M12/M18/M30 Metal-Housing Capacitive Proximity Sensors (Cable Type)

Name: M12/M18/M30 Metal-Housing Capacitive Proximity Sensors (Cable Type)
Brand: DAIDISIKE
SKU: m12-m18-m30-metal-housing-capacitive-proximity-sensors
Availability: InStock

M12/M18/M30 capacitive proximity sensors detect metal and non-metallic targets with adjustable sensing distance.

M12/M18/M30 Metal-Housing Capacitive Proximity Sensors (Cable Type) - product photo

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Technical Specifications

Sensing principle	Capacitive
Thread size	M12 / M18 / M30
Housing	Nickel-plated metal, cable type
Cable	2m PVC cable
Mounting style	Flush; "T" suffix = non-flush
Output type	NPN / PNP
Output logic	NO / NC
Wiring	3-wire DC, BN(+) / BK(signal) / BU(-)
Response time	1.5ms
Overload current protection	240mA
Operating temperature	-25°C to +70°C
Ingress protection	IP67
Sensing distance, M12 flush (R1202 / R1203)	1-2mm / 1-3mm adjustable
Sensing distance, M12 non-flush (R1204 / R1206T)	1-4mm / 1-6mm adjustable
Sensing distance, M18 non-flush (R1808T / R1815T)	2-8mm / 2-15mm adjustable
Sensing distance, M30 flush (R3010 / R3020)	2-10mm / 2-20mm adjustable
Sensing distance, M30 non-flush (R3015T / R3030T)	2-15mm / 2-30mm adjustable

Overview

This is a family of capacitive proximity switches built on M12, M18, and M30 threaded metal bodies with a 2m PVC cable exit. Unlike inductive proximity sensors, which only respond to metal, capacitive sensing works on the principle of dielectric change, so it can be triggered by any material with a dielectric constant different from air, including non-metallic solids and liquids.

This makes the series suitable for OEM machine builders and system integrators who need to detect liquid level inside a tank, powder or granule fill level in a hopper, or the presence of plastic, wood, glass, or other non-metallic parts on a line. Each size (M12/M18/M30) is offered in flush and non-flush ("T" suffix) mounting styles, NPN/PNP output, and normally-open/normally-closed (NO/NC) logic.

Features & Benefits

Detects non-metallic and liquid targets, not just metal

Capacitive sensing responds to any material whose dielectric constant differs from air, enabling detection of liquids, powders, granules, plastics, wood, and glass in addition to metal.

User-adjustable sensing distance on every model

Each model number in the series has a factory-set adjustable sensing range, letting the installer fine-tune the trip point on site after mounting.

Flush and non-flush mounting for different installation constraints

Flush models can be embedded level with surrounding metal without derating. Non-flush ("T" suffix) models offer a longer adjustable range but need clearance around the sensing face.

NPN/PNP and NO/NC output combinations for flexible PLC wiring

Every model is available as NPN or PNP, normally-open or normally-closed, on standard 3-wire DC wiring (BN/BK/BU), matching common PLC input card requirements.

Nickel-plated metal housing rated IP67

The housing is nickel-plated for durability, with sealed construction rated IP67 for protection against water and dust ingress.

Fast 1.5ms response time with LED indication

All three sizes share a 1.5ms response time and an LED status indicator for at-a-glance diagnostics during installation and maintenance.

Built-in short-circuit and overload protection

The sensor electronics include short-circuit protection and an overload current protection point of 240mA across M12/M18/M30, reducing the risk of damage from wiring faults.

Wide operating temperature range for factory floor conditions

Rated for -25°C to +70°C operation, so the sensor can be used across typical industrial ambient conditions.

Applications

Liquid level detection through a non-metallic tank wall — Capacitive sensing responds to the dielectric change caused by liquid, a capability inductive sensors lack.

Powder or granule fill-level detection in hoppers and silos — The same dielectric-based detection principle applies to bulk solids, not only liquids.

Presence and absence detection of plastic or glass parts on a conveyor — Non-metallic parts cannot be sensed by inductive proximity switches but can trigger a capacitive sensor.

Wood or paper stack height and presence sensing — Leverages the same non-metal detection capability used for level and fill sensing.

Machine safety interlock using flush-mount sensors embedded in metal frames — Flush models are rated to sit level with surrounding metal without derating due to the nearby metal mass.

Retrofitting PLC-based automation lines needing selectable NPN/PNP logic — Available in both output types on standard 3-wire DC wiring to match existing PLC input cards.

OEM machine builder standardizing on one sensor family across mounting sizes — Consistent wiring convention (BN/BK/BU) and output logic across M12/M18/M30 simplifies BOM standardization.

Models & Ordering Information

M12 Capacitive Proximity Sensors

R1202N1R1202P1R1202N2R1202P2R1203N1R1203P1R1203N2R1203P2R1204N1R1204P1R1204N2R1204P2R1206N1TR1206P1TR1206N2TR1206P2T

R1202/R1203 are flush mount, adjustable 1-2mm / 1-3mm; R1204 and R1206T are non-flush, adjustable 1-4mm / 1-6mm.

M18 Capacitive Proximity Sensors

R1805N1R1805P1R1805N2R1805P2R1808N1R1808P1R1808N2R1808P2R1808N1TR1808P1TR1808N2TR1808P2TR1815N1TR1815P1TR1815N2TR1815P2T

R1805/R1808 are flush mount; R1808T is non-flush, adjustable 2-8mm; R1815T is non-flush, adjustable 2-15mm.

M30 Capacitive Proximity Sensors

R3010N1R3010P1R3010N2R3010P2R3020N1R3020P1R3020N2R3020P2R3015N1TR3015P1TR3015N2TR3015P2TR3030N1TR3030P1TR3030N2TR3030P2T

R3010/R3020 are flush mount, adjustable 2-10mm / 2-20mm; R3015T/R3030T are non-flush, adjustable 2-15mm / 2-30mm. Final model-to-size naming confirmation from the manufacturer is pending.

How to Select

Choose mounting thread size (M12/M18/M30) to match your mechanical mounting hole.
Choose flush (no "T" suffix) mounting if the sensor will be embedded level with surrounding metal; choose non-flush ("T" suffix) if you need a longer adjustable sensing range and can leave clearance around the sensing face.
Pick the adjustable sensing distance code that covers your required trip point, then fine-tune on site within its adjustable range.
Choose NPN if your PLC input card is sinking-type, or PNP if your input card is sourcing-type.
Choose NO (1) or NC (2) output logic based on the desired fail-safe behavior of your circuit.
All models use standard 3-wire DC wiring (BN/BK/BU); confirm the exact operating voltage window with the factory before finalizing your design.

📘 Need the full method? How to Choose a Proximity Sensor · NPN vs PNP Sensor Outputs Explained

When NOT to specify the M12/M18/M30 — and what to use instead

Installations near dust buildup, condensation, or humidity swings where a stable trip point matters

Why not: Capacitive sensing works by detecting a change in dielectric constant, so any material near the sensing face - including humidity, dust, or condensation - can shift the sensing distance or false-trigger the output; the datasheet does not publish a humidity-immunity or drift specification.

Use instead: An inductive proximity sensor, such as the M12/M18/M30 inductive proximity sensor series, which only responds to metal and is not affected by dielectric changes from humidity or dust.

Applications needing a single, fixed, non-adjustable trip point for repeatable go/no-go gauging

Why not: Each model in this series has a factory-defined adjustable sensing range rather than one fixed distance, and the exact as-shipped default setting is not stated in the datasheet.

Use instead: Confirm the factory default setting and lock-down procedure with the factory before using this series for fixed-gauge applications, or use a sensor family with a single rated sensing distance.

AC-powered control panels without a DC supply available

Why not: Wiring for this series is 3-wire DC only (BN+/BK-signal/BU-), with no AC or 2-wire variant offered in this product line.

Use instead: The M12/M18/M30 2-wire AC inductive proximity sensor series, if the target is metal and the circuit is AC-powered.

Safety-related guarding or interlocks

Why not: No safety rating or safety-standard compliance is stated for this product.

Use instead: A dedicated safety switch or safety light curtain (DX series).

Finalizing a power-supply design before confirming the sensor's supply voltage

Why not: The datasheet's own selection guide instructs installers to confirm the exact operating voltage window with the factory before finalizing a design - it is not published in the specs table.

Use instead: Contact the factory to confirm supply voltage before specifying this series for a project.

Specifications we do not publish yet

We only publish a figure once we are confident it is true. The items below are still being validated through further testing and real-world customer feedback, so for now we would rather leave them open than guess. If one of them matters to your design, ask us for the latest validated status.

Operating/supply voltage range is not listed in the specs table — ask us to confirm for your supply before ordering
Minimum dielectric constant needed for reliable target detection
Humidity/condensation immunity or sensing-distance drift behavior
MTBF / rated mechanical and electrical life
Certification marks (CE, UL, etc.)
M30 model-to-size naming - the modelGroups note flags this as pending confirmation from the manufacturer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a capacitive proximity sensor and an inductive proximity sensor?

An inductive proximity sensor only detects metallic targets by generating an electromagnetic field. A capacitive proximity sensor detects any material whose dielectric constant differs from air, including liquids, powders, plastics, wood, and glass in addition to metal, because it senses changes in capacitance rather than induced eddy currents.

Can this sensor detect liquid level through the wall of a plastic or glass tank?

Yes. Because capacitive sensing is based on dielectric constant change rather than direct electrical contact, it can respond to liquid presence through a non-metallic tank wall, which is why capacitive proximity sensors are commonly used for level detection applications.

What is the difference between flush and non-flush ("T" suffix) mounting?

Flush-mount models can be installed level with the surrounding metal housing or frame without loss of performance, and are marked without a "T" suffix in this series (for example R1202, R1805). Non-flush models, marked with a "T" suffix (for example R1206T, R1815T), require clearance around the sensing face but offer a longer adjustable sensing distance.

How do I choose between NPN and PNP output?

Choose NPN if your PLC input card is sinking-type, and PNP if your input card is sourcing-type. Both are available across the whole M12/M18/M30 range with NO or NC logic.

Is the sensing distance fixed or adjustable?

Every model in this series has a factory-defined adjustable sensing range (for example R1202 is 1-2mm adjustable, R3020 is 2-20mm adjustable), allowing the installer to fine-tune the trigger point after mounting.

What is the housing material and ingress protection rating?

The housing is nickel-plated metal with sealed construction rated IP67 for protection against water and dust ingress.

What is the wiring configuration?

Standard DC 3-wire configuration: brown (BN) is the positive supply, black (BK) is the signal output, and blue (BU) is the negative/common, per the manufacturer's wiring diagram.

What is the response time?

1.5ms across the M12, M18, and M30 sizes in this series, per the manufacturer's selection table.

Can this series provide certification documents?

Certification documents are available on request.

Works Well Together

On the same machine or line, M12/M18/M30 is typically ordered together with: Photoelectric Sensors · Relay & Timer Modules · Laser Switch Sensors

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