Langir Capacitive Switch

Langir capacitive switch is touch-controlled electrical switches, this is latest technology trends for push button switch family.

There are no mechanical components in Langir capacitive switch, it is capacitive sensor inside increasing the life expectancy to 50 million cycles.

The advantages of Langir capacitive switch includes:

1. Metal finishing shape (stainless steel 316L, aluminum) is easy to clean.
2. A wide range of led option makes the modern look elegant
3. The complete sealed shape makes the switch waterproof to be IP68. If the intrusion of dirt, dust or moisture is your concern, Langir capacitive is probably the best option for an electrical switch.
4. Robust momentary and latching push button switch

When you order your custom capacitive switch from Langir, we will provide perfect solution with your idea or drawing.

LANGIR’s capacitive switches are specially applied for industrial and medical requirement.   Repeated on and off will not cause operator tired and fretful. Especially the special population will push on and off quite conveniently.

Langir capacitive switch has passed through CE, ROHS, REACH, IP68, IP69K certification.

Langir has not only the capacitive switch, but also the anti vandal switch, piezo switch, capacitive switch, DC circuit breaker, EMC cable gland.

We believe that we are ready to assist and we will be your next partner for capacitive switch. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a quick quote.

Capacitive Switch – The Complete FAQ Guide

In this guide, you will be introduced to the capacitive switch and learn about its many substantial pieces of information that you need to know.

You will also learn its origin, its working principles, and its long list of applications in different kinds of industries.

You will find out about its different types, designs, and colors which can suit any of your switch application needs.

Most of all, you will also learn about its distinctive features and its many advantages just proving to you why you should choose the capacitive switch.

So, if you want to have a switch that is modern, robust, and fashionable, continue reading this topic to know why the capacitive switch is what you’re looking for.

1. What is a capacitive switch?

Capacitive switch

A capacitive switch also known as touch sensitive switch is a touch sensor type of electrical switch that operates by detecting changes in its capacitance field.

This is also known as touch sensor technology which is also used in many different types of devices and equipment.

Other technologies are incorporated in the capacitive switch which we will discuss later on.

Similar to other electrical switches, the capacitive switch also has varieties of sizes, colors, and designs.

And you can also choose between illuminated and non-illuminated capacitive switches.

 2. What is the early form of the capacitive switch?

The development of the capacitive switch can be attributed to the development of touch screen technology.

Back in 1968, Eric A. Johnson of the Royal Radar Establishment in Malvern, UK, published a complete detailed report of the touch screen technology for air traffic control.

There were prior articles that describe his work on capacitive touchscreens which were published in 1965 and 1967.

Then in the early 1970s, CERN engineers Frank Beck and Bent Stumpe, developed the transparent touchscreen technology while working at the television factory.

Then this technology was put into use by CERN and other industry partners in 1973.

Fast forward to 1990, Sears and company provided an academic research report which describes adjusting sliders, rotating knobs and swiping the screen to activate a switch.

And in 2013, there are about 90% projected capacitance technology developed which the capacitive switch is part of.

Capacitive switches eventually replaced the mechanical types of switches in many industries because it has been proven and tested to be stronger and longer lasting.

It has a more preferable function as well that people would choose a touch button instead of push button types.

The first touch screen

3. What is the capacitive switch working principle?

The capacitive switch has one electrode that is positioned behind a non-conductive panel.

This non-conductive panel is usually made from stainless steel, aluminum, or anodized material.

The switch will repeatedly charge and discharge its metal surface to detect any changes in capacitance.

A human body carries a small electrical charge that when you touch the capacitive switch, you create an effect on the capacitance.

Your touch causes the change in the existing electrical charge that is contained within the small wiring inside the capacitive switch.

It determines this change in electricity flow and causes it to trigger the corresponding operation depending on how it was wired or programmed to perform.

Capacitive switch working principle

4. Why a capacitive switch is a true capacitive touch push button?

A capacitive switch is part of a technology that is defined as a true touch switch.

It measures a small electrical charge from your body and transfers it to the switch itself instead of requiring any physical pressure to actuate the switch.

The actuation happens almost instantly the moment you make contact with the switch.

This ability makes it a modern and fashionable option perfect for future themed applications.

5. Does the capacitive switch have different kinds of sensing types?

The capacitive switches have sensing distance determining factors which can be changed by the different speed of approach or damping factor.

For example, a fast approaching finger can attain a higher sensing distance than a slow moving finger.

Or a hand can attain a greater sensing distance with its bigger damping surface when compared to the sensing distance of a finger with the same speed.

Here are the different kinds of sensing types:

• Static sensor – While the sensor is activated, the output signal is continuous.
• Dynamic sensor – When the sensor is activated, the output signal is limited within a set of several milliseconds.
• Toggle – When the sensor is activated, the output signal remains on until the sensor area is activated again.

6. Why buy a capacitive switch?

There are many reasons why you should opt to purchase a capacitive switch instead of other types of switches.

Some of the reasons why you should buy a capacitive switch are the following:

• It lacks mechanical or moving parts which mean that they are wear-proof, robust, and durable
• Due to its durability and reliability, it is suitable for a vast range of outdoor and industrial applications
• With vandal proof and waterproof features
• Auto calibrated for repetitive processes
• Can be mounted into different panel and screen types
• Available in different bushing diameters
• Can be manufactured as integrated led touch sensor switches for commercial use
• Can also be used as short distance proximity sensors
• Very long service life almost unlimited
• Dust and dirt resistant so it is easy to clean
• Easy to locate with LED indicator
• Easy to install and cost effective

With all the benefits you can get from a capacitive switch, that reasonable price is definitely worth it.

You can also get a better deal if you purchase large quantities instead of fewer ones.

Some manufacturers sell in 10s, the 20s, 30s, 40s, up to 100s quantities, and even more.

The capacitive shelf life is also longer compared to standard switches since it is completely sealed making it impossible for any external elements to infiltrate and cause damage to its internal parts.

Public ticket dispenser

7. What are the variations of the capacitive switch?

Some of the variations of the capacitive switch you can find are the following:

• Super short capacitive switch
• Ring illuminated capacitive switch
• Anodized aluminum capacitive switch
• Stainless steel capacitive switch
• Sensitive vandal proof capacitive switch

And these variations can be available in different colors as well like the examples below:

• Blue anodized
• Black anodized
• Green anodized
• Gold anodized
• Red anodized
• Natural anodized
• 316L Stainless steel

Aside from these, there are different colors of LED too which we will be discussing next.

Sensitive vandal proof capacitive switch

 8. Is there an assortment of colors for the capacitive switch LED?

Yes, as mentioned earlier, there are several LED colors you can choose from such as the following:

For single color LED:

• Blue
• Green
• Red
• Yellow
• White

For double color LED:

• Red and green
• Red and yellow
• Red and blue
• Red and white
• Green and blue
• Green and yellow
• Green and white
• Blue and yellow
• Blue and white
• Yellow and white

Remember that these colors may differ from different manufacturers.

You can also send an inquiry to your manufacturer about a customized LED color if you need a specific LED color for your application.

Capacitive switches in different colors and sizes

9. What are the bushing diameters available for the capacitive switches?

The bushing diameters of the capacitive switches depend on the manufacturer.

Some capacitive switch makers would have different sizes available and some have limited sizes but a customized size may be requested directly to them.

Some examples of diameter sizes are 16mm, 19mm, 22mm, and 25mm.

Some manufacturers accept size customization if you need a specific size on your switch’s application.

10. Can a capacitive switch be used as a led touch dimmer switch?

Yes, if you connect the other components, a capacitive switch can be used for this function to control the light on and off.

The touch dimmer switch is a system to control the intensity of the lights whether you want low, mid, or high light intensity.

Many people prefer touch dimmer for LED lights as they are energy-efficient and stylish.

There are also 12v touch dimmer switches available which is another energy saving option that can also be used for incandescent and halogen lights.

In addition, the 12v touch dimmer can be supplied with power of up to 120 Watts.

A touch sensor dimmer switch or touch sensitive dimmer switch is a modern light switch technology evident in most modern homes, commercial businesses, and as well as in many offices.

The touch dimmer LED also has different colors and designs that will suit your room’s interior design. If it is you, you will like touch dimmer switch for led lights or dimmer led touch. You will ask your designer to decorate it.

11. What is an auto calibrated capacitive switch?

A capacitive switch with an auto calibrated function would enable its sensor to adapt to the changing external environments.

This technology also enables low activation force which makes it more durable.

12. Does a capacitive switch have to be operated with force?

The direct answer is no.

And this is the best advantage of using the capacitive switch.

Capacitive switches only require little to no pressure to activate since they are touch sensitive.

This also enables it to have longer service life compared to mechanical switches with moving parts.

The actuator has zero likelihood to fail as it does not have any space where external elements can enter and cause corrosion.

Capacitive switches with flying leads

13. What are the compositions of a capacitive switch?

Similar to other standard switches, the capacitive switch has the following compositions in general:

• Actuator – This is the surface area that allows you to operate the switch.
• Bushing – Refers to the enclosure of the switch with a threaded shaft.
• Terminals – These are the different colored cable wirings attached to the switch and you can find three kinds of them which are the following:
  • Flying leads – The ends of the cable wires have exposed wirings.
  • Cable – The cable wires are twisted together forming one cable.
  • Connector – The ends of the wires have an attached connector.

Besides, the common materials that are used in making the capacitive switches are the following:

• Stainless steel (grade 316)
• Aluminum
• Polycarbonate

There may be other approved materials used in making the capacitive switch which is needed to accommodate the design and type of the switch.

One example is the large O-ring illuminated capacitive switch which uses ceramic material for its actuator’s surface.

14. What are the operator types of the capacitive switch?

In general, the common actuator types of the capacitive switch are the following:

• Flathead – The actuator area is usually leveled with little depression.
• Chamfer head – The sides of the actuator area are beveled to achieve a distinct shape.

While there are only a few types of actuator heads for capacitive switches, there’s always a possibility that new designs are being developed to accommodate consumer demands and for businesses to remain competitive.

Chamfer head capacitive switch

15. What is the capacitive switch for light?

One of the best things about the capacitive switch is that it can be used for any household purposes such as for lighting.

A latching type capacitive switch would be perfect for lighting controls.

When the capacitive switch is touched, the lights will lit up, and then the lights will turn off when it is touched again.

It adds a modern touch to the design of your home and can fuel inspiration for other home applications such as door buzzers, door exits, cabinet controls, and so on.

16. Can you use a capacitive switch in automotive?

Yes, you can definitely use a capacitive switch for automotive purposes.

Some manufacturers have opted to use capacitive switches to be used in different controls of their vehicles and some of these controls are the following:

• Door entry switches
• Windshield switches

Modern cars have touch screen consoles with capacitive touch screen technology similar to capacitive switches.

You can also find cars with capacitive proximity sensors at the door handle which triggers the vehicle’s security features when it senses a motion within its area.

The same technology can be found on tablets and mobile phones.

17. Can you use the capacitive switch on the computer?

Yes, you will find some types of capacitive switch which you can use for the power button of your computer.

You may need to check out the wirings of the original power button before deciding on replacing it with a capacitive switch.

A capacitive push button with a function on and off is a good choice for this purpose.

Example of the capacitive switch diagram

18. What is an example of a capacitive switch diagram?

The diagram below shows two different output types which are the following:

• The NPN or sinking sensors – These sensors amplify a positive signal heading for the base which allows a larger current to course from the lead collector to the emitter.
• The PNP or sourcing sensors – This works similar to the NPN, however, but is set up to allow the negative voltage to be heading for the base and lets the current course from the emitter to the lead collector.

Both have the ability to amplify electrical signals as well as control large currents on and off.

They both can achieve signal boosting ability in different ways.

While both can do similar jobs, you may wonder why one is preferred over the other.

This is most likely because the NPN can transfer electrons faster than the PNP that enables high-speed switching capabilities and circuit amplifying applications.

The NPN is also cheaper to make than PNP.

These reasons along with other factors cause makers to create NPN sensors than PNP.

19. Can you DIY a capacitive switch?

Generally, the DIY projects use a touch sensor pad or sometimes an electrically conductive material instead of a switch.

What you can perhaps do is mimic the appearance of the capacitive switch using a sensor pad creating a makeshift version of it.

Otherwise, you can simply purchase a capacitive switch instead for your project since they are quite affordable.

And since capacitive switches are easy to install, you will also save more time and will be able to complete your project faster.

Glass plates for push button switches

20. Can a capacitive switch be on a glass panel?

Yes, you can mount a capacitive on a glass panel.

However, some manufacturers would suggest a panel thickness between 0.2 and 4mm.

Since the capacitive switch does not require any pressure to actuate but a simple touch gesture, it would work fine in panels with enough thickness to support the installation.

You can make glass panels from scratch and use a hole saw for glass for the mounting of the capacitive switch.

Or you can also purchase a glass panel with bored holes for your capacitive switch.

You simply have to select the diameter of the hole that will fit the diameter of the capacitive switch.

21. Can you use the capacitive switch on PCBs?

Yes, you can use the capacitive switch on a printed circuit board or PCB.

However, most people would use capacitive touchpads or capacitive touch sensors for their PCBs instead.

Despite this, some people prefer an actual capacitive switch because its design is more attractive and the capacitance performs better.

Some applications of the capacitive switch

22. Where do we use capacitive switches?

While you may already have some ideas where capacitive switches are used, but to be more specific, here’s a list where they are also used:

• Medical equipment
• Testing equipment
• Automatic gas pumps
• Mining equipment
• Car wash systems
• Control panels
• Packaging
• Cosmetics
• Paints
• Petrochemical
• Fertilizers
• Pharmaceutical
• Bakeries
• Dairies
• Food packing
• Food Preparation
• Meat processing
• Gate access
• Process control
• Public telephones
• Security doors
• Irrigation systems
• Locomotive control panels
• Vending machines
• In and out of water applications

There may be other uses of capacitive switch which are not listed here but you probably already have the idea how it is widely used for different kinds of applications and environments.

23. Which is better the capacitive switch or mechanical switch?

While both types of switches perform the same basic switch operation which is controlling an electrical circuit, there are notable differences that you must know between the two.

24. Does flowing water activate the capacitive switch?

Since the working principle of the capacitive switch revolves around electrical changes triggered by a single human touch, it imposes challenges when it comes to flowing water or water droplets sitting on top of its actuator’s surface.

This is because both water and the human body are electrical conductors which can affect the capacitance of the switch.

Water in particular has one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms and they are made up of positively charged particles.

As water is in liquid form, these atoms move around freely and it can easily be affected by a static electrical charge.

Nowadays, some capacitive switches are designed to be water tolerant which means they are not going to be triggered by flowing water or any false triggers.

But there are types of capacitive switches that can be triggered by flowing water.

It’s best to confirm this with your manufacturer if your installation area is exposed to running water.

25. How do you compare the capacitive switch vs. the piezo switch?

The capacitive switch and piezo switch have similarities and differences alike.

It is best presented using the table below:

26. What is an electrostatic capacitive switch?

An electrostatic capacitive switch or EC is a contactless system usually found in keyboards.

It uses the same principle as a capacitive switch which is instead of physical contact the keys are triggered by the change in capacitance.

Super short capacitive switch

27. Is there a customized capacitive switch that can be used in limited space?

Yes, there are types of capacitive switches that can be used in limited spaces or smaller panel installations.

The low profile and short body switches are your best options for limited space installations.

28. Can a capacitive switch work with gloves on?

Yes, but perhaps a capacitive switch would be able to recognize a human touch even when wearing thin gloves but would have difficulty detecting a touch when wearing thick gloves.

The material used in gloves such as cloth, wool, leather, or rubber is electrically insulated which means it does not charge or discharge electricity.

While latex gloves may not be electrically conducted but they can hold an electric charge and can discharge when in contact with a metal object such as the capacitive switch.

29. What current does a capacitive switch work on AC or DC?

This relies on the manufacturer as capacitive switches are also made differently when it comes to their current rating.

Some types can work both AC and DC while there are types that can only work on one type of current.

You can always find this information on the product description of the capacitive switch on the manufacturer’s website, the catalog, or the packaging itself.

30. What is the dimension of the capacitive switch without the wires?

The dimension of the capacitive switch relies on its manufacturer as they follow a standard size for their switches.

Some examples of different capacitive switch dimensions are the following:

Bear in mind that these sizes are subject to change by the manufacturer.

31. Do capacitive switches have attached cables type?

Yes, the majority of them have integrated cables which make them sealed and solder-free switches.

You can also choose from the different types of cables which depend upon your application use.

32. What is the capacitive switch cable length?

The typical length of the capacitive switch’s cable is around 30 cm.

However, you may find some manufacturers which provide a longer cable length.

33. Are the capacitive switches momentary or latching?

Yes, you are correct.

Just like the standard mechanical switches, you can also find momentary or latching types of capacitive switches.

Momentary switches are defined as remains in their “on” state while being pressed.

Latching switches are defined to stay “on” when actuated but would be switched “off” when actuated again.

34. What are the kinds of capacitive switch status?

There are two kinds of capacitive switch status and they are the following:

• Normally Open or NO – This is described as when the switch is off, the electrical connection is broken.
• Normally Closed or NC – In here, the electrical connection is connected while the switch is off.

These are similar to mechanical switches where there are internal contacts that connect or break the current flow.

However, with the capacitive switch, the integrated electrode acts as the determinant if it’s normally open or normally closed.

35.  Does the capacitive switch have a long lifetime?

Yes, a high-quality capacitive switch would last up to 50 million cycles which can be considered a lifetime and beyond.

36. Does the capacitive switch have a waterproof marine switch type?

Yes, you can find capacitive switches with waterproof marine features.

This means that this kind of capacitive switch can be submerged into water for about 30 minutes.

Manufacturers would indicate this feature on their websites or the product’s name and description.

Waterproof marine switches are commonly preferred for boats, yachts, ships, and other applications on the sea or near water.

Marine grade switches

37. What is the switch rating of a capacitive switch?

Normally you will find that the switch ratings or the current ratings of the capacitive switch differ from each manufacturer.

But you can find a capacitive switch with a maximum current of 200 mA or with a voltage rating of 24 VDC. 12 volt touch sensitive switch is the standard type to be chosen on the machine.

Other manufacturers may have other kinds that have lesser or higher maximum current.

38. What are the LED amp ratings of the capacitive switch?

The led light sensor switch LED amp can be 5 VDC, 12 VDC, or 24 VDC.

While these ratings are common, you can also find other LED amp ratings offered by some manufacturers.

39. What are the capacitive switches LED functions?

Generally, there are two capacitive switches LED functions which are semi-automatic and manual.

The semi-automatic LED function would have a red LED light that will come on when the switch is activated.

It can also be controlled independently which is ideal when you would prefer to display a flashing light to indicate you to activate the capacitive light switch.

The green light can be triggered by any purpose or state.

The manual function would have separate wires for the red and the green light which can be controlled separated depending on your ideal use.

40. Does the capacitive switch need a current limiting resistor?

Usually, capacitive switches no longer need a current limiting resistor as long as the power supply introduced to them is within their current rating.

It is not advisable to introduce a higher power supply to a low voltage capacitive switch.

The switch may turn hot and eventually fail.

41. Does a capacitive switch have a built-in circuit breaker?

Capacitive switches do not have any built-in breaker.

If you need to include a breaker on the circuit you’re working on, you can purchase it separately.

42. Does the LED in the capacitive switch drain a battery if it’s “on” for too long?

Normally, the LED in the capacitive switch uses only a small amount of current and even it is lit up for several hours, it will not drain a battery immediately.

Illuminated capacitive switch

43. What is the power consumption of non-illuminated and illuminated capacitive switches?

A non-illuminated capacitive switch would have lesser power consumption when compared to the illuminated types.

An example of this is described below:

• Power consumption non-illuminated : 7mA or 0.007 volts
• Power consumption illuminated : 25mA or 0.025 volts

As you can see, when the switch is non-illuminated it only consumes about 0.007 volts whereas the illuminated type would consume about 0.025 volts.

44. Can a capacitive switch be programmable?

Yes, you can find types of capacitive switches that can be programmed as they come with software that can be used to control the switch’s animations, speed, output status, light intensity, logic type, and touch sensitivity.

These switches are ideally used as call buttons and pick-to-light applications in many different types of industries such as food, beverage, and automotive.

The converter cable is needed to be attached to the switch and the USB receiving port so you can program the switch.

It offers many options such as up to 14 color choices and different kinds of animations.

45. Can you operate a capacitive switch with any random objects?

A human skin works well with the capacitive switch because it is electrically conductive.

Similarly, you will find that other objects with a small amount of electrical charge can also activate the capacitive switch.

For instance, certain objects such as peeled potato or a bar of soap can operate a standard capacitive switch very well.

The same with objects specially designed to operate touch sensitive devices such as a stylus.

However, this is not the case when you use a stone, wood, or cloth since they are considered insulators that block the flow of electricity therefore no actuation can occur.

46. How do you solder a capacitive switch appropriately?

The capacitive switch’s cable wires are usually integrated within the switch’s enclosure which eliminates the need to solder wires onto the switch.

This makes the capacitive switch easy to install and perfect for immediate use.

What you may need to solder is the other end of the cable wires which purpose is to connect to the power supply or the device that you want to control.

But usually, in most applications, the other end of the cable wirings are simply inserted or fastened.

There are also types of capacitive switches that already come with connectors fixed on the ends of their cable wires which make them easier to install and ready for use right away.

Sanitation of a medical establishment

47. Can you use a disinfectant spray directly onto the capacitive switch?

Yes, capacitive switches are generally made from stainless steel that is proven to be chemical proof.

Stainless steel is usually non-porous and corrosion resistant which means it doesn’t react to the cleaning agent of the disinfectant solution.

Capacitive switches are also used in hospitals and clinics where sanitization is required.

And based on their findings, any objects or surfaces that are made from stainless steel regardless of their grade are very well receptive to the sanitization activities performed inside their premises.

They didn’t find any changes in the texture or appearance even when frequently sanitized.

So, if you need to use a disinfectant spray on the touch sensor light switch for sanitation purposes, you can do so.

Impact test equipment

48. What sealing and impact resistance should you look for in a capacitive switch?

All types of switches have sealed and impact resistance rating to determine their protection level against solid and liquid substances and as well as protection against different intensity levels of kinetic force introduced to them.

These ratings are a standard in electronic devices which are also commonly recognized as quality indicators.

There are two kinds of ratings that you should look for when choosing a capacitive switch.

• IP code rating

This international numeric classification determines the protection level of the switch’s enclosure against outside elements.

IP stands for Ingress Protection and is followed by two numbers which stand for the level of protection against solid and liquid substances respectively.

The first number is for the solid substance protection with levels from 1 to 6 while the second is for the liquid with levels from 1 to 8 and also with the highest level 9K.

Each level refers to the kinds of situations that the switch can be exposed to.

For example, waterproof capacitive switches would have IP65 to IP69K ratings.

The table below is for your reference so you can better understand IP code ratings.

IP Rating chart

• IK rating

The IK rating on the other hand refers to the level of protection against different intensities of kinetic force that the switch can endure and still function properly.

IK is defined as Impact Protection Rating and similar to IP code rating, it is also an international numeric classification.

The IK rating starts from 00 up to 10 which indicates the level of energy and its equivalent impact.

The chart below would show the different IK protection rating levels.

IK10 Rating chart

49. What is EN 61000 in capacitive switches?

EN 61000 is also known as EMC or electromagnetic compatibility which is a standard that is developed to maintain and control the interference of electronic devices.

This is to ensure that disturbance is reduced while immunity is achieved in environments such as residential, commercial, and industrial.

EN 61000 is the European counterpart of IEC 61000 which is the immunity standard of the International Electrotechnical Commission on electrostatic discharge or also known as ESD.

This defines the procedures to achieve the immunity compliance of any electrical product which comprises tests, methods, and requirements.

The purpose is not really to define product specific tests but to create a propagative ground for product compliance.

Capacitive switches arranged in a tray packaging

50. What do you receive when you order a capacitive switch?    

When you order a capacitive switch, you will receive the switch itself, a hex nut, the O-ring, and an instruction manual.

When you order large quantities of capacitive switches, you will receive them packaged in sealed boxes and inside the switches are properly arranged in molded trays.

For smaller quantities, you may receive them in small sealed boxes while the switches are either individually packed or by batches using a zip lock packaging.