There are two main bases for the names of products sold by sensor suppliers: functionality, as in pressure sensors; and mechanism, as in optical sensors. Furthermore, more than one mechanism can perform the same functionality. Thus, there are both magnetic sensors and laser sensors that function as displacement sensors. This is just one of the reasons that some of the best industrial sensor manufacturers specialize in more than one type of sensor functionality.

Indeed, you'll find that many of the manufacturers and suppliers of sensors carry top products and information for multiple types of sensors. Additionally, some sensor sources specialize in one area. Lastly, there are wholesale and discount supply sources that sell a wide range of products and provide little information about their sensors or the sciences behind them. Combined, these sources serve the huge range of sectors and fields that use sensors.

Here are a few of the basic products available from sensor distributors and suppliers:

1. Temperature sensors

2. Tilt sensors

3. Displacement sensors

4. Pressure sensors

5. Gas sensors

6. Color sensors

7. Light sensors

8. Motion and proximity sensors

9. Humidity sensors (both industrial and weather sensors, which also include items sold by wind sensor suppliers)

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop sensor suppliers that deal with a variety of sensor types

Especially if you operate processing systems that involve multiple types of sensors, or if you just have need for more than one kind of sensor, there are companies out there that know the field well and can provide you with all or most of what you need.

I recommend: Omega is a good option for many types of sensors, including those for temperature, pressure, strain, force, flow, and liquid level sensing, as well as other sensors commonly used in industrial automation. Micro-Epsilon is a laser and optical sensor distributor that also carries sensors with a few other types of mechanisms, either for displacement or temperature sensing. Pepperl+Fuchs carries many sensing products for process and factory automation.

Locate a sensor distributor that specializes in the type of sensor you're looking for

For certain types of sensors, there are very specific industrial sensor distributors. If you have unique needs or deal with a specialized area, these types of providers are especially helpful. If you shop these kinds of sources, you can take advantage of large selections to find just the right product.

I recommend: If you need a sub-miniature or micro displacement sensor, head to MicroStrain. They have sensors so small, their pictures include pennies for scale. Figaro USA lists their semiconductor gas sensor products by target gas. Along with their detailed PDF documents on each product, you'll find their organization very useful.

Don't forget distributors of sensors for the home, car and business

Choose a quality online sensor distributor for your commercial and domestic needs. Cameras, computers and all sorts of gadgets have sensors hidden in them. But some of the obvious sensors, like car alarms, as well as home and business security systems and thermostats, are available from many sources. But the best products usually come from dedicated manufacturers and dealers.

I recommend: When it comes to automotive security, Clifford is a top manufacturer of applicable sensors. For motion sensors, try Norco Alarms. Have you ever considered a remote control thermostat for your home or business? ThermostatsUSA will get you adjusting the temp from your sofa or any room in the house.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Once you've found the product you want, do some price comparisons at other sensor distributors and suppliers. Either perform a wide search for similar products, or search by the exact name of the product you like.