CR18SCF05DNC-E2, LANBAO, capacitive sensor, M18 plastic cylindrical, NPN, NC, connector M12/4 pins

CR18SCF05DNC-E2 – Capacitive proximity sensor

CR18SCF05DNC-E2 is a capacitive proximity sensor from LANBAO, version M18 plastic cylindrical. It responds to a change in capacitance in the electric field in front of the face, so it detects both metals and non-metals — plastic, glass, wood, paper, liquids and bulk materials.

Key features

• NPN output, NC contact – normally closed – connects to a PLC digital input or a relay coil.
• Supply 10–30 V DC.
• Flush mounting.
• Connection: connector M12.
• Degree of protection IP67 – protection against dust and temporary immersion.
• Operating temperature −25 to +70 °C.

How a capacitive sensor works

The sensor face consists of two electrodes between which an electric fieldis created. When any object enters the field, it changes its capacitance — and as soon as the change exceeds the set threshold, the sensor switches. Because it is not a magnetic field, it responds to both metals and non-metals: plastic, glass, wood, paper, liquids and bulk materials.

Principle of electrostatic capacitance: the field between the electrodes and its change when an object enters.

What the sensing distance depends on

The decisive factor is the relative permittivity of the material. Water and metals have a high value, so the sensor detects them at the greatest distance. Dry granulate, paper or foam materials have a low value and the range is significantly shorter. Therefore always allow a margin, and for level monitoring through a vessel wall choose the thinnest possible non-conductive wall.

Technical specifications CR18SCF05DNC-E2

Wiring of CR18SCF05DNC-E2 by wire colours

Watch the cable choice: according to the manufacturer's catalogue, in the NC version with the M12 connector the output is on pin 2, i.e. the white wire. A three-pin cable M12 uses pins 1, 3 and 4 and pin 2 is missing, so for this sensor use a four-pin cable. The switched signal is then on the white wire, not the black one.

The colour coding complies with IEC 60947-5-2. Always compare the actual pin and wire assignment with the diagram in the sensor datasheet (Downloads tab).

Connector pin assignment according to the manufacturer's catalogue.

Mounting and free space

The sensor has a flush sensing face, so it can be screwed into a metal structure right up to the face without affecting its function. The trade-off is a shorter sensing distance compared to the non-flush version.

Flush mounting: the face may be level with the metal.

Mutual interference of sensors

Two sensors mounted close to each other may interfere with each other. If you need to sense at two adjacent points, keep the lateral spacing given in the sensor's dimension drawing, or offset the sensors so that their faces do not point into the same space.

Connection cable for CR18SCF05DNC-E2

The sensor has a connector M12, 4 pins, male (external thread with pins), so it requires a cable with a femaleconnector. The cable is not included.

• QE12-N4G5-N – M12, 4 pins, female, angled 90°, 5 m, PVC, with LED indication

In this NC version the output is on pin 2, which a three-pin cable does not contain, so choose a four-pin cable.

PUR version: we do not yet stock a M12 female cable with a PUR jacket (for oils, coolant emulsions, abrasion, low temperatures and drag-chain installation). Contact us and we will source it. A cable with a PVC jacket is intended for normal dry machine environments.

The LED indication of the switched output in the connector is designed for the PNP NO version. With other output combinations the cable works electrically, but the indicator may not show switching – in that case choose a cable without indication.

The same sensor with a different connection

• CR18SCF05DNC – the same sensor with a fixed cable 2 m

Typical applications

• monitoring the level of liquid or granulate through a vessel wall
• detection of plastic and glass packaging on the line
• checking the presence of cardboard, paper or a wooden board
• sensing bulk materials in hoppers and silos
• detection of parts to which an inductive sensor does not respond

How to choose and what to watch out for

• Flush mounting: the sensor can be screwed into a metal structure right up to the face without affecting its function. Compared to the non-flush variant, however, it has a shorter sensing distance.
• NPN output (switches minus) is used mainly in Asian equipment and selected PLCs. For standard European inputs, the PNP variant is usually more suitable.
• NC contact (normally closed): the output is active at rest and opens on detection. It is used where a broken wire should cause the same reaction as a detection (safer logic).
• Connector connection M12: a separate connection cable with a matching connector is required for operation – you will find it in the Cables with connector category.
• Degree of protection IP67: protection against dust and temporary immersion. Not designed for permanent immersion or high-pressure washing – this requires IP69K.
• Operating temperature −25 to +70 °C applies to continuous operation. Short-term exceedance shortens service life and may permanently degrade the sensing distance.

PNP or NPN – and what happens if you mix them up

PNP switches the positive pole, so it sends plus to the PLC input. It is the European standard and matches standard digital inputs. NPN switches minus and is used mainly in Asian equipment. If mixed up, the sensor either does not switch at all or reports a permanently active state — it usually will not be damaged, but it will not work.

This model has a NPN. If you need PNP, a variant with the same sensing distance is available — contact us and we will recommend the code.

NO or NC – and why it is not just a matter of convenience

NO (normally open) is an output that is active on detection. NC (normally closed) is active at rest and opens on detection. The difference is a safety one: with NC, a broken wire causes the same reaction as a detection, so the fault shows up immediately. With NO, a broken cable remains unnoticed until someone tries to switch.

This model has the contact NC – normally closed.

Similar models in the same series

• CR18SCF05ATC
• CR18SCF05ATO
• CR18SCF05DNC
• CR18SCF05DNO
• CR18SCF05DNO-E2

Frequently asked questions

Does CR18SCF05DNC-E2 have a PNP or NPN output?

CR18SCF05DNC-E2 has an NPN output with an NC contact – normally closed. Check that your PLC input matches this output type.

How is CR18SCF05DNC-E2 connected?

CR18SCF05DNC-E2 is supplied with the connection: connector M12. A connection cable with a matching connector must be ordered separately.

How many pins should the cable for CR18SCF05DNC-E2 have?

According to the manufacturer's catalogue, in the NC version with the M12 connector the output is on pin 2, which a three-pin cable does not contain. Therefore use a four-pin cable – the switched signal is on the white wire.

Which cable do I need for CR18SCF05DNC-E2?

Cable with a female M12 connector. We stock QE12-N4G5-N (4 pins, 5 m, PVC); for sensors with one output, three-pin QE12-N3G5-P or QE12-N3G5-N. can also be used. The cable is not included.

Does a capacitive sensor detect through a vessel wall?

Yes, with a sufficient sensing distance and a thin non-conductive wall, the level can be monitored from outside. However, the sensing distance depends on the dielectric properties of the material — water can be detected at a greater distance than dry granulate.