Is a wider sensitivity tolerance bad, such as ±15%?
No, if trending on vibration levels then wider tolerances, such as ±15%, provides adequate, cost effective information for a successful monitoring program. Also, nearly all data collection boxes, analyzers and acquisition systems have the ability to enter the exact sensitivity of a sensor. In these cases, purchasing a sensor with a wide tolerance is acceptable as long as its sensitivity is appropriately noted. However, if the user is unable to enter the exact sensitivity and the acquisition equipment assumes a nominal sensitivity, then a precise measure of the vibration level may not be possible. For example, if the acquisition equipment assumes the vibration signal is obtained from a 100mV/g sensor and the actual sensor being used is 85 mV/g, the vibration readings will be 15% low. In this case, a tighter tolerance (±5%) may be more appropriate. If possible, enter the exact sensitivity of the sensor into the acquisition system to obtain the most precise measurements.
