Info card Rated operating voltage Ue Ue min Ue Ue max

Capacitive sensors

This info card serves as a supplement to the main position sensors catalogue and to the individual data sheets. UB
i For further information and contact addresses please visit www.ifm.com.
Ue min -15% Ue max +10%

Intended use Rated insulation voltage Units with protection class I + II: 250 V AC
Units with protection class III: 60 V DC
While in use the products are exposed to influences which may have an effect on function, life, quality and reliability of Rated short-circuit current For short-circuit-proof units: 100 A
the product.
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that the products are suitable for the intended application. This applies in Rated impulse withstand voltage Protection class I: 4 kV
particular to applications in hazardous areas and with adverse environmental influence such as pressure, chemicals, Protection class II: 6 kV
Protection class III: 0.8 kV UK
temperature fluctuations, moisture and radiation as well as mechanical stress, especially if the products are not installed
properly. Power-on delay time The time the sensor needs to be ready for operation after application of the opera-
Using the products in applications where the safety of people depends on the function of the product is not permitted. If ting voltage (typically < 300 ms).
the instructions are not adhered to, death or severe injury may occur. Operating voltage UB Voltage range in which the sensor operates reliably. A stabilised and smoothed direct
voltage should be used.
Operating principle of a capacitive proximity sensor EMC Capacitive sensors meet the requirements of EN 60947-5-2 so that
● there are no noise levels that affect other equipment in their intended operation.
The active electrode of the sensor builds up a capacitance in relati- ● they are insensitive to electromagnetic interference to be expected during
on to the environment. The capacitance depends on the distance, intended operation.
the size and the material properties (dielectric constant) of the
environment. Grounding When capacitive sensors are used, the tanks (also plastic tanks) should be proper-
A change in the external capacitance is evaluated and leads to a ly grounded.
switching signal. Moreover, an electrical connection of installation chassis to sensor minus may
increase operational reliability.
The sensor can detect liquid, solid, conductive and non conductive
media. Utilisation category AC units: AC-140 (control of small electromagnetic loads with holding currents
< 200 mA)
① connection ④ electrode system DC units: DC-13 (control of solenoids)
② housing ⑤ alternating electric field = active zone Hysteresis Difference between switch-on and switch-off point.
③ evaluation electronics ⑥ target (environment) conductive or non conductive Short-circuit protection If ifm sensors are protected against excessive current by means of a pulsed short-
circuit protection, the inrush current of incandescent lamps, electronic relays or low
Important terms resistance loads may cause this protection to cut in and turn the sensor off.
Minimum load current Smallest operating current to maintain the conductivity of the switching element.
Active zone Area above the active face in which the sensor reacts to a change in the environ-
ment or an approaching target. Standard target A square-shaped grounded metal plate of a thickness of 1 mm with a side length
equal to the diameter of the sensing face or 3 x Sn, depending on which value is
Response time < 1/f (typical 1/2 f) unless stated otherwise (f = switching frequency) the highest.
Type and highest rating of the Pulsed short circuit protection for short-circuit-proof units. Where relevant, fuse Product standard EN 60947-5-2
short-circuit protective devices according to data sheet.
Residual current Current flowing in the load circuit with blocked output.
Output function Normally open: object within the active zone Current for the internal supply of 2-wire units.
> output switched.
Normally closed: object within the active zone Switch point drift The shifting of the switch point due to changes in the ambient temperature.
> output blocked.
Switching frequency f Damping with standard target at half Sn. The
Programmable: choice between normally closed or normally open. ratio damped to undamped (tooth to gap) = 1 : 2.
Positive switching: positive output signal (to L-).
06 / 2019

2a a
Negative switching: negative output signal (to L+). Sn
2

a
Protection rating Describes the protection of electric equipment by means of housings, covers,
1D2229 / 01

enclosures and is indicated by the IP code.

Voltage drop Voltage across the output switching element in the conductive state.

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Info card Notes on flush and non-flush installation
Capacitive sensors Installation instructions cylindrical designs

flush: non-flush:
Current consumption No-load current for internal supply of 3 or 4-wire DC units.
Transport and Unless otherwise indicated in the data sheet, the following applies:
storage conditions Sn
Transport and storage temperature: 1x
min. = - 40 °C.
max. = max. ambient temperature according to the data sheet.
The relative air humidity (RH) must not exceed 50 % at +70 °C.
At lower temperatures, a higher air humidity is permissible.
Shelf life: 5 years UK
Transport and storage height: no restrictions
Degree of soiling Capacitive proximity sensors are designed for degree of soiling 3. d
3x
d
Repeatability Difference between any two Sr measurements.
Typically < 10 % of Sr.

If the required clear space is not observed for non-flush units, the sensor is predamped.
i This may lead to permanent switching.

Sensing range (referred to the standard target) Quasi-flush sensors may be installed flush in non conductive materials and have to be installed non flush in
i conductive materials.
Sumax
+ 20 %
+ 10 %
- 10 % Minimum clearance for installing sensors of the same type
- 20 %
Applies to cylindrical and rectangular sensors.
Sn Sr Sumin Sa flush: non-flush:

Sn
1x

Nominal sensing range Sn = characteristic value of the unit

d
Real sensing range Sr = individual deviation at room temperature between 90 % and 110 % of Sn
d
Useful sensing range Su = switch point drift between 80 % (Sumin = Sa) and 120 % (Sumax) of Sr
Reliable sensing range = reliably switched between 0 % and 72 % of Sn Sn
3x
= operating distance Sa
Safe switch-off distance = Su max. + hysteresis = 154 % of Sn 3x
d 3x
d

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