Frequently asked questions

What does "capacitive" or "capacitive principle" means?

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A capacitive sensor measures the capacitance between the sensor surface and the sensor area. Coming closer to the sensor for example with the hand increases the capacity and generates an output Signal.

The capacitive principle is based, as the name suggests, on the measurement of a capacity. The capacitive SENSORswitch for example creates a field over the sensor surface, which measures analogous permanently. If now this field changed by the hand and the change is finally big enough, it will be detected by the integrated software which than activates a switching Operation.

As human beings  consist largely of water the human body has a relatively high conductivity. This is why sensors based on the capacitive principle are extremely good SENSORswitches.

What are the possibilities of LED- control? What does the polarity means?

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We distinguish three types of control "Automatic, Semi-Automatic and Manual".

 

AUTOMATIC:

The LED1 turns offd and the LED2 lights up when the operating surface is touched.

 

SEMI-AUTOMATIC:

The LED1 can be controlled separately. The LED1 turns off and the LED2 lights up when the operating surface is touched.

 

MANUAL:

The LED1 can be controlled separately. The LED2 can be controlled separately.

Wich LED colors are available?

Red and green are standard LED colors. Optional we also mount the LED colors blue, yellow and white. More detailed information can be found in our SENSORswitch catalog.

Does there exist a SENSORswitch price list?

No, but we will gladly provide you an individual offer. Please contact us, our sales-team would be pleased to support you.

Does SENSORswitches work with gloves?

Yes, SENSORswitches can even be operated trouble-free while wearing gloves.

How do i get an article sample?

Please contact the CAPTRON customer service under:

How can i get STEP files or data sheets?

Please contact the CAPTRON customer service under:

What connections are there?

Each SENSORswitch series has different connection options. For more information, please refer to our SENSORswitch catalog

What is the component name of a SENSORswitch (ordering code)?

Click here for the ordering code of the SENSORswitches.

This ordering code is used only to decode existing product descriptions. Please make no new ordering designations based on this information!

What is the difference between static and dynamic SENSORswitches?

The dynamic SENSORswitches are capacitive switches which are activated without pressure, using a hand or other parts oft he body. The output signal is limited (i.e. 300 ms). The switches have a determinate sensing distance, which may be altered, however, by varying the approach speed and/ or damping factor, but not by the pre-damping (e.g. chewing gum, rain drops, dirt, etc.) A quickly approaching finger will achieve a higher sensing distance than a slowly approaching finger. A hand, with its larger damping surface, will achieve a greater sensing distance than a finger at the same Speed.

The static SENSORswitches are capacitive switches which are activated without pressure, using a hand or other parts oft he body. The output signal is high as long as the sensor area is being damped or rather the operating surface is touched. The switches have a determinate sensing distance, which is only depending on the damping size. A hand has a greater sensing distance than a finger.

In wich case colors color SENSORswitches are available?

The casing of the sensor probe is based on the respective series. SENSORswitches with a plastic housing are available in the following Colors:

  • sky blue  RAL5015
  • traffic blue  RAL5017
  • traffic green  RAL6024
  • traffic red  RAL3020
  • traffic yellow  RAL1023
  • traffic White  RAL9016
  • light Grey  RAL7035
  • traffic Grey  A RAL7042
  • traffic Grey  B RAL7043
  • traffic black  RAL9017

SENSORswitch series CHT1 can be ordered in the following metallic Colors:

  • stainless steel
  • aluminium nature
  • black aluminium

Further details can be found in our SENSORswitch catalog on page 81:

 

Are the symbols subsequently changeable?

No, the symbols are factory-made and can not be changed later. But symbols can be built to order.

Can I choose a symbol or are they fixed?

Customers can choose from a variety of symbols or order a special designed symbol with low extra charge. For inquiries please contact us at:

  •    Tel: +49 (0) 8142 – 4488 – 160

Wich symbols are standard?

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We offer a large selection of standard symbols, for this please see our SENSORswitch symbol list: Klick here for Download!

Are SENSORswitches accesible to the disabled?

SENSORswitches are very comfortable due to their property of unpressurized shifting and large touch surface of 23 cm² and therfore ideal for older people and people with limited mobility. The handicapped accessible design ensures clear visibility: The striking visual feedback, the icon text in Braille and tactile relief arrows. Other options are possible, such as tactile and audible feedback with vibration and beep.

Are SENSORswitches hygienically designed?

Yes, the special stainless steel and glass versions, the SENSORswitches, such asCHT1-1#8, CHT1-T#8, CHT1-1#X and CHT9-G meet the hygiene requirements.

Are SENSORwitches TSI-PRM certified?

Yes, the complete series of the SENSORswitch is certified according to TSI PRM norm.

Are SENSORswitches vandal-proof?

Yes! SENSORswitches are particularly robust, shock-resistant and therefore vandal-proof according to protection class IK08. SENSORswitches can not be destroyed or put out of operation by lighter flames, blows on the touch surface or Graffiti.

Is it nessecary to have a hole in the glass pane for mounting the SENSORswitch?

No! For mounting there is no hole in the pane required. Thanks to the capacitive principle, it is possible to activate the switch through non-conductive media such as single and double glass plus plastics without problems. Using a special high-performance adhesive sheet the switch can be attached quickly and easily to the pane.

 

How long is the delivery time for SENSORswitches?

Usually we deliver SENSORswitches from our standard range within Germany in 1-2 weeks. Deliveries abroad usually requires 2-3 weeks. In case of special designs, please contact your sales representative.

Is it possible to use SENSORswitches in rain?

Yes, dynamic SENSORswitches can be used in rain. SENSORswitches are capacitive switches that are depressurized by contact with the hand or other body parts. The switching signal is limited in time. The switches have a switching distance, which is varied by the approach speed and / or the size of the damping, but not by the predamping by for example Chewing gum, rain drops, dirt, etc.

Are weather conditions such as UV light, dirt or ice affecting the functionality?

Thanks to the waterproof encapsulated electronics and weather-resistant housing material SENSORswitches are very robust and reliable.

How do SENSORswitches work?

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SENSORswitches are capacitive switches, which are activated without pressure, using a hand or other parts of the body. The switches have a determinate sensing distance, which may be altered, however, by varying the approach speed and/or damping factor. A quickly approaching finger will achieve a higher sensing distance than a slowly approaching finger. A hand, with ist larger damping surface, will achieve a greater sensing distance than a finger at the same speed.


The sensitivity of the SENSORswitch is determined by the electronic and can not be changed serially. All sensors are verified for the same sensitivity value determined by years of experience.

What is the lifetime of SENSORswitches?

 

SENSORswitches are fully electronic and so there is no mechanical wear. Due to this SENSORswitches achieve a service life of more than 100 million cycles.

What feedback options are possible (vibration / beep)?

SENSORswitches can be optionally equipped with both tactile and audible feedback with vibration and "beep". Depending on the series, the options differ. More detailed information can be found in our SENSORswitch catalog on page 81.