May 6, 2026
At TEBE, a manufacturer of wireless sensors, a common question is whether our sensors can “trigger” or shut down equipment in the event of an alarm or the detection of anomalies.
This article explains the key points about this application, compares wired and wireless sensors, and discusses what is needed to make this functionality a reality.
Wired sensors are directly connected to a controller, which can trigger a trip or shut down the machine when an alarm is detected.
The direct connection ensures fast response times and high reliability, which are essential in critical applications.
Wireless sensors, on the other hand, connect to a gateway, which sends data to the cloud. This data is accessed by a supervisory system, which can send a command to “trip” the machine.
However, this process involves several steps, resulting in a slower response time and a higher likelihood of intermediate failures.
Both technologies measure variables such as vibration, but the key difference lies in response time and system reliability.
A wired sensor can read and send vibration data to the controller in seconds, and depending on the implemented logic, an alarm can be detected and the machine stopped within a few seconds.
A wireless sensor typically reads data at intervals of a few minutes and sends it in batches to the cloud at even longer intervals. Allowing 20 minutes for data reading and machine shutdown may be a conservative but appropriate estimate for this technology.
In situations where machine protection and human safety are critical, wired sensors are the best option due to their speed and reliability.
In scenarios where response time is not as critical and failures occur gradually, wireless sensors can be a viable alternative. Furthermore, the infrastructure required for wired sensors can be prohibitive due to high costs, installation time, or a lack of existing infrastructure. In such cases, wireless sensors become the only viable option, especially in applications involving constant human supervision.
Wireless sensors are a relatively new technology in large-scale industrial applications. Continuous technological advancements have improved reliability and response time. At the same time, industry professionals are becoming increasingly familiar with the characteristics and limitations of these sensors, which opens the door to testing and new applications.
Although wireless sensors may be used to “trigger” equipment in the future, it is crucial that everyone involved be aware of the risks and expectations associated with this choice. Awareness of and understanding the technology’s limitations are essential for safe and effective implementation.
The choice between wired and wireless sensors should be based on the specific needs of each application, taking into account factors such as:
While wired sensors offer greater speed and reliability, wireless sensors provide flexibility and ease of installation, making them a viable option in less critical scenarios. The ongoing evolution of wireless technology promises to expand its applications, but it is essential that users be well informed about its capabilities and limitations.
