What Is A Capacitive Sensor? from AutomationDirect
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From farms and factories to conveyor lines and water treatment plants, capacitive proximity sensors are used just about everywhere. Today, we’re diving into what they are, how they work, and how they fit into modern automation systems. Check out this video to learn more about these sensors and options available now at AutomationDirect.com.
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From farms and factories to conveyor lines and water treatment plants, capacitive proximity sensors are used just about everywhere. Today, we’re diving into what they are, how they work, and how they fit into modern automation systems. Capacitive proximity sensors detect objects near their sensing face using an electrostatic field created by an internal dielectric plate. Unlike their inductive counterparts, they don’t just detect metal. They can sense non-metallic materials too—like liquids, pellets, or powders—even through container walls made of plastic, wood, paper, or glass. These sensors are ideal for monitoring tank levels, grain in silos, or verifying that a product is in position before it gets filled, sealed, or packaged. They’re also perfect for part or box counting on conveyor belts. The application possibilities? Endless. Now let’s walk through a quick demo using a 30mm capacitive sensor. This is model CT2-AN-2A—a tubular sensor with a built-in cable, NPN output, and normally open configuration. It’s wired to a red indicator light and an audible alarm buzzer—model ECX2071-24R. The sensor is aimed at a clear plastic hopper. When we power it up, it detects the clear tube—even though it’s empty—and triggers the alarm. Adjust the potentiometer to eliminate that false detection. A slight turn counterclockwise lowers the sensitivity until the sensor stops seeing the empty tube. Now we fine-tune the setting just a little further to define the actual detection range. Now we’ll add marbles to the hopper to test until detection is confirmed. Removing the marbles turns the alarm off. Adding them again turns it back on. That’s reliable detection, even through a non-metallic surface. Looking for the right sensor? AutomationDirect has a full lineup. Choose from round, tubular, or rectangular housings, in flush or non-flush face styles. Sensing ranges go from 6mm on compact 12mm sensors, up to 40mm on larger 30mm models. Still have questions? Our tech support team is here to help. Visit us at AutomationDirect.com and find the right sensor for your application. Click here to learn more about our sensors. Click here for more videos.
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