Fault Repair/FAQ
Frequently asked questions about using capacitive sensors are looked at in this section.
Why Should I Use a Capacitive Sensor at All? Will a (Limit) Switch not Suffice for my Application?
Capacitive sensors offer many advantages over traditional mechanical switches.
Comparison of capacitive sensor vs. mechanical limit switch
| Comparison | Capacitive Sensor | Mechanical (Limit) Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Operation: | ||
| Fast signal processing | The electrical output signals can undergo further processing directly in electronic circuits. | Issues a mechanical signal, which is then transmitted electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or mechanically as required. |
| Noncontact detection | Operation without touching the objects being measured. | Operation only possible with mechanical contact: objects to be measured can be manipulated or obstructed. |
| Quick detection | Quick detection and thus short response and switching times, i.e., high switching frequencies are possible. | The mechanical sequence takes time and sets narrow limits on the maximum switching frequency. |
| Maintenance-free working | There are no moving contacts that can become contaminated or worn. | Mechanical contacts can become contaminated and worn over time. The contact transition resistances can change unpredictably. |
| Reliable signal generation | The electronic output prevents contact bounce. | Contact bounce may occur at signal output. As a result, a mechanical contact may supply multiple switching pulses per switch event. |
| Low energy consumption | Very small switching currents are also possible. | The contact resistance and the risk of oxidation of the contact surface mean that a certain minimum current is necessary. |
| Setup: | ||
|
Simple integration into an application
|
No calculation of the start-up curve is necessary. | The start-up angle and start-up path must be calculated. Depending on the direction of actuation, different mechanical versions of the switch lever are required. |
| Service life: | ||
| Wear-free operation |
The wear resistance means that the switch points remain stable over time.
The number of switching cycles therefore does not affect the sensor service life.
|
Mechanically moving parts of the switch are subject to wear and lead to switching errors.
This means that the switching rate limits the switch service life.
|
| Possible applications: | ||
| Applications with little space | Extremely compact designs are possible. | There are structural limits to the implementation of compact designs. |
|
Standard designs,
special designs as required
|
One design available for use in different applications requiring different movements.
Numerous sensor designs are available.
|
Different applications require completely different designs or various sensing elements (rollers, tappets, levers, etc.). |
The Target Is Not Detected, What Am I Doing Wrong?
Check all settings, properties, and distances relating to the sensor and the target. In particular ...
Sensor properties
- Operating distance: The operating distance can be found in the product technical data and the product marking.
- Switching element function: Check whether the specified switching element function is being observed: NPN or PNP? NC contact or NO contact?
- Electric voltage: The voltage should be between 10 V ... 30 V.
Target
- Material: The sensor only detects different materials (ferrous metals, nonferrous metals, glass, wood, plastics, oil, water, and aqueous solutions). Take the reduction factor into account!
- Size: The operating distance refers to the size of the standard target.
- Sensor-target relationship: Is the target moving past the sensor and at what speed? → Take the response curve into account: The switching frequency must not be exceeded.
Why Is the Sensor Switching Too Early?
Check the sensor and the ambient conditions for possible interference.
In particular ...
Sensor properties
- Switching element function: Check whether the specified switching element function is being observed: NPN or PNP? NC contact or NO contact?
- Installation conditions: Is the sensor flush or nonflush mounted according to the specifications in the technical data? Have the specified installation conditions been correctly implemented?
- Recessed installation results in predamping of the sensor and an increase in the operating distance. It is essential to avoid recessed installation. It can lead to unpredictable sensor behavior. In some cases, lateral detection can also occur.
Electromagnetic influences
- Is the electromagnetic field of the sensor being influenced? By other electromagnetic fields? By a second sensor installed too close to it?
Ambient influences
- Interference from other materials near the sensing face: Check if there is any other material nearby.
- Contamination: Check the sensor for contamination. If necessary, clean with a cloth and a nonabrasive agent.
Is the Selected Sensor Chemically Resistant to a Particular Cleaning Agent, Coolant, or Lubricant?
Unfortunately, we cannot give a definitive answer to this question. Reason …
This is because the composition of cleaning agents, coolants, and lubricants, i.e., the formulation, is known only to the relevant manufacturer. Lubricating oils usually contain additives, which, even in small quantities, can change the chemical behavior of the lubricating oil. Even if the sensor housing material specified in the technical data promises to be oil-resistant, the additives can make the lubricant aggressive as a whole.
It is therefore essential to carry out your own tests to check chemical compatibility. Please note that the manufacturer of a cleaning agent, coolant, or lubricant can change its formulation without notice. This can cause a combination of materials that has worked for a long period of time to suddenly stop working.
Must Existing EC-Type Examination Certificates Issued in Accordance with EU Directive 94/9/EU Be Replaced by New EU-Type Examination Certificates, which in turn Cite EU Directive 2014/34/EU?
The new EU Directive 2014/34/EU provides clear information in this regard under Article 41, paragraph 2, and states that EC-type examination certificates issued under EU Directive 94/9/EU remain valid.
Citation 2014/34/EU
Article 41 Transitional Provisions
(1) Member States shall not impede the making available on the market or the putting into service of products covered by Directive 94/9/EC which are in conformity with that Directive and which were placed on the market before April 20, 2016.
(2) Certificates issued under Directive 94/9/EC shall be valid under this Directive.
Does Pepperl+Fuchs Offer Capacitive Sensors According to NEC 500?
Capacitive sensors according to NAMUR from Pepperl+Fuchs are suitable for use in Class I - III, Division 1; see the information in the Control Drawing, which can be downloaded from the Pepperl+Fuchs website.
Background knowledge ...
NEC 500 is a combination of the designation for the only legally binding standard for electrical equipment in the USA (the NEC) and an article (500) thereof. The abbreviation "NEC" stands for National Electrical Code and is considered law in the USA as NFPA 70 (National Fire Protection Association No. 70). Article 500 of this Code describes the classification of explosion-hazardous areas according to Classes and Divisions in the USA. Similarly to the zone classification according to Directive 2014/34/EU in Europe, plants are divided into different areas—Classes and Divisions—according to the duration and frequency of the occurrence of a hazardous potentially explosive atmosphere.
How Do I Recognize the Sensor Connection Type?
The various connection types can be quickly identified by referring to the type code.
| Connection Type | Sensor Identification (cf. Type Code) |
|---|---|
| Fixed cable | Sensor without connection identifier at the end of the order designation. |
| Connector | One of the following connector identifiers at the end of the order designation: "V1", "V3", "V5", "V13", "V16", "V18." |
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