Capacitive proximity switches for object detection
Capacitive sensors
Non-contact object detection Detects solids, liquids & bulk Switching / analog / IO-Link
Balluff capacitive proximity switches (capacitive proximity sensors) are available in many configurations with a wide choice of plug and cable options, including particularly economical variants.
They reliably detect objects over long distances and are suited for non-contact detection of solid bodies made of glass, wood, metal, plastic, composite materials, as well as liquids and bulk materials—even through plastic walls and other non-metallic packaging.
Need help selecting the right BCS series?
Compare range, housing material, and connection type at a glance below.
What special features are available for Balluff capacitive proximity switches?
Balluff capacitive sensors are designed for versatile object and media detection, offering robust housings, compact formats, and modern connectivity.
Special features (portfolio highlights)
- Capacitive proximity switches in plastic and stainless steel versions
- For detecting media with a low dielectric constant over long distances
- Compact designs from Ø 6.5 mm and flat (disk) designs with switching distances up to 25 mm
- Flush mountable and adjustable via potentiometer or cable
- IO-Link available
Outputs & integration options
- Available with switching output for reliable ON/OFF detection
- Available with analog output for continuous signal evaluation
- Available with IO-Link interface for smart diagnostics and parameterization
- Wide selection of plug and cable options for fast installation
- Suitable for detection through non-metallic walls (e.g., plastic packaging)
Short definition: A capacitive proximity sensor detects objects by measuring changes in an electrical field—making it ideal for sensing many non-metal materials as well as liquids and bulk media.
Which series are available (and how do I compare them)?
Use this overview of common Balluff capacitive proximity switch series to compare connection type, housing material, maximum range, and typical cable lengths.
Technical features
Housing / design
Disk (flat) Cylindrical Square Cubic
Connection
Connector Cable Cable with connector
Housing material
Stainless steel Plastic (PBT/POM/PP) PTFE
Selection tip: For stable detection, set the switching distance with the adjustment option (potentiometer/cable/teach) after installation—especially when detecting bulk materials or liquids through container walls.
| Series |
Connection type |
Housing material primary |
Range max. |
Cable length (L) |
| Easy-to-install disk version with and without threaded hole (S-BCS D)
Flat form factor for space-limited installations
|
Cable, Cable with connector, Connector |
1.4301 stainless steel, POM |
25 mm |
2 m, 3 m |
| Cylindrical compact version without thread (S-BCS G)
Compact cylindrical designs for flexible mounting
|
Cable, Cable with connector, Connector |
1.4404 stainless steel, 1.4301 stainless steel, POM |
15 mm |
2 m, 3 m |
| Cylindrical version with M12 thread (S-BCS M12 O)
Threaded housing for quick mechanical integration
|
Cable, Cable with connector, Connector |
1.4404 stainless steel, 1.4301 stainless steel, PTFE, PBT, 1.4305 stainless steel |
5 mm |
0.3 m, 0.35 m, 2 m |
| Cylindrical version with M18 thread (S-BCS M18 O)
Standard industrial thread size (M18)
|
Cable, Connector |
PBT, 1.4305 stainless steel |
8 mm |
2 m |
| Cylindrical version with M30 thread (S-BCS M30 O)
Larger housing for longer switching distances
|
Cable, Connector |
1.4301 stainless steel, PBT, 1.4305 stainless steel |
20 mm |
2 m |
| Cylindrical compact version with M5 or M8 thread (S-BCS M)
Miniature threads for tight installation spaces
|
Cable, Cable with connector, Connector |
1.4404 stainless steel, 1.4301 stainless steel |
4 mm |
2 m |
| Square version made of plastic (S-BCS Q)
Plastic square housings for practical mounting
|
Cable, Cable with connector |
PBT |
20 mm |
0.3 m, 2 m, 3 m |
| Cubic version with teachable switching distance (S-BCS R)
Teachable setting for adaptable detection tasks
|
Cable, Cable with connector |
PP |
12 mm |
0.3 m, 2 m, 5 m |
Selection guidance: identify your target material (solid/liquid/bulk), required distance, and mounting constraints, then choose the housing series and connection style. Prefer adjustable/teachable variants when product or container materials vary.
Where are capacitive proximity switches used?
Capacitive proximity switches are widely used for non-contact detection of non-metallic objects and media, including sensing through non-metal packaging.
Typical applications
- Presence detection of plastic, wood, glass, paper, and composite parts
- Detecting liquids through container walls (e.g., plastic or glass)
- Monitoring bulk materials (granules, powders) at feed points and chutes
- Packaging lines: verifying product presence inside non-metallic packaging
Why teams choose capacitive sensors here
- Material flexibility beyond metals (great for mixed-material processes)
- Long sensing distances for capacitive principle in suitable setups
- Adjustability to compensate for material or container variation
- IO-Link options for parameterization, diagnostics, and easier changeovers
Practical tip: When detecting liquids or bulk through walls, keep mounting stable and set sensitivity after installation to minimize false triggers from environmental changes (humidity, build-up, etc.).
FAQ: Capacitive proximity switches for object detection
Quick answers that help maintenance and engineering teams choose the right capacitive sensor configuration.
Capacitive proximity switches can detect many materials, including glass, wood, metal, plastic, composite materials, as well as liquids and bulk materials. They can also detect media through non-metallic packaging.
Many variants are adjustable (e.g., via potentiometer or cable), and some designs offer a teachable switching distance. Adjust after installation to match your target material and mounting environment.
Yes. The portfolio includes versions with IO-Link, and depending on the model you can also select switching or analog output options for your application needs.
Balluff capacitive proximity switches are offered in plastic and stainless steel versions, with series-dependent options covering different industrial environments and installation constraints.
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