AKCP Dry Contact Sensor

In critical IT and industrial infrastructures, reliable monitoring of dry contacts is an essential element of modern safety concepts. The AKCP Dry Contact Sensor offers a professional solution to supervise open or closed relay states and make them TCP/IP addressable. When combined with AKCP sensorProbe and securityProbe systems, it forms a comprehensive monitoring approach that detects and forwards state changes in real time.

Specifically designed to integrate relay outputs from UPS systems, generators, HVAC units, or fire protection systems, the sensor serves as a universal monitoring interface for data centers, industrial facilities, and building control. With full SNMP support, it integrates seamlessly into platforms like Nagios, PRTG, OpenNMS, or WhatsUp Gold.

Thanks to AutoSense technology, the AKCP Dry Contact Sensor is automatically detected and configured, minimizing setup time. Coupled with configurable alarms via e-mail, SMS, and SNMP Traps, it creates a flexible and responsive monitoring environment able to react instantly to status changes.

By detecting both open and closed contact states, the sensor supports versatile configurations, adapting to diverse infrastructures. This flexibility makes it an indispensable link between electrotechnical equipment and IP-based monitoring networks.

Technical Specifications

• Contact type: 5 V pull-up dry contact
• Voltage range: configurable 0–5 V
• Max. current: 20 mA at Low
• Measurement rate: multiple reads per second
• Network: RJ45 over Cat5/6 cabling up to 305 m
• Power supply: via AKCP base unit (no external PSU required)
• Sensor dimensions: 56 × 55 × 33.3 mm
• Mounting: DIN rail or screw fix

Function

The sensor reads dry contact states from controllers, switches, or relays and forwards the information directly to the base station. As it polls several times per second, changes are reported in real time. Used together with other AKCP sensors such as smoke, water, or temperature detectors, it enables complex automated workflows – for example, triggering alarms when a fire detector contact is closed.

Alerts & Integration

• E-mail notifications to administrators
• SMS alarms via GSM Gateways
• SNMP Traps for direct integration into NMS platforms
• Compatible with Nagios, OpenNMS, Tivoli, WhatsUp Gold, and PRTG
• Logical relay control for automation alongside other AKCP sensors

Application Areas

• UPS & battery systems: monitor charge status and alarms
• Generators: integrate operational/fault signals
• HVAC systems: monitor fault signal outputs to guarantee cooling
• Fire protection: link detectors and sprinkler control
• Building management: monitor doors, switches, or elevators
• Industrial plants: integrate alarms from production machines and controls

AutoSense & Configuration

AutoSense dramatically simplifies setup – once connected, the sensor is detected instantly. The web interface of the AKCP base unit allows definition of open/closed states, threshold rules, and alarm timing. This flexible setup meets the specific requirements of both IT and industrial infrastructures.

Reliability in Continuous Operation

Designed for 24/7 use, the dry contact sensor uses standard RJ45 network cabling for scalable installations up to 305 m. Its robust electronics guarantee stable performance even in high-EMI environments. With compact dimensions and durable construction, it is suitable for server rooms, industrial plants, and facilities management systems.

Business Value

Early signaling reduces response times and strengthens risk management. By integrating legacy dry contacts into SNMP-based environments, administrators can extend monitoring without costly new hardware. This ensures high ROI through improved uptime and reduced operational costs.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What cable type is supported?
Cat5/Cat6 UTP cabling up to 305 m.

How are status changes reported?
Via e-mail, SMS, or SNMP Traps to integrated management systems.

Is an external power supply required?
No, the unit is powered directly by the AKCP base device.

Can I connect multiple sensors?
Yes, multiple Dry Contact Sensors can be integrated with sensorProbe or securityProbe devices.

Can detection states be customized?
Yes – configure open, closed, or both as alarms depending on application requirements.

The AKCP Dry Contact Sensor is a professional, network-enabled solution for integrating dry contacts into infrastructure monitoring. With AutoSense setup, plug-and-play design, customizable rules, and SNMP support, it is ideal for data centers, industrial plants, and building control. Robust and versatile, it is a core component of modern IP-based security and monitoring systems.