Product Overview
The Phares ZS10 Zero Speed Switch Module provides speed monitoring for industrial machinery using a digital output sensor. The ZS10 interfaces the sensor signal with control circuitry to detect over-speed, under-speed, and zero-speed conditions.
The ZS10 is especially useful when the sensing location is exposed to environmental conditions that are unsuitable for electronic control equipment. The sensor is installed at the machinery while the ZS10 module is mounted away from the harsh environment, typically inside a control panel.
When the sensor detects motion at the required speed, the ZS10 energizes its relay and changes the relay output state. If speed falls below the setpoint or motion stops, the relay de-energizes and returns to its normal state.
The ZS10 is DIN-rail mountable for convenient installation in a control panel and includes Power, Pulse, and Relay LEDs for monitoring system operation.
Product Detail
The Phares ZS10 Zero Speed Switch Module works with an external digital output sensor to monitor the speed of rotating machinery. The sensor detects a target attached to the rotating shaft, while the ZS10 receives the sensor’s frequency signal and determines whether the machinery is operating at, above, or below the desired speed.
The ZS10 can be used with a variety of compatible sensors, including Hall Effect, photoelectric, inductive, capacitive, and encoder sensors. The sensor input accepts 12 VDC, 2- or 3-wire NPN or PNP sensors. The sensor must provide a square-wave digital output signal; sensors with analog outputs are not compatible with the ZS10.
The sensor target can be a bolt head, gear tooth, key, magnet, reflector, or another suitable target depending on the sensor selected. This flexibility allows the sensing arrangement to be adapted to the machinery and application.
A 12-turn precision trim pot provides adjustable speed setpoint control. When the monitored speed reaches the operating setpoint, the ZS10 energizes its relay and changes the relay output state. The relay remains energized until the speed drops below the setpoint or motion stops, depending on the application.
Three diagnostic LEDs provide at-a-glance status information. The Power LED indicates that the module is powered, the Pulse LED indicates that the sensor is producing an input signal, and the Relay LED indicates relay status.
The ZS10 module is DIN-rail mountable and can be installed in a control panel or other protected location away from the sensor and machinery.

Figure 1. Phares ZS10 Zero Speed Switch Module Indicators and Terminal Block.
The Phares ZS10 Zero Speed Switch Module has 3 diagnostic LED’s. These LED’s indicate Power, Pulses from Sensor input signal and Relay status. LED’s are labeled Power, Pulse, and Relay. A trim pot is used for adjusting the set point.
ZS10-D Zero Speed Switch Module. DC version shown. AC version available. See below.
Features & Benefits
- Remote sensor configuration — Sensor and ZS10 module are installed separately.
- External sensor flexibility — Use a compatible sensor selected for the application.
- Adjustable speed setpoint — Fine-tune the operating threshold with the precision trim pot.
- Three diagnostic indicators — Power, Pulse, and Relay LEDs provide quick status checks.
Benefits
- Keep electronics out of the sensing environment — Place the sensor at the machinery while the ZS10 stays in a more suitable location.
- Adapt the sensing system to the equipment — Select the sensor and target arrangement that best fits the application.
- Set the switch point precisely — Adjust the speed threshold to match the equipment’s operating requirements.
- Simplify setup and troubleshooting — Quickly see whether the module has power, is receiving sensor pulses, and has energized the relay.
Specifications
|
Specification |
ZS10 |
|
ZS10-A Power Requirements |
100–240 VAC, 116 mA, 50/60 Hz |
|
ZS10-D Power Requirements |
9–36 VDC, 116 mA, 50/60 Hz |
|
Sensor Input |
12 VDC, 2- or 3-wire, NPN or PNP |
|
Sensor Signal |
Square-wave digital output |
|
Relay Output |
SPDT Form C dry relay contact (N.O./N.C.) |
|
Relay Contact Rating |
5 A at 120 VAC; 5 A at 30 VDC |
|
Circuit Protection |
Internal ½ amp fuse, non-replaceable |
|
Dimensions* |
3-1/16″ W × 3-1/4″ H × 2-1/2″ D* |
|
Mounting |
DIN rail |
|
Maximum Switching Frequency |
1,800 operations/hour under rated load |
|
Mechanical Life |
10,000,000 operations minimum |
|
Electrical Life |
100,000 operations minimum |
*Dimensions include DIN rail mount and terminal block.

Figure 2. Phares ZS10 Zero Speed Switch System utilizing an Axial magnetic disk.

Figure 3. Phares ZS10 Zero Speed Switch System utilizing a Radial magnetic disk.

Figure 4. Phares ZS10 Zero Speed Switch System utilizing a Geartooth Wheel already on machine.
Wiring & Installation
The ZS10 is designed for straightforward integration into industrial control systems:
- Install the sensor and target at the point where equipment speed or motion will be monitored.
- Mount the ZS10 module on a DIN rail inside a control panel or other suitable enclosure.
- Wire the sensor to the ZS10 to provide the speed signal to the module.
- Connect the ZS10 relay output to the appropriate PLC input or control circuit, such as a stop or alarm circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ZS10 Zero Speed Switch Module used for?
A: The ZS10 monitors over-speed, under-speed, and zero-speed conditions on rotating industrial equipment. It receives a digital signal from an external sensor and changes its relay output when the monitored speed crosses the selected setpoint.
Q: When should I choose the ZS10 instead of a self-contained zero speed switch?
A: Choose the ZS10 when you want the sensor at the point of measurement but need the monitoring electronics mounted elsewhere. The separate sensor and DIN-rail module configuration is particularly useful when conditions at the sensing location are unsuitable for the control electronics.
Q: What type of sensor can I use with the ZS10?
A: The ZS10 accepts compatible 12 VDC, 2- or 3-wire NPN or PNP sensors. Hall Effect, photoelectric, inductive, capacitive, and encoder sensors can be used when they provide the required digital output.
Q: Does the sensor need a specific type of output signal?
A: The sensor must provide a square-wave digital output signal. Sensors that provide an analog output are not compatible with the ZS10.
Q: Can the ZS10 monitor more than zero speed?
A: The adjustable setpoint allows the ZS10 to be used for over-speed, under-speed, or zero-speed monitoring, depending on how it is configured and connected to the control system.
Q: How do I select the correct ZS10 power version?
A: Select the ZS10-A for a 100–240 VAC power supply or the ZS10-D for a 9–36 VDC power supply. Both versions perform the same speed-monitoring function.
Q: How does the ZS10 interface with a PLC or control circuit?
A: The ZS10 provides an SPDT Form C dry relay contact with normally open and normally closed outputs. This allows the module to interface with a PLC input or control circuit such as an alarm or equipment stop circuit.
Q: How can I verify that the sensor and ZS10 are operating correctly?
A: Three diagnostic LEDs provide visual status information. The Power LED indicates power to the module, the Pulse LED indicates that the ZS10 is receiving sensor pulses, and the Relay LED indicates relay status.
Q: Can the ZS10 speed setpoint be customized for my application?
A: Standard units provide an adjustable speed setpoint. Custom options include a different relay setpoint adjustment range, a fixed relay setpoint, or relay latch operation.
Q: Does Phares have a suitable sensor?
A: Our Hall Effect Sensors are for magnetic targets and the Gear Tooth Sensors are for high iron content targets (gear tooth, key stock, bolt head, etc.). Both types of sensors provide a square-wave digital output signal.
More Solutions…
ZS09P Zero Speed Switch Sensor
The ZS09P is a compact, self-contained zero speed switch for applications requiring a higher-power relay output. It switches loads up to 5 amps, making it a good choice for directly controlling equipment or control circuits without a separate control module.
ZS09R Zero Speed Switch Sensor
The ZS09R provides the same convenient sensor-and-relay approach as the ZS09P in a smaller package, with a 1-amp relay output. It is particularly well suited for sending speed-status signals to PLCs, VFDs, DCS systems, and other control equipment.
ZS11 Zero Speed Switch Module
The ZS11 is designed for applications requiring multiple speed setpoints from one sensing location. Its three independent relay outputs allow different speed conditions to be monitored without using multiple PLC inputs or separate zero speed modules.
ZS12 Zero Speed Switch
The ZS12 combines speed sensing and relay control in a rugged cast-aluminum enclosure designed for demanding industrial environments. Its replaceable sensor and point-of-measure installation make it a strong choice where durability, serviceability, and washdown resistance are important.


