3-Wire Capacitive Proximity Sensor
Capacitive proximity sensors detect almost anything — metal, plastic, glass, wood, water, oil, grain and powder — by measuring a change in capacitance rather than…
Capacitive proximity sensors detect almost anything — metal, plastic, glass, wood, liquid, grain and powder — by sensing a change in capacitance rather than an eddy current. Where an inductive sensor is blind to non-metals, a capacitive sensor sees them.
Their most valuable capability is sensing through a non-metallic tank or pipe wall, giving level detection with nothing penetrating the vessel and no seal to fail.
Variants in this range
4-Wire Capacitive Proximity Sensor
The 4-wire capacitive sensor adds a second output to the standard capacitive design: normally open and normally closed states are available at the same time, from…
Ordering options
Every product in this category can be adjusted to your application. Specify any of the following at enquiry and we will quote against it:
- Output configuration — PNP or NPN, normally open or normally closed.
- Cable length — 2 m standard, longer lengths on request.
- Termination — flying lead or M12 plug-in connector.
- Housing — chrome-plated brass, stainless steel, or rectangular block.
- Mounting — shielded (flush) or unshielded (non-flush).
- Supply voltage — 10–30 V DC or 230 V AC where applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Can a capacitive sensor detect liquid through a plastic tank wall?
Yes, and it is the most common reason customers choose one. Mount it against the outside of the tank and adjust the sensitivity so it ignores the empty wall but triggers on the liquid behind it. Keep the wall under about 4 mm and test with your actual product.
Why does my capacitive sensor trigger falsely after a few weeks?
Almost always product build-up, moisture or humidity changing what the sensor sees. Set the sensitivity with realistic conditions in place rather than on a clean bench, leave margin, and mount the sensor so material sheds off the face.
What sensing range can I expect?
Typically 8–15 mm, adjustable via the trimmer. That is shorter than an inductive sensor of the same size — capacitive sensing trades range for the ability to detect non-metals.
Need the right sensor for your machine?
Send us your application — target material, sensing distance, supply voltage and housing constraint. We will recommend a part, quote it, and ship from Mumbai.