M18/M30 Capacitive Proximity Sensors with M12 Connector (Plug-in Type)

Nickel-plated M18/M30 capacitive proximity sensors with a detachable M12, 4-pin connector for field-replaceable cables.

Technical Specifications

Sensing principleCapacitive
Thread sizeM18 / M30
Connector typeM12 plug-in aviation connector, 4-pin
Output typeNPN / PNP, NO / NC
Mounting styleFlush; "T" suffix = non-flush
Adjustable sensing distance, M18 flush R18052-5mm
Adjustable sensing distance, M18 flush R18082-8mm
Adjustable sensing distance, M18 non-flush R1808T2-8mm
Adjustable sensing distance, M18 non-flush R1815T2-15mm
Adjustable sensing distance, M30 flush R30102-10mm
Adjustable sensing distance, M30 flush R30202-20mm
Adjustable sensing distance, M30 non-flush R3015T2-15mm
Adjustable sensing distance, M30 non-flush R3030T2-30mm
Operating voltage10-30VDC
Wiring3-wire DC, BN(+)/BK(signal)/BU(-)
Response time1.5ms
Overload current protection240mA
Protection featuresShort-circuit protection, overload protection
Housing materialNickel-plated metal
Ingress protectionIP67
Operating temperature-25°C to +70°C
IndicatorBuilt-in LED status indicator
Overall length, M1880mm (M18*80*M12)
Overall length, M3093mm (M30*93*M12)

Overview

This is a plug-in (插件式) variant of the M18 and M30 capacitive proximity sensor family: the same M18/M30 threaded sensing head as the cable-type series, but terminated in a detachable M12, 4-pin aviation-style connector instead of a fixed cable. Capacitive sensing works on dielectric-constant change rather than metal-only induction, so these sensors respond to non-metallic materials (plastics, wood, liquids, powders, granules) in addition to metal.

The M12 connector interface is intended for machine builders and system integrators who need field-replaceable cables or sensors -- for example after cable damage in a moving assembly, or for standardized wiring harnesses across a machine -- avoiding the need to re-terminate wiring at the sensor end. Each size (M18/M30) is offered in flush and non-flush ("T" suffix) mounting, NPN/PNP output, and NO/NC logic, across 16 models.

Features & Benefits

Detachable M12, 4-pin connector for fast cable/sensor replacement

The sensor terminates in an M12 plug rather than a fixed cable, so a damaged cable or a failed sensor can be swapped in the field without cutting and re-terminating wires.

Detects non-metallic and liquid targets via capacitive sensing

As with the rest of the capacitive family, the sensor responds to any material with a dielectric constant different from air, covering liquids, powders, plastics, and wood in addition to metal.

Factory-defined, field-adjustable sensing distance on every model

Each model has a stated adjustable range: M18 flush 2-5mm (R1805) / 2-8mm (R1808); M18 non-flush 2-8mm (R1808T) / 2-15mm (R1815T); M30 flush 2-10mm (R3010) / 2-20mm (R3020); M30 non-flush 2-15mm (R3015T) / 2-30mm (R3030T).

Flush and non-flush mounting for different installation constraints

Flush models install level with surrounding metal without derating; non-flush ("T" suffix) models offer a longer adjustable range but require clearance around the sensing face.

NPN/PNP and NO/NC combinations on standard DC wiring

Every model is available as NPN or PNP, normally-open or normally-closed, matching common PLC input card requirements, with BN/BK/BU 3-wire DC connections.

Nickel-plated metal housing rated IP67

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

Fast 1.5ms response with LED status indication

Both M18 and M30 sizes share a 1.5ms response time and a built-in LED indicator for at-a-glance status checking during installation and maintenance.

Built-in short-circuit and overload protection

The sensor electronics include short-circuit protection and a stated overload current protection point of 240mA.

Wide operating temperature range for factory floor conditions

Rated for -25°C to +70°C, per the manufacturer's selection table.

Applications

Machines requiring field-replaceable sensor cablesThe M12 plug-in interface lets a damaged cable or failed sensor be swapped without re-terminating wiring at the sensor end.
Standardized wiring harnesses across an OEM machine platformMachine builders can pre-fabricate M12 cable harnesses and connect sensors on final assembly, simplifying wiring across multiple machine variants.
Liquid level detection through a non-metallic tank or pipe wallCapacitive sensing responds to the dielectric change caused by liquid, which inductive sensors cannot detect.
Powder or granule fill-level detection in hoppersThe same dielectric-based principle applies to bulk solids as well as liquids.
Presence/absence detection of plastic, wood, or glass parts on a lineNon-metallic parts trigger a capacitive sensor even though they cannot be sensed by an inductive proximity switch.
Flush-mount sensors embedded in metal machine framesFlush models (R1805/R1808/R3010/R3020) are rated to sit level with surrounding metal without false triggering.
Applications needing a longer, adjustable non-flush sensing rangeNon-flush T-suffix models (R1808T/R1815T/R3015T/R3030T) provide a longer adjustable range than their flush counterparts of the same thread size.
PLC-based automation lines needing selectable NPN/PNP output logicBoth output types are available across the full M18/M30 range on standard DC wiring.
Vibration/movement zones where cable strain relief and replaceability matterThe M12 connector avoids stress on a fixed cable-to-sensor joint and allows a cable-only replacement if it is damaged.

Models & Ordering Information

M18 Flush, R1805 (2-5mm adjustable)

R1805N1M12R1805P1M12R1805N2M12R1805P2M12

M18 Flush, R1808 (2-8mm adjustable)

R1808N1M12R1808P1M12R1808N2M12R1808P2M12

M18 Non-flush, R1808T (2-8mm adjustable)

R1808N1TM12R1808P1TM12R1808N2TM12R1808P2TM12

M18 Non-flush, R1815T (2-15mm adjustable)

R1815N1TM12R1815P1TM12R1815N2TM12R1815P2TM12

M30 Flush, R3010 (2-10mm adjustable)

R3010N1M12R3010P1M12R3010N2M12R3010P2M12

M30 Flush, R3020 (2-20mm adjustable)

R3020N1M12R3020P1M12R3020N2M12R3020P2M12

M30 Non-flush, R3015T (2-15mm adjustable)

R3015N1TM12R3015P1TM12R3015N2TM12R3015P2TM12

M30 Non-flush, R3030T (2-30mm adjustable)

R3030N1TM12R3030P1TM12R3030N2TM12R3030P2TM12
Naming rule: R + size (18/30) + range code + N/P (NPN/PNP) + 1/2 (NO/NC) + [T = non-flush] + M12 (connector spec).

How to Select

  1. Step 1 -- Choose thread size by installation dimension: M18 thread uses the R18xx series (80mm overall length); M30 thread uses the R30xx series (93mm overall length).
  2. Step 2 -- Choose mounting style: flush (no "T" suffix) mounts level with surrounding metal with a shorter adjustable sensing range; non-flush ("T" suffix) needs clearance around the sensing face but offers a longer adjustable sensing range.
  3. Step 3 -- Choose the sensing distance tier: M18 flush R1805 (2-5mm) or R1808 (2-8mm); M18 non-flush R1808T (2-8mm) or R1815T (2-15mm); M30 flush R3010 (2-10mm) or R3020 (2-20mm); M30 non-flush R3015T (2-15mm) or R3030T (2-30mm).
  4. Step 4 -- Choose output type: N = NPN, P = PNP, to match your PLC input card's sinking or sourcing requirement; 1 = NO (normally open), 2 = NC (normally closed), based on desired fail-safe behavior.
  5. Step 5 -- Confirm connector and power: M12 plug, 4-pin, 10-30VDC operating voltage, 3-wire BN(+)/BK(signal)/BU(-) connections.

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

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

Permanent, vibration-heavy installations where a mating connector joint is a risk

Why not: This is the plug-in M12, 4-pin connector variant rather than a fixed cable; connector mating-cycle life and vibration resistance of the connector joint are not stated in the datasheet.

Use instead: The fixed-cable M12/M18/M30 metal-housing capacitive proximity sensor series for permanently wired installations.

Detecting metal only, where sensitivity to nearby dust, humidity, or condensation is undesirable

Why not: Capacitive sensing responds to any dielectric-different material near the sensing face, and no humidity/dust immunity spec is published for this series.

Use instead: The M18/M30 inductive proximity sensor series, which responds only to metal.

Applications needing a fixed, non-adjustable trip point for repeatable gauging

Why not: Every model has a factory-defined adjustable sensing range (from 2-5mm up to 2-30mm depending on model), and the exact as-shipped default point is not stated.

Use instead: Confirm the factory default sensing-distance setting with the factory before relying on it as a fixed gauge point.

Safety-related guarding or interlocks

Why not: No safety rating is claimed for this product.

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

AC-powered circuits, or installations needing M8-thread mounting

Why not: Operating voltage is specified as 10-30VDC only with no AC option, and this series covers M18/M30 thread sizes only.

Use instead: The M12/M18/M30 2-wire AC inductive proximity sensor series for AC circuits with metal targets, or the M8/M12 capacitive proximity switch with connector series for M8-thread mounting.

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.

  • Non-conductive dielectric constant threshold for reliable detection
  • Humidity/condensation immunity or sensing-distance drift
  • Connector mating-cycle life / vibration resistance of the M12 plug joint
  • Function of the 4th pin on the M12, 4-pin connector - wiring description covers only BN/BK/BU
  • IP rating of the mated connector itself, versus the IP67 housing rating
  • MTBF / certification marks (CE, UL, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between this M12-connector series and the cable-type capacitive proximity sensor series?
They share the same M18/M30 capacitive sensing head and the same adjustable sensing distance, output, and mounting options. The difference is the termination: this series ends in a detachable M12, 4-pin connector instead of a fixed cable, allowing the cable or the sensor to be replaced independently in the field.
What is the adjustable sensing distance for each model?
M18 flush: R1805 is 2-5mm adjustable, R1808 is 2-8mm adjustable. M18 non-flush: R1808T is 2-8mm adjustable, R1815T is 2-15mm adjustable. M30 flush: R3010 is 2-10mm adjustable, R3020 is 2-20mm adjustable. M30 non-flush: R3015T is 2-15mm adjustable, R3030T is 2-30mm adjustable, per the manufacturer's selection table.
Can this sensor detect non-metallic materials?
Yes. Capacitive proximity sensors respond to any material with a dielectric constant different from air, which includes liquids, powders, plastics, wood, and glass in addition to metal -- this is the same working principle across the manufacturer's capacitive proximity sensor range.
What is the difference between flush and non-flush ("T" suffix) mounting?
Flush-mount models (no "T" suffix, e.g. R1805, R3010) can be installed level with surrounding metal without loss of performance. Non-flush models (marked with a "T" suffix, e.g. R1808T, R3015T) need clearance around the sensing face but offer a longer adjustable sensing distance for the same thread size.
What connector does this series use?
An M12, 4-pin plug-in connector, per the manufacturer's selection table -- distinct from the fixed-cable version of the same M18/M30 capacitive sensor family.
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 M18/M30 range with NO or NC logic.
What is the housing material and ingress protection rating?
The housing is nickel-plated metal, sealed and rated IP67 for protection against water and dust ingress, per the manufacturer's selection table.
What is the response time and overload protection?
1.5ms response time across both M18 and M30 sizes, with a stated overload current protection point of 240mA and built-in short-circuit protection, per the manufacturer's selection table.
What is the overall sensor length?
M18 models are 80mm overall length (M18*80*M12); M30 models are 93mm overall length (M30*93*M12), per the manufacturer's selection table.
Are certification documents available for this sensor?
Certification documents are available on request.

Works Well Together

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

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