The operating environment of an inductive proximity sensor can greatly narrow the selection options. Exposure to oils, chemicals, washdown conditions, noise, extreme shock or vibrations, or presence of hazardous materials might require specialized sensor capabilities. Inductive sensor housing materials are nickel-plated brass, stainless steel, or plastic (such as polycarbonate). Metal housings are the most common due to durability and protection against potential contact with the target. Plastic housings can be beneficial when considering exposure to specific chemicals or for a more cost-effective solution. The minimum and maximum temperature which the sensor will experience during operation and storage need to be considered. Technical standards such as IP and NEMA ratings are now industry norms providing insight into the conditions a sensor can operate for indoor/outdoor use, presence of dust/debris, and exposure to water. Another environmental consideration is for hazardous materials. Similarly, technical standards from OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association provide industry standard ratings (Class, Division, Group) for operation in hazardous environments. For mobile equipment and automotive applications, often an E1-type approval is required due to the extreme conditions and public road safety. If the sensor could be exposed to high voltage peaks (i.e., a battery disconnecting from a generator), consider a sensor with SAEJ1113-11 load dump protection rating. Advanced noise protection will reduce false detections caused by vibration shocks, electrical surges, electrostatic discharge, electrical transients/bursts, wire conducted disturbances, power-frequency magnetic fields, and radiated RF electromagnetic fields. These types of interferences are increasingly more common in applications. Selecting an inductive sensor with E1-type approval, even if the application is not mobile equipment, will provide additional noise protection.