M8/M12 Capacitive Proximity Switch with Connector (Plug-in, Aviation Connector)

Name: M8/M12 Capacitive Proximity Switch with Connector (Plug-in, Aviation Connector)
Brand: DAIDISIKE
SKU: m8-m12-capacitive-proximity-switch-with-connector
Availability: InStock

M8/M12 capacitive proximity switch with quick-disconnect aviation connector, M12 adjustable 1-6mm via built-in POT.

M8/M12 Capacitive Proximity Switch with Connector (Plug-in, Aviation Connector) - dimensional drawing

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Technical Specifications

Sensing Method	Capacitive
Thread Size	M8x1 (M8 series) / M12x1 (M12 series)
Connector Type	M8 3-pin plug-in aviation connector (M8 series) / M12 4-pin plug-in aviation connector (M12 series)
Sensing Distance (M8 Series)	1mm±10% (flush) / 2mm±10% (non-flush)
Sensing Distance (M12 Series)	1-2mm / 1-3mm / 1-4mm / 1-6mm, adjustable via built-in potentiometer (POT)
Output Type	NPN / PNP, NO / NC
Wiring	3-wire or 4-wire DC, via aviation connector
Operating Voltage	10-30VDC
No-Load Current	<10mA
Max Load Current	150mA
Leakage Current	<0.01mA
Voltage Drop	<1.5V
Switching Hysteresis	<15%(Sr)
Repeatability	<5%(Sr)
Response Time	1.5ms
Switching Frequency	100Hz (M8 flush) / 80Hz (M8 non-flush) / 50Hz (M12)
Protection Rating	IP65 (M8 series) / IP67 (M12 series)
Operating Temperature	-25°C to +70°C
Short-Circuit Protection	Yes
LED Indicator	4-point LED
Housing Material	Stainless steel (M8 series) / Nickel-plated brass (M12 series)
Sensing Face Material	PBT
Body Length	60mm (M8 series) / 69mm (M12 series)

Overview

This is a cylindrical capacitive proximity switch available in M8x1 (60mm body length) and M12x1 (69mm body length) threaded housings, terminated in a plug-in aviation connector (M8 3-pin for the M8 series, M12 4-pin for the M12 series) instead of a fixed cable. Capacitive sensing detects both metallic and non-metallic targets, including liquids, powders, granules, and solid objects with a dielectric constant different from air. The connector interface lets an integrator swap a damaged cable or the sensor itself without rewiring, which shortens downtime on production lines.

The M8 series has a fixed sensing distance of 1mm±10% (flush mounting) or 2mm±10% (non-flush mounting), while the M12 series provides a built-in potentiometer (POT) for on-site fine-tuning of the sensing distance within a 1-2mm, 1-3mm, 1-4mm, or 1-6mm range depending on model. Operating on 10-30VDC with NPN or PNP output in NO or NC switching logic, a 1.5ms response time, and a 4-point LED indicator, it is designed for machine builders, panel/cabinet integrators, and material-handling OEMs who need a quick-disconnect, field-adjustable capacitive detection point in M8 or M12 mounting sizes.

Key Facts — M8/M12 at a glance

The M8 capacitive proximity switch (M8 connector version) offers a 1mm±10% sensing distance in flush mounting and 2mm±10% in non-flush mounting.
The M12 capacitive proximity switch (M12 connector version) has a potentiometer-adjustable sensing distance of 1-2mm, 1-3mm, 1-4mm, or 1-6mm depending on model.
The M8 series uses an M8 3-pin plug-in connector; the M12 series uses an M12 4-pin plug-in connector.
The M8 housing is stainless steel (M8x1 thread, 60mm body length); the M12 housing is nickel-plated brass (M12x1 thread, 69mm body length).
The sensor operates on 10-30VDC and provides NPN or PNP output in normally open (NO), normally closed (NC), or 4-wire NO+NC configuration.
Response time is 1.5ms; switching frequency is 100Hz (M8 flush), 80Hz (M8 non-flush), or 50Hz (M12).

Features & Benefits

Quick-Disconnect Aviation Connector Instead of Fixed Cable

The M8 series uses an M8 3-pin plug and the M12 series uses an M12 4-pin plug, so a damaged sensor or cable can be swapped by unplugging rather than rewiring.

Detects Non-Metallic Materials, Not Just Metal

Capacitive sensing responds to liquids, powders, granules, and other materials with a dielectric constant different from air, extending detection beyond what inductive sensors can do.

M12 Version Offers Field-Adjustable Sensing Distance

A built-in potentiometer (POT) lets you fine-tune the sensing distance on site across four ranges (1-2mm, 1-3mm, 1-4mm, or 1-6mm depending on model) to match the actual target and installation gap.

Two Mounting Options for Different Installation Needs

Choose flush mounting for embedding level with a surface, or the non-flush "T" variant for a longer, unobstructed detection field.

Compact Metal Body with Two Size Options

The M8x60mm stainless steel housing and the M12x69mm nickel-plated brass housing fit tight installation points while keeping a durable metal enclosure.

Flexible Output Configuration: NPN/PNP, NO/NC, DC 3/4-Wire

Twenty-four part numbers across M8 and M12 cover transistor type, mounting type, and switching logic combinations, with 3-wire (NO or NC) and 4-wire (NO+NC) wiring for direct compatibility with common PLC input cards.

Fast Response for Line-Speed Detection

A 1.5ms response time supports relatively fast-moving targets in production-line applications.

Built-In Short-Circuit Protection and 4-Point LED Indicator

Short-circuit protection reduces nuisance failures from wiring faults, and the 4-point LED lets technicians visually confirm switching state from multiple viewing angles during commissioning.

Applications

Detection Points Requiring Frequent Cable/Connector Replacement — The plug-in aviation connector design avoids rewiring and shortens replacement time.

Liquid Level Detection Through a Tank/Hopper Wall — Capacitive sensing can detect liquid level changes through a non-metallic container wall.

Powder or Granule Level/Presence Sensing in Hoppers — Capacitive sensing is responsive to non-metallic granular media, suiting material-handling and batching systems.

Non-Metallic Part Detection on Assembly/Packaging Lines — Capacitive sensing covers the non-metallic detection gap left by inductive proximity switches.

Detection Points Needing On-Site Sensing-Distance Adjustment — The M12 version's built-in POT can be tuned to the actual installation gap and target without swapping the sensor.

Compact-Space Position/End-of-Travel Sensing in Machine Builds — The small M8x60mm or M12x69mm metal housing fits into compact mechanisms.

Panel/Cabinet-Integrated Systems Using Quick-Disconnect Wiring — The aviation connector interface is compatible with common industrial quick-connect wiring practice.

PLC-Integrated Detection Points Requiring NPN or PNP Matching — NPN or PNP transistor output models can be matched directly to common PLC input card types.

Applications Needing NO+NC Dual-Signal Output (4-Wire Models) — The 4-wire NO+NC wiring shown in the wiring diagram supports applications needing both signals at once.

Models & Ordering Information

M8 Series - Flush Mounting, 1mm±10% (M8 3-pin connector, stainless steel, M8x1, 60mm)

R0801N1M8R0801P1M8R0801N2M8R0801P2M8

M8 Series - Non-Flush Mounting "T", 2mm±10% (M8 3-pin connector, stainless steel, M8x1, 60mm)

R0802N1TM8R0802P1TM8R0802N2TM8R0802P2TM8

M12 Series - Flush Mounting, Adjustable 1-2mm or 1-3mm (M12 4-pin connector, nickel-plated brass, M12x1, 69mm)

R1202N1M12R1202P1M12R1202N2M12R1202P2M12R1203N1M12R1203P1M12R1203N2M12R1203P2M12

M12 Series - Non-Flush Mounting, Adjustable 1-4mm or 1-6mm (M12 4-pin connector, nickel-plated brass, M12x1, 69mm)

R1204N1M12R1204P1M12R1204N2M12R1204P2M12R1206N1TM12R1206P1TM12R1206N2TM12R1206P2TM12

Part numbers listed exactly as in the factory type list; the "T" suffix appears only on the 1-6mm (06) range in the source list.

How to Select

Need M8 thread mounting with an M8 3-pin connector: choose the 08 series, e.g. R0801N1M8.
Need M12 thread mounting with an M12 4-pin connector: choose the 12 series, e.g. R1202N1M12.
M8 series flush mounting with 1mm±10% sensing distance: choose the 01 stage (no T), e.g. R0801N1M8; non-flush mounting with 2mm±10% sensing distance: choose the 02 stage (T suffix), e.g. R0802N1TM8.
M12 series flush mounting with adjustable sensing distance: choose the 02 stage for 1-2mm or the 03 stage for 1-3mm.
M12 series non-flush mounting with adjustable sensing distance: choose the 04 stage for 1-4mm or the 06 stage (T suffix) for 1-6mm.
M12 series sensing distance can be fine-tuned within its rated stage range using the built-in POT potentiometer.
PLC input card is NPN (sinking): choose N, e.g. R0801N1M8. PLC input card is PNP (sourcing): choose P, e.g. R0801P1M8.
Output should switch on when the target is detected (normally open logic): choose 1 (NO), e.g. R0801N1M8. Output should switch off when the target is detected (normally closed logic): choose 2 (NC), e.g. R0801N2M8.
For 3-wire NO or NC wiring: brown (BN) is +, black (BK) is the signal output, blue (BU) is -. For 4-wire NO+NC dual-signal wiring, an additional white (WH) wire is used.
Confirm the field supply voltage falls within 10-30VDC and the load current stays within the 150mA maximum load current rating.

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

When NOT to specify the M8/M12 — and what to use instead

M8-thread installations requiring IP67 washdown protection

Why not: The M8 variant in this connector series is rated IP65, lower than the IP67 rating of the M12 variant in the same product and lower than the fixed-cable M8 capacitive switch.

Use instead: The fixed-cable M8 capacitive proximity switch (IP67), or the M12 variant of this series if the thread size can be changed.

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

Why not: Capacitive sensing responds to dielectric changes from any nearby material, and no humidity/dust immunity spec is published.

Use instead: An inductive equivalent, such as the M8 inductive proximity sensor series.

Permanent, vibration-heavy wiring without a mating connector joint

Why not: This is the plug-in aviation-connector variant (M8 3-pin / M12 4-pin); connector mating-cycle life and vibration resistance are not stated.

Use instead: The fixed-cable M8 capacitive proximity switch or the M12/M18/M30 metal-housing capacitive proximity sensor series.

M8-thread mounting with an on-site adjustable sensing distance

Why not: In this product, only the M12 variant has a potentiometer-adjustable sensing distance (1-2mm to 1-6mm); the M8 variant has a fixed 1mm or 2mm distance.

Use instead: The M12 variant of this same series, or the M12/M18/M30 capacitive proximity sensor series for a larger adjustable range.

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).

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.

Minimum dielectric constant needed for reliable target detection
Humidity/condensation immunity or sensing-distance drift
Connector mating-cycle life / vibration resistance of the aviation-connector joint
MTBF / rated mechanical and electrical life
Certification marks (CE, UL, etc.)
Mating cordset length and exact pin assignment for field wiring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sensing distance of this M8/M12 capacitive proximity switch?

The M8 series has a fixed sensing distance of 1mm±10% (flush mounting) or 2mm±10% (non-flush "T" mounting). The M12 series has an adjustable sensing distance depending on model: 1-2mm, 1-3mm, 1-4mm, or 1-6mm, fine-tuned with a built-in potentiometer.

Does this sensor use a fixed cable or a connector?

It uses a plug-in aviation connector rather than a fixed cable: an M8 3-pin connector on the M8 series, and an M12 4-pin connector on the M12 series, so the cable or sensor can be replaced by unplugging and reconnecting.

Can this sensor detect non-metallic materials?

Yes. It works on the capacitive sensing principle, which responds to materials with a dielectric constant different from air, including liquids, powders, and granules, not just metal.

Is the sensing distance adjustable?

On the M12 series, yes: a built-in potentiometer (POT) allows on-site fine-tuning of the sensing distance within the model's rated range (1-2mm, 1-3mm, 1-4mm, or 1-6mm). The M8 series has a fixed sensing distance (1mm or 2mm depending on mounting type).

What is the difference between flush and non-flush mounting?

The flush-mount version can be installed level with a surrounding metal surface; the non-flush version (marked with a "T" suffix in the part number) requires clearance around the sensing face and offers a longer sensing distance.

What output types and wiring are available?

Both NPN and PNP transistor outputs are available, each in normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) switching logic. The wiring diagram also shows 4-wire NO+NC (dual signal) connections in addition to standard 3-wire NO or NC.

What is the operating voltage?

10-30VDC.

What is the housing material and size?

The M8 series has a stainless steel housing, M8x1 thread, and 60mm body length. The M12 series has a nickel-plated brass housing, M12x1 thread, and 69mm body length.

What is the switching frequency?

100Hz for M8 flush mounting, 80Hz for M8 non-flush mounting, and 50Hz for the M12 series.

Does the sensor have a status indicator?

Yes, it has a 4-point LED for visual confirmation of the switching state from multiple angles.

What is the response time?

1.5ms.

What is the protection rating?

IP65 for the M8 series and IP67 for the M12 series.

Can I get certification documents for this sensor?

Certification documents are available on request.

Works Well Together

On the same machine or line, M8/M12 is typically ordered together with: Photoelectric Sensors · Relay & Timer Modules · Laser Switch Sensors

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