Capacitive sensor is a great non-invasive solution for leak detection.  Besides the reliability of the technology, it is a cost effective alternative to higher cost leak sensors using optical or ultrasonic sensing methods.  The ideal setup would require the use of a containment pan (non-metal), which physically collects the leaking fluid.  The 3 most common locations to apply the leak sensor are below.

  1.  Side Mount – placing capacitive sensor to the side of the pan.  This method will take 3mm of fluid to activate the sensor.
  2.  Under Mount – placing capacitive sensor under the pan.  This method is most sensitive and will only take 2mm of fluid to activate.
  3.  Drain Tube – attach a pipe mount capacitive sensor to a drain tube.  This will minimize the size of the containment pan.

 

Setup Procedure

  1.  Design a containment pan that is large enough to contain the leak or use a drain tube.
  2.  Make sure the wall thickness is less than 8mm, side & bottom wall.
  3.  Create a gradual slope on the pan where the leak sensor is mounted.

Recommended part number:       CF07-NF-08-NC   (ex. 1 & 2)                         CP08-NF-12-NO  (ex. 3)