

  • Bulk solids handling — PROXIMITY PDL-1 tri-paddle level switch for low-density powders and flakes in hoppers and bins
  • Grain processing — PROXIMITY PDL-2 tri-paddle level switch for high-level detection in grain silos and storage bins
  • Piping systems — PROXIMITY PLS2-PL1 single-sided spring paddle for flow detection of liquids or gases in pipes
  • Process vessels — PROXIMITY FLG-SSH 316 stainless steel half coupling flange for mounting paddle level switches in corrosive environments
  • Outdoor material storage — PROXIMITY PLS-W-S-1-0-0-0-0 paddle level switch with NEMA 4X enclosure for bins exposed to weather
  • Flow switches — PROXIMITY PLS2-PL2 double-sided spring paddle for detecting movement in larger piping systems

Guides & Resources

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about PROXIMITY from 3G Electric.

What is the difference between the PROXIMITY PDL-1 and PDL-2 tri-paddle level switches?

The primary difference is the minimum bulk density requirement. The PDL-1 is rated for materials with a minimum bulk density of 5 lb/cu ft (80 kg/cu m), while the PDL-2 requires a minimum of 30 lb/cu ft (481 kg/cu m). Both are tri-paddle designs used for point-level detection in silos, hoppers, and bins. Selection depends on the density of the dry bulk solid being monitored. Lower-density materials such as some powders and flakes may require the PDL-1, while denser materials like grains or pellets may be suitable for the PDL-2. Both models are part of the PROXIMITY paddle level switch family and use the same mounting interface.

What are the contact ratings for the PROXIMITY paddle level switch model PLS-W-S-1-0-0-0-0?

The PROXIMITY paddle level switch model PLS-W-S-1-0-0-0-0 has SPDT contacts rated 15 A at 120/230 V AC and 5 A at 24 V DC. The process connection is 1-1/4" male NPT. The enclosure is rated NEMA 4X, which is suitable for indoor or outdoor use and provides protection against dust, rain, and hose-directed water. This model is used for detecting material presence in bins or tanks. The SPDT configuration allows for normally open or normally closed wiring as required by the control system.

What is the difference between the PROXIMITY single-sided and double-sided spring paddles?

The PROXIMITY single-sided spring paddle (PLS2-PL1) has a paddle extending from one side of the process connection, while the double-sided spring paddle (PLS2-PL2) has paddles on both sides. Both are used in flow switches to detect liquid or gas movement in piping systems. They feature male process connection threads and are rated NEMA 4 and IP66 for protection against windblown dust and water jets. The choice between single-sided and double-sided depends on the pipe size and the flow characteristics. Double-sided paddles may provide more consistent actuation in larger pipes or where flow direction is not fixed.

Which PROXIMITY coupling flanges are available and what materials are they made from?

PROXIMITY offers coupling flanges in carbon steel and 316 stainless steel. The FLG-CSF is a carbon steel full coupling flange, and the FLG-CSH is a carbon steel half coupling flange. The FLG-SSH is a 316 stainless steel half coupling flange. These flanges are designed for use with PROXIMITY paddle level switches, including models such as PLS-W-S-1-3-0-0-0. They provide a secure mounting interface for process vessels, hoppers, and silos. The material selection should be based on the process environment; 316 stainless steel offers higher corrosion resistance than carbon steel.

What enclosure ratings do PROXIMITY paddle level switches and spring paddles carry?

PROXIMITY paddle level switches and spring paddles carry NEMA 4, NEMA 4X, and IP66 ratings depending on the model. For example, the spring paddles PLS2-PL1 and PLS2-PL2 are rated NEMA 4 and IP66. The paddle level switch PLS-W-S-1-0-0-0-0 has a NEMA 4X enclosure. NEMA 4 and 4X ratings indicate protection against windblown dust and rain, and 4X also provides corrosion resistance. IP66 indicates protection against dust ingress and water jets. These ratings make the equipment suitable for indoor and outdoor industrial environments where dust and water exposure are present.

How does a PROXIMITY paddle level switch detect material level?

A PROXIMITY paddle level switch uses a motor-driven paddle that rotates slowly. When the paddle is covered by material, the rotation is impeded, and the resulting torque change actuates a switch output. This mechanical principle allows detection of material presence without relying on electrical properties of the material. The switch output is typically SPDT, as in the PLS-W-S-1-0-0-0-0 model, which is rated 15 A at 120/230 V AC and 5 A at 24 V DC. The method is suitable for dry bulk solids with sufficient bulk density to stop the paddle, such as grains, powders, and pellets. Minimum bulk density requirements vary by paddle model.