Inclination sensors

Inclination sensors, also called inclinometers, measure angle relative to gravity and are used to monitor the tilt and levelling of machines and equipment. SCN supplies inclination sensors from Posital in the ACS, ADS and AKS series, in a wide range of variants. They are used in mobile machinery, vehicles, lifting equipment and industrial automation. Our engineers help you choose the right measuring range, number of axes, interface and connector for your application.

Solution areas

Product categories

Filter by attributes

Acceleration

Accuracy (°)

Accuracy (%)

Approvals

Auxiliary contact

Built-in I/O

Capacity

Circuits

Coil Voltage

Communication Interface

Switching output

Contact config

Mechanical cycles

Continuous current

Control voltage DC

Control voltage AC

CPU performance

Data logging

DIN-rail

Electrical connection

Number of poles

Coding

Connector design

Cable jacket

Expansion slots

Fieldbus/Interface

Flange size

Function

Housing

I/O slave module

IP Classification

Load Cell Type

Material

Material in contact with medium

Max current DC

Max current AC

Max operating speed

Max system voltage DC

Max system voltage AC

Measuring range (mm)

Measuring range (bar)

Measuring range (kg)

Measuring range (°C)

Measuring range (°)

Torque

Power (kW)

Digital inputs

Digital outputs

Analog inputs

Analog outputs

Measuring range (l/min)

Measuring range (kHz)

Measuring technology

Measured variable

Memory

Modules

Mounting

Nominal diameter

Number of ports

Operating system

Outer Diameter

Output Voltage

Output current

Efficiency

Phase

Photocell type

Positions

Pressure type

Pressure limit PSI

Process connection

Probe length

RAID

Rated power

Remote Access

Resolution Multiturn

Resolution Singleturn

Screen size

Shaft Diameter

Storage

Stroke length

Supply voltage DC

Supply voltage AC

Temperature range

Form Factor

Touch

Type of Switch

Voltage

dB(A)

Brands

Inclination sensors – inclinometers for measuring tilt and angle on machines

An inclination sensor, or inclinometer, measures the angle of an object relative to gravity in one or two axes. It is used to level and monitor cranes, booms, aerial work platforms, construction and agricultural machinery, solar trackers and wind turbines. Electronic inclinometers measure with a MEMS accelerometer and deliver the angle as an analog signal or over a fieldbus, without moving parts. SCN supplies inclinometers from Posital and Gemac.

Posital ADS sensors give 0.5–4.5 V or 4–20 mA for one axis up to 360° or two axes from ±10° to ±80°. The ACS series adds CANopen, SAE J1939, SSI and 0–10 V/RS232 versions with accuracy down to 0.1°, and the AKS series are dynamic inclinometers with CANopen. Gemac MOTUS sensors combine accelerometer and gyroscope with sensor fusion, as dynamic inclinometers and 6-axis IMUs for CAN and J1939. Housings are rated up to IP68/IP69K. Sensors for vehicles and mobile machinery are also listed under inclination sensors for mobile applications. For angle on a rotating shaft, see absolute rotary encoders; all sensor types are under Sensors.

How to choose: start with the number of axes and the measuring range, then decide whether the machine stands still or moves while you measure. Finally choose the interface your controller expects, the accuracy and the connection, M12 or cable.

Frequently asked questions

What is an inclinometer used for?

An inclinometer measures how much a machine, structure or surface is tilted relative to the horizontal. Typical uses are levelling mobile cranes and aerial work platforms, boom and bucket angle on excavators, tracking angle on solar panels, tower monitoring on wind turbines and tilt alarms that stop a machine before it tips over.

How does an electronic inclinometer work?

An electronic inclinometer measures the direction of gravity with a MEMS accelerometer and calculates the angle from it. When the sensor is still, the reading is very stable – the best Posital ACS and Gemac MOTUS models reach ±0.1°. Dynamic inclinometers add a gyroscope and a filter, such as a Kalman filter, so that acceleration from movement is not read as tilt.

Static or dynamic inclinometer – which do I need?

Choose a static inclinometer when the machine stands still while you measure, for example levelling before a crane lifts. Choose a dynamic inclinometer or IMU when you measure while driving, slewing or vibrating, because a plain accelerometer then shows false angles. Posital AKS and Gemac MOTUS are dynamic; the MOTUS NC holds ±0.25° in motion.

Which output should I choose: analog, CANopen or J1939?

Choose the interface your controller already uses. 4–20 mA or 0.5–4.5 V suits simple PLC inputs and long cables, CANopen is common on industrial machines with several sensors on one bus, and SAE J1939 is the standard on vehicles and mobile machinery. SSI suits precise single-axis positioning.

Not sure which model you need?

Get help choosing
Read more in our guides

Facts and advice that make the choice easier.

Inclinometer sensors for mobile machines – static or dynamic?IP ratings explained – IP65, IP67, IP68 and IP69KAll guides