The PCE-WSAC 50W 230 wind sensor is a professional system for continuous wind speed monitoring in outdoor installations, designed for applications where operational safety depends on constant atmospheric condition control. It is particularly suitable for cranes, awnings, construction sites, building work, scaffolding, wind turbines, inflatable structures, temporary installations, elevated areas and remote service stations where wind can affect stability, handling, work at height and personal safety.

The system consists of an external anemometer probe, a monitor with backlit LCD display and wireless radio transmission. This configuration allows the sensor to be installed at the actual wind-exposed point and the data to be displayed remotely, even in difficult-to-access locations. This is an important advantage when the measuring point is high up on a structure, crane, roof, tower or in an outdoor area far from the control point.

The sensor measuring range is 4 ... 180 km/h, with a minimum starting speed of 8 km/h. The maximum value of 180 km/h, approximately 50 m/s, allows strong gusts and critical weather situations to be monitored. Available measuring units are km/h, mph and m/s, so the system can be adapted to the user’s operating habits, internal procedures or technical requirements of the application.

Sensor accuracy is ±1 km/h in the 4 ... 15 km/h range and ±3% in the 16 ... 180 km/h range. This makes the device suitable both for low wind control and for monitoring higher speeds. Measurement is not only used to read an environmental value, but also to support operational decisions such as stopping a task, lowering an awning, securing a structure or activating an alarm procedure.

The monitor can receive the signal via pulse input, 4 ... 20 mA analog input or wireless connection. Radio transmission uses the IEEE 802.15.4 standard in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. This solution is useful when wiring the sensor to the display point is not practical or convenient. In outdoor conditions with direct line of sight, the specified wireless range is up to 750 m; if the monitor is installed inside a building, the range may be reduced to about 60 m.

The 4 ... 20 mA analog output allows the measured value to be sent to external systems such as PLCs, data loggers, control panels, supervision systems or alarm devices. This function is very useful in installations where wind speed must be recorded, integrated into automation logic or used to activate commands and signals. Maximum input impedance is 500 Ω, analog output resolution is 10 bit and analog output accuracy is ±1.5%.

The system has alarm relays with a maximum rating of 250 V AC, 8 A. Two relays are available, one for pre-alarm and one for the main alarm. This setup allows progressive thresholds to be managed: a first threshold can warn the operator that wind is increasing, while a second threshold can signal that the operating limit has been exceeded or activate safety procedures. In applications on cranes, awnings, scaffolding or temporary structures, this function is essential to help prevent dangerous situations.

The 128 x 64 pixel backlit LCD display allows wind speed and operating information to be clearly viewed. Backlighting makes reading easier in changing light conditions, technical environments, outdoor stations, control cabins or panels installed in poorly lit areas. Front buttons allow settings to be managed and values to be consulted directly from the monitor.

The monitor is powered by 110 ... 230 V AC and supplies the sensor with +15 V DC when used in wired configurations. The monitor housing is made of robust plastic and has IP65 protection, suitable for industrial and protected outdoor environments where dust, humidity and splashes may be present. The sensor also has IP65 protection, an important feature for a device intended for outdoor mounting.

The sensor uses a PA + FG housing, meaning glass-fibre reinforced polyamide, a material that offers good mechanical resistance for outdoor use. Bearings are made of X65Cr13 stainless steel and the support is made of AISI 304 stainless steel, a solution designed to ensure long service life and resistance in demanding environmental conditions. Stainless steel bearings contribute to continuous sensor rotation and measurement stability over time.

The included self-levelling bracket facilitates correct probe positioning. In a wind sensor, alignment and mechanical stability are essential because inclination, vibration or incorrect mounting can affect probe behaviour and measurement quality. The support must be fixed to a stable structure, free from obstacles and positioned so that airflow representative of the monitored area is detected.

The sensor dimensions are 320 x 110 x 100 mm. Weight is approximately 680 g with fixed support and approximately 900 g with self-levelling support. The monitor measures 145 x 95 x 125 mm and weighs 650 g. These data indicate a compact system suitable for fixed or semi-permanent installations without requiring particularly bulky support structures. However, installation position remains critical to avoid wind shadows, turbulence created by walls or obstacles and non-representative readings.

The sensor operating temperature is -20 ... +70 °C, while storage temperature is -35 ... +70 °C. This range allows use in many climatic conditions, both in summer and winter. To maintain reliability over time, it is advisable to periodically check fixings, cables, antenna, housing, probe cleanliness and freedom of rotation, especially in dusty, marine, industrial or weather-exposed areas subject to ice, dirt and atmospheric agents.

The sensor is powered by a 1.5 V DC mono-cell battery, with consumption of approximately 0.3 W when powered at 1.5 V DC. The battery allows probe operation in wireless configurations, simplifying installation when wired power is not available at the measuring point. It is important to plan battery inspection or replacement according to frequency of use, environmental conditions and maintenance procedures.

In crane and construction site applications, the sensor can help the site manager check when wind exceeds limits defined by internal procedures or safety requirements. On awnings and outdoor coverings, it can be used to activate warnings before excessive gusts damage the structure. On inflatable structures and temporary installations, wind monitoring is an important element in assessing whether activity can continue safely. On wind plants or remote stations, the 4 ... 20 mA signal allows data collection and historical analysis.

For correct measurement, it is advisable to install the probe in a position free from obstacles, away from walls, edges, turbulence-generating surfaces and vibration sources. The antenna must be positioned to ensure the best possible communication with the monitor. In wireless connection, obstacles, walls, metal structures and real distance between sensor and receiver must be considered. With analog output, suitable wiring must be used and compatibility with the acquisition system must be verified.

The scope of delivery includes 1 PCE-WSAC 50W 230 wind sensor, 1 probe, 1 self-levelling bracket, 1 wireless antenna, 1 mono-cell D 1.5 V DC battery and operating instructions available for download. The equipment allows the system to be prepared for installation and integrated into professional wind control for outdoor applications.

The PCE-WSAC 50W 230 wind sensor is therefore a complete solution for wind speed monitoring with remote control, alarms and analog output. The combination of measuring range up to 180 km/h, wireless transmission, 4 ... 20 mA output, backlit LCD display, pre-alarm and main alarm relays, IP65 protection, stainless steel bearings, AISI 304 support and 110 ... 230 V AC power supply makes it suitable for technicians, installers, construction companies, safety managers and plant operators who need reliable and continuous wind monitoring.