The IF0187 IFA2004-ABOW/V4A inductive sensor by IFM is a stainless-steel inductive proximity sensor designed for reliable non-contact detection of metallic objects in industrial machinery and automation systems. With a 4 mm sensing range, normally-open AC output, 20–250 V AC operation, 25 Hz switching frequency, M12 × 1 threaded housing and IP67 protection, it is suitable for machine position detection, metal detection, conveyors and factory automation.
Explore performance details, construction highlights, applications, and technical information in one clear overview.
The IF0187 IFA2004-ABOW/V4A inductive sensor by IFM is engineered for reliable non-contact detection of metallic objects in industrial machinery, production equipment and factory automation applications. Its V4A stainless-steel housing provides a robust construction for demanding industrial environments, while its M12 × 1 threaded design enables practical installation in compatible machine structures.
The sensor uses inductive proximity sensing technology to detect metallic targets without physical contact. This allows repeated detection of machine components, workpieces, moving parts and fixtures while avoiding the mechanical wear associated with conventional contact switches.
The IF0187 provides a 4 mm nominal sensing range, with a real sensing range of 4 ± 10% mm and an operating distance of 0–3.25 mm. It is designed for non-flush mounting, making it suitable for applications where the sensing face projects from the surrounding metal structure.
• IFM IF0187 inductive proximity sensor
• Model: IFA2004-ABOW/V4A
• 4 mm nominal sensing range
• Real sensing range: 4 ± 10% mm
• Operating distance: 0–3.25 mm
• Normally-open (NO) output
• AC two-wire electrical design
• 20–250 V AC operating voltage
• 47–63 Hz AC frequency
• 25 Hz switching frequency
• M12 × 1 threaded housing
• Approximately 71 mm overall length
• Non-flush mounting
• V4A / 316Ti stainless-steel housing
• PBT sensing face
• 2 m PVC connection cable
• Cable specification: 2 × 0.5 mm²
• IP67 protection rating
• Protection class II
• Red LED switching-status indication
• -25 °C to +80 °C ambient temperature range
• EN 60947-5-2 EMC compliance
• Supplied with 2 mounting nuts
The IF0187 features a cylindrical M12 × 1 threaded housing with an overall length of approximately 71 mm. Its non-flush mounting configuration allows the sensing face to be positioned for reliable detection of metallic targets.
The sensor uses two-wire AC technology and operates across a 20–250 V AC supply range at 47–63 Hz. Its normally-open output provides a switching signal to compatible AC industrial control circuits.
The housing is manufactured from V4A stainless steel, material 1.4571 / 316Ti, while the active sensing face is made from PBT. This construction provides a robust sensor design for industrial machinery and applications where stainless-steel sensor construction is preferred.
The IF0187 detects metallic objects through an inductive sensing field without physical contact. When a suitable metal target enters the sensing zone, the sensor switches its normally-open output.
The 4 mm sensing range makes the sensor suitable for detecting metal components, machine parts, workpieces, fixtures and moving assemblies in automated processes.
The specified correction factors for common target materials are:
• Steel: 1
• Stainless steel: approximately 0.7
• Brass: approximately 0.4
• Aluminium: approximately 0.3
• Copper: approximately 0.2
These correction factors should be considered when determining the actual detection distance for different metallic target materials.
The V4A stainless-steel housing is a key feature of the IF0187. The M12 × 1 body is manufactured from stainless steel 1.4571 / 316Ti, providing a durable mechanical construction for industrial applications.
This makes the sensor particularly suitable for machinery and installations where a stainless-steel housing is preferred over standard plated-metal sensor construction.
The IF0187 uses a normally-open AC switching output with a two-wire electrical configuration. Its 20–250 V AC operating range allows integration into compatible AC industrial control circuits.
The sensor provides a maximum voltage drop of 8.5 V, minimum load current of 8 mA and maximum leakage current of 2 mA. The permanent switching current is specified as 200 mA, increasing to 250 mA up to 50 °C under the manufacturer's specified conditions.
The IF0187 can be incorporated into Industrial Automation UAE applications requiring dependable non-contact detection of metallic objects.
Machine Position Detection
The sensor can detect the position of metallic machine components, slides, stops and moving assemblies.
Metal Component Detection
It can detect the presence or absence of metal workpieces during manufacturing, assembly and production processes.
Conveyor Systems
The IF0187 can detect metallic objects travelling along conveyors and transfer systems and provide switching feedback to compatible control equipment.
Machine Monitoring
The sensor can provide proximity feedback for machine components and help identify predefined positions during automated machine cycles.
Production Machinery
It is suitable for automated production equipment where repeatable detection of metallic components is required.
Factory Automation
The IF0187 can form part of Factory Automation Components used for metal detection, position sensing and machine-control functions.
The IF0187 provides an IP67 protection rating, helping protect the sensor against dust and water ingress under specified operating conditions.
Its -25 °C to +80 °C ambient temperature range supports use across a broad range of industrial machinery and factory environments.
The sensor also features a red LED switching-status indicator, allowing technicians to identify the sensor's switching condition during installation, commissioning and maintenance.
The IF0187 is designed for repetitive metallic-object detection in industrial automation applications. Its 4 mm sensing range and 25 Hz switching frequency provide dependable detection for machine components and workpieces moving at moderate speeds.
The combination of non-contact inductive sensing, stainless-steel V4A construction, wide AC operating voltage and IP67 protection makes it suitable for machine builders, production facilities and industrial automation systems requiring reliable proximity feedback.
• Reliable non-contact metal detection
• 4 mm sensing range
• Wide 20–250 V AC operating-voltage range
• Normally-open AC output
• Two-wire electrical design
• Robust V4A stainless-steel housing
• M12 × 1 threaded construction
• Non-flush mounting
• 2 m PVC connection cable
• IP67 protection
• 25 Hz switching frequency
• Red LED switching-status indication
• Suitable for machine position detection
• Suitable for conveyor applications
• Suitable for production machinery
• Suitable for factory automation systems
• -25 °C to +80 °C operating temperature range
The IF0187 IFA2004-ABOW/V4A is a robust IFM inductive proximity sensor designed for non-contact detection of metallic objects in industrial automation and machine-control applications. Its 4 mm sensing range, normally-open AC output, 20–250 V AC operation, V4A stainless-steel housing, M12 × 1 threaded construction and IP67 protection make it a practical solution for machinery, conveyors, production equipment and Industrial Automation Solutions in UAE.
Product status: IFM lists IF0187 as discontinued, with a discontinuation date of March 31, 2026 and IF0007 identified as an alternative article. Technical data may differ between the discontinued product and its alternative.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Code | IF0187 |
| Manufacturer | IFM |
| Model / Part Number | IFA2004-ABOW/V4A |
| Product Type | Inductive Sensor |
| Sensor Type | Inductive Proximity Sensor |
| Electrical Design | AC, 2-wire |
| Output Function | Normally Open (NO) |
| Operating Voltage | 20–250 V AC |
| AC Frequency | 47–63 Hz |
| Sensing Range | 4 mm |
| Real Sensing Range (Sr) | 4 ± 10% mm |
| Operating Distance | 0–3.25 mm |
| Housing Type | Cylindrical, threaded |
| Thread | M12 × 1 |
| Overall Length | 71 mm |
| Mounting | Non-flush |
| Housing Material | V4A stainless steel, 1.4571 / 316Ti |
| Sensing Face Material | PBT |
| Connection | 2 m PVC cable |
| Cable Specification | 2 × 0.5 mm² |
| Switching Frequency | 25 Hz |
| Maximum Voltage Drop | 8.5 V |
| Minimum Load Current | 8 mA |
| Maximum Leakage Current | 2 mA |
| Permanent Switching Current | 200 mA / 250 mA up to 50 °C |
| Short-Time Switching Current | 900 mA, 20 ms / 0.5 Hz |
| Hysteresis | 1–15% of Sr |
| Switch-Point Drift | -10 to +10% of Sr |
| Correction Factor – Steel | 1 |
| Correction Factor – Stainless Steel | 0.7 |
| Correction Factor – Brass | 0.4 |
| Correction Factor – Aluminium | 0.3 |
| Correction Factor – Copper | 0.2 |
| Reverse Polarity Protection | No |
| Short-Circuit Protection | No |
| Overload Protection | No |
| Protection Rating | IP67 |
| Protection Class | II |
| Ambient Temperature | -25 °C to +80 °C |
| EMC Standard | EN 60947-5-2 |
| EMC Emission | EN 55011 Class B |
| Output Status Indication | 1 × Red LED |
| Included Accessories | 2 mounting nuts |
| Pack Quantity | 1 piece |
| Typical Applications | Machine position detection, metal detection, conveyor systems, production machinery and factory automation |
| Product Status | Discontinued |
| Discontinuation Date | 31 March 2026 |
| IFM Alternative Article | IF0007 |
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