VKV021 ifm Vibration Monitor | Shop VKV021 VKV Series Vibration Switch with 4…20 mA Output and PNP Alarm

VKV021 Vibration Monitor by ifm: Simple Machine Health Guard

• VKV021 watches overall machine vibration. It follows DIN ISO 10816.
• One MEMS accelerometer axis reads the signal. The range is 0…25 mm/s RMS.
• It covers 10…1000 Hz. That band catches most pump and fan faults.
• Two setpoint rings set the trip point. The scale reads direct, so no tool is needed.
• A 4…20 mA output sends live trend data to the PLC.
• A PNP normally closed contact trips an alarm on high vibration.
• The M8 x 1.25 thread mounts straight into a tapped boss. Torque to 15 Nm.
• Response time is 1…60 s. You can filter out short shocks and keep real faults.
• The IP 67 housing shrugs off washdown, dust and oil mist.
• This part suits condition monitoring on a budget. It needs no software and no gateway.

Technical Data

• Core identity
  • Brand: ifm
  • Model: VKV021
  • Series: VKV vibration monitor
  • Type code: vibration monitor
  • Module type: vibration switch with analog output
• Measuring performance
  • Principle: MEMS accelerometer, 1 axis
  • Vibration range: 0…25 mm/s RMS
  • Frequency response: 10…1000 Hz
  • Measuring error: < ±3 % of final value
  • Linearity: 0.25 %
  • Response time: 1…60 s, adjustable
  • Setpoint: two positioning rings with direct scale
• Electrical data
  • Supply: 18…32 V DC nominal
  • Current draw: < 50 mA
  • Digital output: 1 x PNP, NC
  • Voltage drop: max. 2 V
  • Current load: 500 mA permanent
  • Analog output: 4…20 mA, max. load 500 Ω
  • Short-circuit protection: yes, pulsed
  • Overload protection: yes
  • Protection class: III
• Temperature range
  • Operating: -25…80 °C
  • UL use: keep below 80 °C
  • Storage: -25…80 °C
  • Humidity: not published by the manufacturer
• Environmental resistance
  • Protection rating: IP 67
  • Shock: 400 g
  • Housing: PBT, PC, FKM, stainless steel 1.4404 / 316L
  • MTTF: 510 years
• Noise immunity
  • ESD: 4 kV contact / 8 kV air
  • RF field: 10 V/m
  • Burst: 2 kV
  • Conducted RF: 10 V
• Physical data
  • Mounting thread: M8 x 1.25
  • Torque: 15 Nm
  • Weight: 113.5 g
  • Connection: M12, A-coded, 4-pin
  • Envelope size: not published by the manufacturer
• Interface note
  • No IO-Link. No fieldbus. Switching plus analog only.

Best Fit Equipment and Applications

• Rotating machines
  • Pumps, fans and blowers in process lines.
  • Gearboxes and small motors on conveyors.
• Plant and building services
  • HVAC air handlers and cooling tower fans.
  • Chillers and compressors in utility rooms.
• Heavy industry
  • Mixers, agitators and crushers.
  • Machine tools with spindle watch needs.
• Typical jobs
  • Early warning of bearing wear and imbalance.
  • Alarm on a rise in overall vibration level.
  • Trend logging through the 4…20 mA loop.

Mounting Guide

• Pick a rigid spot on the bearing housing. Thin sheet metal gives false readings.
• Tap an M8 x 1.25 boss. Keep the face flat and clean.
• Apply the sensor. Tighten to 15 Nm. Do not over torque.
• Point the measuring axis along the expected vibration path.
• Plug in the M12 4-pin cable. Hand tighten the nut.
• Power up. The green LED confirms operation.

Setup and Upkeep

• Turn the two rings to set the trip level. Read the value on the scale.
• Set response time to match the machine. Long times skip start-up shocks.
• Watch the yellow LED during a test run. It shows the switch state.
• Compare the loop current with a meter. This proves the analog path.
• Clean the body with a damp cloth. Avoid high pressure on the connector.
• Recheck torque after the first weeks of service. Vibration can loosen joints.

Certifications

• CE and UKCA marked.
• cULus listed.
• EMC tested to EN 61000-4 parts 2, 3, 4 and 6.
• Protection class III. Earth the machine frame as normal.

What Ships in the Box

• 1 x VKV021 vibration monitor
• M12 4-pin connector socket on the unit. Cable sold as an option.

FAQ

• Does it need a PC or software to start?
  • No. The rings set the limit by hand.
  • You can run it with just a power supply and a relay.
• What trip level should I pick?
  • Start near the ISO 10816 limit for your machine class.
  • Then raise it a little above the normal running value.
• Why does the alarm pulse at start-up?
  • Motors shake hard during run-up.
  • Set a longer response time to mask that short peak.
• Can I read the trend in my control room?
  • Yes. Feed the 4…20 mA loop into an analog input card.
  • The current rises as vibration grows, so trends are easy to chart.
• How do I know the mount is good?
  • Tap the housing with a screwdriver handle and watch the current move.
  • A weak change points to a soft mount or a loose thread.