Capacitive Sensors

100 sensors from 13 manufacturers

Capacitive sensors detect changes in electrical capacitance caused by the presence of an object near the sensing face. Unlike inductive sensors, they can detect both metallic and non-metallic materials including liquids, powders, and granules.

This catalog currently includes 100 published capacitive sensors from 13 manufacturers. Listed prices range from $0.69 to $924.35.

How It Works

A capacitive sensor forms one plate of a capacitor, with the target material acting as the second plate. When a material with a dielectric constant different from air enters the sensing field, the capacitance changes. The sensor detects this change and switches its output. The sensing distance depends on the dielectric constant of the target material.

Typical Applications

• Detection of non-metallic materials through container walls
• Liquid level sensing in non-metallic tanks
• Powder and granule detection
• Moisture content sensing
• Wood, plastic, and ceramic object detection

Key Selection Considerations

• Target dielectric constant directly affects sensing distance
• Mounting environment (metal nearby) may require flush-mount sensors
• Humidity and temperature changes can affect sensing stability
• Sensitivity adjustments may be needed for different target materials

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