It is critical to identify the physical size of the target and dielectric value of the material to determine the sensing range required. Capacitive sensors are used to detect solid objects or liquid/granulate objects. The size of the target and dielectric value are the most critical features to identify. If the sensor is detecting liquid or granulates, the dielectric value of both the target material and container material are important. The adjustable sensing distance of capacitive sensors typically ranges from 0.5mm to 40mm. Several reduction factors apply to capacitive sensing ranges, such as the size of the target, dielectric value of the target material, and mounting and grounding of metal targets. Capacitive sensors offer slower switching speeds compared to many photoelectric or inductive proximity sensors. However, capacitive applications typically do not require fast responses. As a rule of thumb, the typical sensing speed for a relay output type (1Hz or 1 time per second) or AC SCR output type (10Hz or 10 times per second) are slower than DC types, which can switch up to 50Hz (50 times per second). Please reference the Dielectric Value Chart above for identification assistance.