Capacitive Sensors | McMaster-Carr

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48 Products

Choosing a Proximity Switch

With Wire Leads

With Plug and Cable

With Plug

3-Pole
Micro
M12 Plug

4-Pole
Micro
M12 Plug

Also known as capacitive proximity switches, these remotely sense both metallic and nonmetallic objects, but their strength is in sensing materials such as plastic, ceramic, and clear targets. Sensing distance is based on the type of material being sensed. The distance listed is for mild steel. Often used with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), they produce PNP or NPN signal output. To determine the signal output of a switch you are replacing, use Testers for Proximity and Photoelectric Switches (not included).

Mount flush switches so that the sensor face is level with the surface of your material. Also known as embeddable or shielded switches, they’re more accurate than projecting switches at close range and can be mounted close together on any surface without causing interference. Projecting switches, also known as non-embeddable or unshielded switches, must be mounted with the area around the sensor face free of metal. They have a longer sensing distance than flush switches with the same diameter.

Switches with a plug connect to cables with socket (sold separately), allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect the switch.

Switches with IO link can be configured remotely when connected to a PLC, a human-machine interface (HMI), or a computer.

Switches with PNP/NPN signal output automatically produce the type of signal output that is needed based on the device they are connected to.

IP65 switches are protected from washdowns. Switches rated IP67 are protected from temporary submersion. Choose IP69K switches to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns.

Also available: If you don’t see the switch you need, please select 6693T999 and specify manufacturer and manufacturer part number.

Plastic Housing with Plastic Face
Switch Starting Position	Dia., mm	Max. Sensing Distance, mm	Signal Output Type	Input Voltage	Current Output	No. of Wire Leads	Lg., mm	Circuit Protection	Cable Lead Lg., ft.	Temp. Range, °F	Environmental Rating		Each
Projecting with Wire Leads
1 Off (Normally Open)	18	8	PNP	10V DC-36V DC	250mA	3	84	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	-10° to 175°	IP67	00000000	0000000
1 Off (Normally Open)	18	8	NPN	10V DC-36V DC	250mA	3	84	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	-10° to 175°	IP67	00000000	000000
1 On (Normally Closed)	18	8	PNP	10V DC-36V DC	250mA	3	84	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	-10° to 175°	IP67	00000000	000000
1 On (Normally Closed)	18	8	NPN	10V DC-36V DC	250mA	3	84	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	-10° to 175°	IP67	00000000	000000
1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	30	15	PNP	10V DC-36V DC	250mA	3	99	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	-10° to 155°	IP65	00000000	000000
1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	30	15	NPN	10V DC-36V DC	250mA	3	99	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	-10° to 155°	IP65	00000000	000000
Stainless Steel Housing with Plastic Face
Flush with Wire Leads
1 Off (Normally Open)	12	4	PNP	10V DC-36V DC	100mA	3	69	Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	-10° to 155°	IP65	0000000	000000
1 Off (Normally Open)	12	4	NPN	10V DC-36V DC	100mA	3	69	Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	-10° to 155°	IP65	0000000	000000

Switches													Cables with Sockets
Switch Starting Position	Dia., mm	Max. Sensing Distance, mm	Signal Output Type	Input Voltage	Current Output	Lg., mm	Circuit Protection	Cable Lead Lg.	Temp. Range, °F	Environmental Rating		Each		Each
Plastic Housing with Plastic Face
Projecting with 3-Pole Micro M12 Plug
1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	30	15	PNP	10V DC-36V DC	250mA	99	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	4"	-10° to 175°	IP65	00000000	0000000	0000000	000000
Projecting with 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug and IO Link
1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	18	12	PNP/NPN	10V DC-36V DC	200mA	87	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	__	-10° to 175°	IP65, IP67	00000000	000000	0000000	00000
1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	18	30	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	200mA	92.5	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	__	-10° to 175°	IP65, IP67, IP69K	00000000	000000	0000000	00000
1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	30	20	PNP/NPN	10V DC-36V DC	200mA	90	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	__	-10° to 175°	IP65, IP67	00000000	000000	0000000	00000
1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	30	40	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	200mA	92	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	__	-10° to 175°	IP65, IP67, IP69K	00000000	000000	0000000	00000
Stainless Steel Housing with Plastic Face
Flush with 3-Pole Micro M12 Plug
1 Off (Normally Open)	12	4	PNP	10V DC-36V DC	100mA	59.8	Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	__	-10° to 155°	IP65	0000000	000000	0000000	00000
1 Off (Normally Open)	12	4	NPN	10V DC-36V DC	100mA	59.8	Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	__	-10° to 155°	IP65	0000000	000000	0000000	00000
Projecting with 3-Pole Micro M12 Plug
1 Off (Normally Open)	12	8	PNP	10V DC-36V DC	100mA	61.2	Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	__	-10° to 155°	IP65	0000000	000000	0000000	00000

Flat DC Universal-Object Proximity Switches

Mount these flat switches to a base or rail. Also known as capacitive proximity switches, they remotely sense both metallic and nonmetallic objects but their strength is in sensing materials such as plastic, ceramic, and clear targets. Often used with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), they produce PNP or NPN signal output. To determine the signal output of a switch you are replacing, use Testers for Proximity and Photoelectric Switches (not included). All are projecting switches, and must be mounted with the area around the sensor face free of metal. They’re rated IP68 for protection from washdowns and temporary submersion.

Also available: If you don’t see the switch you need, please select 6693T999 and specify manufacturer and manufacturer part number.

Plastic Housing with Plastic Face
Switch Starting Position	Max. Sensing Distance, mm	Signal Output Type	Input Voltage	Current Output	No. of Wire Leads	Lg., mm	Wd., mm	Ht., mm	Circuit Protection	Cable Lead Lg., ft.	Temperature Range, °F	Environmental Rating		Each
With Wire Leads
1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)	10	PNP	10V DC-30V DC	200mA	4	5.5	46	28	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	0° to 175°	IP68	000000	0000000
1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)	10	NPN	10V DC-30V DC	200mA	4	5.5	46	28	Overload Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	6 1/2	0° to 175°	IP68	000000	000000

Harsh Environment DC Universal-Object Proximity Switches

4-Pole
Micro
M12 Plug

Rated NEMA 6P, 12, IP68 and IP69K, these switches protect against corrosion and high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns. Also known as capacitive proximity switches, they remotely sense both metallic and nonmetallic objects but their strength is in sensing materials such as plastic, ceramic, and clear targets. They’re often used with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and produce PNP or NPN signal output. To determine the signal output of a switch you are replacing, use Testers for Proximity and Photoelectric Switches (not included). They mount flush with the surface of any material, including metal, and are also known as embeddable or shielded switches. The 4-pole Micro M12 plug connects to cables with sockets (sold separately), allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect the switch.

Also available: If you don’t see the switch you need, please select 6693T999 and specify manufacturer and manufacturer part number.

Plastic Housing with Plastic Face
Switch Starting Position	Dia., mm	Max. Sensing Distance, mm	Signal Output Type	Input Voltage	Current Output	Lg., mm	Circuit Protection	Temperature Range, °F	Environmental Rating		Each
With 4-Pole Micro M12 Plug
1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)	30	16	PNP	10V DC-40V DC	200mA	61	Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	-20° to 185°	NEMA 6P, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K	0000000	0000000
1 Off (Normally Open) and 1 On (Normally Closed)	30	16	NPN	10V DC-40V DC	200mA	61	Reverse Polarity Short Circuit	-20° to 185°	NEMA 6P, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K	0000000	000000

Cable with Socket

0000000

Each

000000

Hazardous Location DC Universal-Object Proximity Switches

Sense objects in hazardous locations with these intrinsically safe switches. Unlike standard proximity switches, they use a NAMUR signal to operate at a low current and voltage, so they won’t ignite or produce sparks when used. Switches meet ATEX international certification to protect against explosion in environments containing flammable gases and combustible dust. These switches must be connected to the required barriers (sold separately), which reduce the current and voltage flowing into the hazardous location from your power source. While the switches can safely be used in hazardous areas, the barriers must be installed in a separate nonhazardous area.

Also known as capacitive proximity switches, they sense both metallic and nonmetallic objects, but their strength is in detecting plastics, liquids, powder, granular materials, and clear targets. The larger the size of the sensor, the greater your sensing distance is. They're often used with HVAC systems and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Switches meet various domestic and international safety standards.

To view switch wiring diagrams, select a part number and click Product Detail.

All switches are protected from dust and washdowns. IP67 switches protect against brief submersion. IP68 switches protect against prolonged submersion.

Switch

Plastic Housing with Plastic Face
Switch Starting Position	Dia., mm	Max. Sensing Distance, mm	Signal Output Type	Input Voltage	Current Output	No. of Wire Leads	Lg., mm	Circuit Protection	Cable Lead Lg., ft.	Temperature Range, °F	Environmental Rating		Each
Projecting with Wire Leads
1 Off (Normally Open)	12	4	NAMUR	8V DC-8.5V DC	10mA	2	60	__	6 1/2	-10° to 155°	IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP68	0000000	0000000
1 Off (Normally Open)	18	6	NAMUR	8V DC-8.5V DC	10mA	2	80	__	6 1/2	-10° to 155°	IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP68	0000000	000000
Stainless Steel Housing with Plastic Face
Flush with Wire Leads
1 Off (Normally Open)	30	10	NAMUR	8V DC-8.5V DC	10mA	2	70	Reverse Polarity	6 1/2	0° to 155°	IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP67	0000000	000000

Barriers

Barrier

	Inputs				Outputs
Operating Voltage	Voltage	Current	No. of	Signal Type	Current	No. of	Signal Type	Switching Frequency	Environmental Rating		Each
Plastic Housing
115V AC	10V DC	8mA	1	NAMUR	2 A @ 253 V AC 2 A @ 40 V DC 4 A @ 126 V AC	1	Relay	10 Hz	Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP20	0000000	0000000
24V DC	10V DC	8mA	1	NAMUR	0.05 A @ 24 V DC	2	Transistor	5 kHz	Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 0 Groups IIC, IIB, IIA Associated Apparatus for IEC Zone 20 Groups IIIC, IIIB, IIIA IP20	0000000	000000

AC/DC Universal-Object Proximity Switches

With Wire Leads

With Plug and Cable

With Plug

2-Pole Micro Plug

Switches accept both AC and DC input voltage. Also known as capacitive proximity switches, they remotely sense both metallic and nonmetallic objects but their strength is in sensing materials such as plastic, ceramic, and clear targets. All are projecting switches, and must be mounted with the area around the sensor face free of metal.

Switches with a plug connect to cables with a socket (sold separately), allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect the switch.

IP65 rated switches are protected from washdowns.

IP67 rated switches are protected from washdowns and temporary submersion.

Also available: If you don’t see the switch you need, please select 6693T999 and specify manufacturer and manufacturer part number.

Proximity Switches													Cables with Sockets
Switch Starting Position	Dia., mm	Max. Sensing Distance, mm	Input Voltage	Current Output	No. of Wire Leads	Lg., mm	Circuit Protection	Cable Lead Lg.	Temperature Range, °F	Environmental Rating		Each		Each
Plastic Housing with Plastic Face
With Wire Leads
1 Off (Normally Open)	18	8	20V AC-250V AC/20V DC-250V DC	150mA, 100mA	2	84	__	6 1/2ft.	-10° to 175°	IP67	00000000	0000000	000000	00
1 Off (Normally Open)	30	15	20V AC-250V AC/20V DC-250V DC	200mA, 100mA	2	99	__	6 1/2ft.	-10° to 155°	IP65	00000000	000000	000000	00
1 On (Normally Closed)	18	8	20V AC-250V AC/20V DC-250V DC	150mA, 100mA	2	84	__	6 1/2ft.	-10° to 175°	IP67	00000000	000000	000000	00
1 On (Normally Closed)	30	15	20V AC-250V AC/20V DC-250V DC	200mA, 100mA	2	99	__	6 1/2ft.	-10° to 155°	IP65	00000000	000000	000000	00
With 2-Pole Micro 1/2"-20 UNF Plug
1 Off (Normally Open)	30	15	20V AC-250V AC/20V DC-250V DC	200mA, 200mA	__	99	__	4"	-10° to 155°	IP65	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
1 On (Normally Closed)	30	15	20V AC-250V AC/20V DC-250V DC	200mA, 200mA	__	99	__	4"	-10° to 155°	IP65	00000000	000000	0000000	00000
1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	18	24	30V AC-250V AC/20V DC-250V DC	100mA, 100mA	__	87	Reverse Polarity	__	-10° to 175°	IP67	00000000	000000	0000000	00000
1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed)	30	40	30V AC-250V AC/20V DC-250V DC	100mA, 100mA	__	90	Reverse Polarity	__	-10° to 175°	IP67	00000000	000000	0000000	00000

Mounting Wells for Universal-Object Proximity Switches

Mount proximity switches into a panel cutout or tank wall.

For Sensor Dia., mm	Mounting Pipe Size	Mounting Thread Type	Dia., mm	Lg., mm	Material	Temperature Range, °F		Each
18	3/4	NPT	38	57	Plastic	-10° to 470°	00000000	000000
30	1 1/4	NPT	51	65	Plastic	-10° to 470°	00000000	00000

Mounting Brackets for Proximity and Photoelectric Switches

							Mounting
	For Sensor/Switch OD, mm	Ht., mm	Wd., mm	Dp., mm	Color	Material	Fasteners Included	No. of Mounting Holes		Each
A	18	30	47	16	Black	Plastic	Yes	2	00000000	00000
B	18	43	51	25	Black	Plastic	No	2	00000000	00000

Panel-Mount Switch Size Adapters

Adapter Shown with Panel-Mount Switch (Not Included)

Adapter

Install 22 mm panel-mount switches into 30 mm cutouts.

For Panel Cutout Diameter	Material		Each
22 mm (7/8") to 30 mm (1 3/16")	Metal	0000000	000000

Capacitive Noncontact Level Switches for Chemicals

This switch mounts to the outside of your tank and detects chemical level through plastic tank walls by measuring the capacitance between the switch and tank contents; it cannot be used with metal tanks. Mount switch horizontally or vertically with the included mounting bracket.

20V AC/240V AC Input Voltage
Dia.	Lg.	Temp. Range, °F	Switch Starting Position	Industry Designation	Current	Electrical Connection	Specifications Met		Each
1 3/16"	3"	-10° to 175°	1 Off (Normally Open)/1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.25 A @ 240 V AC	Wire Leads	UL Listed, CSA Certified	0000000	0000000

Noncontact Level Switches for Conductive Liquids

Measure the level of conductive liquids without drilling a hole in your tank—these switches mount to the outside of the tank and track the capacitance between them and the tank’s contents. Use them on nonconductive plastic or glass wall tanks; they’re not compatible with metal tanks. They automatically adapt to your tank’s wall thickness, making them ready to use. These switches only respond when the liquid reaches the desired level, so foam and residue on the top of the liquid won’t trigger them early. For even more challenging setups, such as those with thick, sticky fluids, or if your tank has walls as thick as 10 mm, you can teach these switches to avoid false detections. All have LED indicators to show their power and output status.

Made of plastic, their body is chemical resistant and NEMA and IP rated, so it keeps out dust and dirt, as well as drips of oil and jets of hot water. UL listed, C-UL listed, and CE marked, they meet U.S., Canadian, and European Union safety standards.

Mount these switches directly on your sight glass using their adhesive back or use the included mounting bracket if you’ll need to remove them frequently. They also include foam pads for mounting them using straps around the outside of your tank.

PNP switches communicate with your system by sending a positive signal. NPN switches send a negative signal to communicate with your system.

Switches with an M8 4-pin connection have a standard plug that’s easy to connect. Switches with wire leads need to be hardwired, so use them in applications where you won’t move them often.

Switches with M8 4-pin Connection

With M8 4-pin Connection

M8 4-pin

10V DC/30V DC Input Voltage
Signal Output Type	Width	Height	Thickness	Temperature Range, °F	Switch Starting Position	Industry Designation	Current	Environmental Rating		Each
Polycarbonate/PBT Plastic Blend Body
PNP	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10° to 175°	1 Off (Normally Open)	SPST-NO	0.1 A @ 30 V DC	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	0000000	0000000
PNP	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10° to 175°	1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NC	0.1 A @ 30 V DC	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	0000000	000000

Switches with Wire Leads

With Wire Leads

10V DC/30V DC Input Voltage
Signal Output Type	Width	Height	Thickness	Temperature Range, °F	Switch Starting Position	Industry Designation	Current	Wire Lead Length, ft.	Environmental Rating		Each
Polycarbonate/PBT Plastic Blend Body
PNP	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10° to 175°	1 Off (Normally Open)	SPST-NO	0.1 A @ 30 V DC	6	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	0000000	0000000
PNP	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10° to 175°	1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NC	0.1 A @ 30 V DC	6	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	0000000	000000
NPN	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10° to 175°	1 Off (Normally Open)	SPST-NO	0.1 A @ 30 V DC	6	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	0000000	000000
NPN	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10° to 175°	1 On (Normally Closed)	SPST-NC	0.1 A @ 30 V DC	6	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	0000000	000000