An inductive sensor can detect an element affected by the electrostatic field, which means, it identifies the changes in materials due to the electrostatic field.

A capacitive sensor operates remotely.

Before choosing a capacitive sensor, you must consider several factors:

• the sensor range, that is to say, the distance to which it can detect the object,
• the voltage supply,
• the contact type (NO or NC) and the maximum power supply passing through the dry contact,
  Caution, if the contact maximum current is not enough, you must consider using a relay.

• the connector type, either
  • wired
  • or with a M12 or M8 connector

• if the sensor can be embedded or not; that is to say that the sensor can be put inside a support or not,

• the connection type, either
  • a PNP connection switched positive,
  •  or a NPN connection switched negative, and,

• the size and shape, either
  • square,
  • cylindrical M8,  short or long,
  • cylindrical M12, short or long,
  • cylindrical M18, short or long,
  • cylindrical M30, short or long.