Sensor Mounting
Below you will find an overview of the main points to consider when integrating capacitive sensors into your applications.
Preparatory Measures
When selecting a sensor, first determine the industry type and application areas in which the sensor will be used.
It is important to select the sensor according to the installation options and the required detection range. For planning purposes, take this information into account and clarify the installation conditions. Determine the operating distances required.
It should also be specified whether the sensor can meet special conditions and, if so, what conditions. Find out which sensors are suitable for the ambient conditions of your application and find out the relevant suitability for use.
More information:
Applications and Industries
Suitability for Use
Ambient Conditions
Work Steps in Detail
The basic procedure for mounting a capacitive sensor is as follows:
1. Checking and Selecting Installation Conditions
Cylindrical Sensors
The exact installation conditions for the selected sensor must be observed and followed. For cylindrical sensors, these include:
- Conditions for flush mounting
- Conditions for nonflush mounting
- Conditions for semi-flush mounting with extended operating distance
It is important to consider cross-talk when installing multiple sensors. Minimum distances between the sensors should be observed to control or eliminate cross-talk. Information about the installation conditions and the intervals to be observed can be found in the datasheet for the respective sensor.
Cubic Sensors
Similarly, cubic sensors such as the VariKont design have precise rules for flush, nonflush, and semi-flush mounting.
As with cylindrical sensors, minimum distances must be observed between the individual sensors.
The rules are specific to the product series and are available as installation information for the selected sensor.
More information:
2. Determining/Monitoring Operating Distances with the Damping Element
Each capacitive sensor has a specific detection range and a specific operating distance.
Due to the individual mounting situation in the specific application, it must be ensured that a corresponding reduction factor has been taken into account and that the sensor with the existing damping element reliably achieves the required detection range.
More information:
Determining Operating Distances with a Standard Target
3. Single-Hole Mounting or Surface Mounting of the Sensor
Cylindrical Sensors
Cylindrical sensors are small and have an external thread that allows simple and space-saving mounting of this sensor type. They are available in different diameters.
For single-hole mounting of cylindrical sensors with metal housings, the tightening torques for the external threads or the fastening screws must be observed.
The tightening torques required to mount sensors with corresponding fastening screws depend on the diameter and material of the sensors.
The following table provides an overview of conventional diameters and materials.
| Thread diameter | Stainless steel | Brass | PBT | PPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 x 0.5 | 3.0 | - | - | - |
| M8 x 1 | 10.0 | 3.0 | - | - |
| M12 x 1 | 15.0 | 10.0 | 0.75 | - |
| M18 x 1 | 30.0 | 30.0 | 1.5 | 5 |
| M30 x 1.5 | 30.0 | 30.0 | 3.0 | 10 |
Tightening torques [Nm]
Cubic Sensors
Cubic sensors or flat packs are designed such that they can be easily and quickly mounted on surfaces at the required location. Depending on the housing design, they have one or more mounting holes with threads for fastening with corresponding screws.
Sensors with the F46 design also have mounting slots in the housing for mounting with cable ties.
4. Connection to Voltage Supply and Control Inputs
The exact way in which power is supplied depends on the particular selected sensor. The connection options vary depending on the type of connection. Accordingly, the information relating to the particular connection type must be observed.
More information:
5. Checking the Operating State and Switch State
Finally, the operating state and switch state of the sensor with damping element and built-in LED indicator(s) must be checked.
Note: Additional sensors can be added to the application at any time. The minimum distances between the individual sensors must be observed.
Links to the note:
Pepperl+Fuchs GB Ltd.
77 Ripponden Road
Oldham OL1 4EL, Lancs.
United Kingdom
sales@gb.pepperl-fuchs.com
+44 161 6336431
Pepperl+Fuchs is a leading developer and manufacturer of electronic sensors and components for the global automation market. Continuous innovation, enduring quality, and steady growth have been the foundation of our success for more than 70 years. Pepperl+Fuchs employs 6,300 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in Germany, USA, Singapore, Hungary, Indonesia and Vietnam, most of them ISO 9001 certified.