When MRO professionals are looking for ultrasonic sensors or any other type for that matter, the TOP 3 places they go are IndustrialCOOP.com. Globalspec and ThomasNET. These are the primary directories and industry-focused search engines for engineers and Industrial MRO buyers and no other site even comes close. However, today I’m going to show you some additional resources to find the most ideal sensor for your application, no matter where you are located anywhere in the world. Okay, maybe with the exception of the Mount Everest or something. But I don’t think there are too many MRO professionals up there.

When sourcing for temperature sensors or any other sensing device for your machine, equipment or system, the main concerns most people have, in no particular order are: Pricing ; Instant Availability; Quality Components and Support. Industrial Leaders is another site worth checking out if you have the same concerns. You’ll find high quality USA made sensors on the site, and it does not matter if you need a device for measuring pressure, motion, cold/hot temperatures, proximity, sound, movement, vibration or any other requirement. IL is the place to find such quality products, American designed and manufactured.

At the start of this little guide, I mentioned IndustrialCOOP.com as a premium source for finding pressure sensors and virtually any other similar component. The reason is simple, no other directory (online or offline) comes close when sourcing for such state-of-the-art instrumentation offered by world class manufacturers in over 29 countries. Using the site you’ll get immediate access to the broadest lines of sensors and actuators from limit switches and photoelectric types to a wide range of capacitive, inductive and ultrasonic proximity kinds. Find it quickly and fine the best on IndustrialCOOP.com.

Alarm manufacturers in Europe and other movement detection devices in need of motion sensors will find a good selection of UK-based suppliers on ForeignTRADEX. You’ll find solutions for detecting motion in indoor and outdoor environments for the home, manufacturing facility, commercial building or institution. Including uses such as turning on lights and appliances, automatically turning on faucets, variable reluctance, measuring speed and other pyroelectric infrared solutions. UK technology is quite impressive when it comes to such sensors.

I’m often asked by MRO managers who read this blog where they can get a proximity sensors very cheaply. Usually, I’ll just send them to one of the 3 sites I indicated at the beginning of this guide. But lately, I’ve been getting some good feedback on Worldwide Industrial, a US-Asia Industrial Trade Portal. In fact, with a little exploring on the site I was able to find for a client of mine a known brand sensing device for 50% off list price. Many suppliers are coming up with new styles all the time so it’s worth a visit if you are on a low budget and don’t mind purchasing from China or India. The quality is better than you think – if you find the right manufacturer… and I do stress if! So compare and do proper research before you buy from an overseas supplier.

Of course, Amazon, which practically sells everything nowadays is now offering domestic and foreign made industrial sensors of all types and available in many different styles and brands. But I believe it is best to buy factory direct to ensure you get proper support and the best deal. Some brands I heard good thing about include APC, Skylink, Sylvania and Heath Zenith, to name a few. I won’t bother mentioning the type of industrial sensors that are known for poor performance. Those are already well known in the MRO community.