CR18SCF05DPC, LANBAO, capacitive sensor, M18 plastic cylindrical, PNP, NC, cable 2 m PVC

CR18SCF05DPC – Capacitive proximity sensor

LANBAO CR18SCF05DPC capacitive proximity sensor, version M18 plastic cylindrical for reliable detection in machines and production lines. 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

• PNP output, NC contact – normally closed – connects to a PLC digital input or a relay coil.
• Supply 10–30 V DC.
• 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 CR18SCF05DPC

Wiring of CR18SCF05DPC by wire colours

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).

Three-wire cable wiring according to IEC 60947-5-2.

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.

The same sensor with a different connection

• CR18SCF05DPC-E2 – the same sensor with a connector M12/4 pins

The cable version is cheaper, but replacing the sensor requires pulling the entire cable. The connector variant can be replaced in a minute and is suitable where there is no time for downtime.

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.
• PNP output (switches plus) matches the standard PLC digital inputs used in Europe. For NPN-type inputs, choose the corresponding variant with the same sensing distance.
• 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).
• 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.

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 PNPoutput. If you need NPN, 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
• CR18SCF05DNC-E2
• CR18SCF05DNO

Frequently asked questions

Does CR18SCF05DPC have a PNP or NPN output?

CR18SCF05DPC has a PNP output with an NC contact – normally closed. It therefore matches the standard PLC digital inputs used in Europe.

How is CR18SCF05DPC connected?

CR18SCF05DPC 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.

How is CR18SCF05DPC wired by wire colours?

Brown wire to supply plus, blue to minus, and black is the signal output going to the PLC input or relay coil. The coding complies with IEC 60947-5-2.

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 CR18SCF05DPC?

In the same series we offer models with the same sensing distance and a different output type, contact function or connection: CR18SCF05ATC, CR18SCF05ATO, CR18SCF05DNC, CR18SCF05DNC-E2.