Capacitive Sensors

Capacitive sensors can be used to detect metal objects as well as nearly all other materials. These sensors are often used in applications including level, flow control for the detection of liquids, grains, and powders.

Standard Capacitive Sensor Product features:

12, 18 and 30 mm cylindrical styles of stainless steel or plastic housings
5mm thin rectangular and long-range 80 mm x 80 mm x 40 mm styles
Sensor outputs of 3-wire DC and NAMUR output types
Models with hazardous area approvals

What is a Capacitive Sensor?

Capacitive proximity sensors are non-contact devices that can detect the presence or absence of virtually any object regardless of material. They utilize the electrical property of capacitance and the change of capacitance based on a change in the electrical field around the active face of the sensor.

Applications of Capacitive Sensors

Precision positioning
Disc drive industry
Precision thickness measurements
Non-conductive targets
Machine tool metrology
Assembly line testing
Testing the moisture content of grain
Soil moisture
Humidity
Detecting water content in fuels
Fuel composition sensors (for flex-fuel vehicles)
Capacitive load cells

Features

4 mm flush
Operating distance adjustable via potentiometer
Suitable for foodstuff conditions
Resistant against aggressive media

Technical Data

Switching element function

Rated operating distance

4 mm

Installation

Flush

Output polarity

Assured operating distance

0 … 2.88 mm

Installation conditions

A 0 mm
B 0 mm
C 15 mm
F 15 mm

Operating voltage

10 … 36 V DC

Switching frequency

0 … 50 Hz

Reverse polarity protection

reverse polarity protected

Short-circuit protection

Pulsing

Voltage drop

≤ 2.5 V

Operating current

0 … 100 mA

No-load supply current

≤ 12 mA

Switching state indicator

LED, yellow

Ambient temperature

-25 … 70 °C (-13 … 158 °F)

About Pepperl + Fuchs

In 1945, Walter Pepperl and Ludwig Fuchs founded a small radio workshop in Mannheim, Germany, based on the principles of inventiveness, entrepreneurial foresight, and self-reliance. The experience they acquired was transformed into new ideas, and they continued to enjoy developing products for customers. The eventual result was the invention of the proximity switch. This innovation represented the starting point of the company’s success story.

Today, Pepperl+Fuchs is known by customers around the world as a pioneer and an innovator in electrical explosion protection and sensor technology.

Capacitive Sensors