An administration set for an infusion pump includes a free-flow prevention device having a movable plunger that includes a cam surface defining an uneven profile along a direction of movement of the plunger, wherein the shape of the cam surface profile indicates the administration set is authorized for use with the infusion pump and may further indicate the specific type of administration set. A sensor in the infusion pump senses movement of the plunger as a platen of the infusion pump is latched and generates a profile signal in the time domain representative of the cam surface profile. A processor evaluates the profile signal and controls operation of the pump to protect a patient from improper loading of an administration set, use of an unauthorized administration set, and/or use of an invalid type of administration set for a chosen infusion protocol.
