CR18SCF05ATO, LANBAO, capacitive sensor, M18 plastic cylindrical, AC 2 wires NO, cable 2 m PVC

CR18SCF05ATO – Capacitive proximity sensor

CR18SCF05ATO from LANBAO is a capacitive proximity sensor, version M18 plastic cylindrical designed for continuous industrial operation. 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

• Supply 20–250 V AC.
• Flush mounting.
• Connection: cable 2 m PVC.
• 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 CR18SCF05ATO

Wiring of CR18SCF05ATO by wire colours

A two-wire AC sensor is connected in series with the load – a contactor, relay or AC PLC input. It has no separate signal wire.

Caution: according to the manufacturer's catalogue, two-wire AC sensors must not be connected in AND or OR logic and must not be in series with a mechanical contact.

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).

Two-wire connection – the load is in series with the sensor.

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.

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.
• Cable outlet: the cheaper variant, but replacing the sensor requires pulling the entire cable. If you need quick replacement, choose a model with a connector (suffix -E1 for M8, -E2 for M12).
• 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.

Similar models in the same series

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

Frequently asked questions

How is CR18SCF05ATO connected?

CR18SCF05ATO is supplied with the connection: cable 2 m PVC. The cable is part of the sensor; the other end is free for connection to a terminal block.

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.

Are there other variants of CR18SCF05ATO?

In the same series we offer models with the same sensing distance and a different output type, contact function or connection: CR18SCF05ATC, CR18SCF05DNC, CR18SCF05DNC-E2, CR18SCF05DNO.