# Vibration sensor

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/vibration-sensor
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: VS
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: Manufacturer

Sensor on a machine bearing that measures vibration and feeds a monitor or relay for alarm and trip.

## In plain English

### What does Vibration sensor mean?

A vibration sensor is mounted on a machine bearing housing or near the shaft and produces a signal related to vibration, either as raw acceleration or as a processed velocity output in a 4-20 mA loop. It feeds condition monitoring systems and machine protection relays that alarm and trip large motors, generators and fans.

### A simple example

Accelerometers, velocity sensors and non-contact proximity probes measure different things and suit different machines. The symbol does not show which type is used, the measuring axis or the alarm levels, which are machine-specific and should be in the instrument schedule.

### What the drawings help you do

Identify sensor type and measuring axis. Find the alarm and trip levels in the monitoring settings. A vibration sensor produces a measurement signal; a vibration switch only changes a contact at a set level.

### This particular reference

Sensor on a machine bearing that measures vibration and feeds a monitor or relay for alarm and trip. A vibration sensor produces a measurement signal; a vibration switch only changes a contact at a set level.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Coil: A wound conductor that can produce a magnetic field when energised.
- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Instrumentation and sensors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-773A36C3-44C6-43EB-9BD0-E0297816B9B2.htm)
- [Electrical and physical sensing functions](https://www.ti.com/technologies/sensing.html)


## What it represents

A vibration sensor is mounted on a machine bearing housing or near the shaft and produces a signal related to vibration, either as raw acceleration or as a processed velocity output in a 4-20 mA loop. It feeds condition monitoring systems and machine protection relays that alarm and trip large motors, generators and fans.
Accelerometers, velocity sensors and non-contact proximity probes measure different things and suit different machines. The symbol does not show which type is used, the measuring axis or the alarm levels, which are machine-specific and should be in the instrument schedule.

## How to read it

- Identify sensor type and measuring axis.
- Find the alarm and trip levels in the monitoring settings.

## Information to show or reference

- State sensor type and axis
- Show loop or signal wiring
- Reference alarm and trip levels

## Important distinction

A vibration sensor produces a measurement signal; a vibration switch only changes a contact at a set level.

## Facts

- Output: Raw signal or 4-20 mA processed value
- Location: Bearing housing or shaft
- Preview: Functional illustration of the device role; not a product footprint or certified standard graphic

## Public references

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Instrumentation and sensors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-773A36C3-44C6-43EB-9BD0-E0297816B9B2.htm) — Autodesk. Public AutoCAD Electrical instrumentation and sensor family.
- [Electrical and physical sensing functions](https://www.ti.com/technologies/sensing.html) — Texas Instruments. Public overview of electrical and physical sensing functions.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.