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  • my ifm
  1. Programmable edge controller
  2. Setup and support
  3. Wiring and grounding

Wiring and grounding for VSE and accelerometers

Thank you for your purchase of a VSE programmable edge controller and accelerometer system . On the following pages, you will find information to help you configure the device and answers to frequently asked questions.

Should you need additional support, feel free to contact our service center at 800-441-8246 and speak to one of our application engineers.

General VSE and accelerometer wiring

  • ifm recommends always using shielded cables
  • For VSA / VSM accelerometers, max cable length is 250 m
  • For VSP0xA, follow ATEX requirements
VSE dynamic input VSA IEPE / VSP VSM 0...20 mA
S1 S2 S3 S4
09 16 20 24 BN: L+ n.c.   n.c.
10 15 19 23 WH: Signal IEPE+ IEPE Signal
11 14 18 22 BU: GND IEPE- GND* GND
12 13 17 21 BK: Test n.c. Test** n.c.

* The GND signals the dynamic inputs are connected inside the diagnostic electronics. Only one GND of multi-axial sensors needed.

** The "Test" signal of the VSM accelerometer must be connected together with the IEPE z-axis.

VSA accelerometer family 

  • Shield is grounded at the VSE side only
  • Accelerometer connection types
    • M12 cables with no shield pass through
    • Integrated accelerometer shielded cable and patch cord
  • Shield is NOT connected at the accelerometer

1 = Cable shield; 2 = Accelerometer with integrated cable and shield wire

VSM accelerometer family

  • Shield is grounded at the machine side only
  • Accelerometer connection types
    • M12 cables with shield pass through
    • Integrated accelerometer shielded cable and patch cord
  • Shield connected at the accelerometer

1 = Cable shield; 2 = Accelerometer with integrated cable and shield wire

VSP accelerometer family

  • Shield is grounded at the VSE side only
  • Accelerometer connection types
    • M12 cables with no shield pass through
    • Shielded patch cord
  • Shield is NOT connected at the accelerometer

1 = Cable shield; 2 = Accelerometer with integrated cable and shield wire

Multi-axis IEPE accelerometers

  • The IEPE signal of each channel can be connected to any dynamic input of the VSE.
  • The GND signal of the accelerometer must only be connected to one dynamic input, since the ground is bridged internally in the VSE
  • To use the TEST signal, it must be connected to the dynamic input where the z-axis is connected.

ATEX rated accelerometers (VSP0xA)

Grounding takes place both in the hazardous and non-hazardous areas as shown.

  1. Isolator / barrier box
  2. Junction box
  3. Shield not connected to ground in the hazardous area
  4. Shield connected to VSP housing.

The information presented here is a generic guideline. Refer to the ATEX specification for your particular application.

Machine installation (example VSA008)

  1. Prepare a clean and smooth contact surface free from any coating to mount the accelerometer. The accelerometer is always grounded over the machine surface.
  2. Shield is connected to the VSA008 nut of the M12 connector.
  3. Cable shield is not connected at the nut. 
  4. Drain wire of the connecting cable
  5. All machine parts must be properly grounded.

When several accelerometers are used on different machines, all equipment must be grounded to the same earth ground to prevent ground loops via the VSE.