# IEC capacitive proximity sensor: capacitive switch, normally closed

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-capacitive-proximity-sensor-capacitive-switch-normally-closed
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: CAP
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC, Manufacturer

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Capacitive Switch, Normally Closed
Autodesk IEC-60617 Symbol Preview: Capacitive Switches, HPX12C / VPX12C. This identifies the publisher's library context; exact IEC graphics and database identities are not asserted.

Capacitive proximity sensor form: Capacitive Switch, Normally Closed.

## In plain English

### What does IEC capacitive proximity sensor: capacitive switch, normally closed mean?

A capacitive proximity sensor detects a change of capacitance caused by a target entering its sensing field. This entry identifies the capacitive switch, normally closed form in the publisher's IEC-context family.

### A simple example

A vessel wall or nearby material can change the measured capacitance and indicate a level or presence condition. The normally-closed designation starts with a conducting output or closed contact in the documented reference condition; operation changes that state.

### What the drawings help you do

Material, mounting, contamination and adjustment affect operation; a capacitive mark does not guarantee detection through every container or medium.

### This particular reference

Capacitive proximity sensor form: Capacitive Switch, Normally Closed. This entry adds the capacitive switch, normally closed detail to the broader capacitive proximity sensor family. Material, mounting, contamination and adjustment affect operation; a capacitive mark does not guarantee detection through every container or medium.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Capacitive proximity switches](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-F2CC4639-9203-4C6A-8A9F-2A32717D2BE3.htm)


## What it represents

A capacitive proximity sensor detects a change of capacitance caused by a target entering its sensing field. This entry identifies the capacitive switch, normally closed form in the publisher's IEC-context family.
A vessel wall or nearby material can change the measured capacitance and indicate a level or presence condition. The normally-closed designation starts with a conducting output or closed contact in the documented reference condition; operation changes that state.
Material, mounting, contamination and adjustment affect operation; a capacitive mark does not guarantee detection through every container or medium.

## How to read it

- The normally-closed designation starts with a conducting output or closed contact in the documented reference condition; operation changes that state.
- Material, mounting, contamination and adjustment affect operation; a capacitive mark does not guarantee detection through every container or medium.

## Information to show or reference

- Identify the target, sensing mode and expected normal condition.
- Label supply, output and connector pins from the actual device diagram.
- Reference output circuit type, operating range and controller input.

## Important distinction

This entry adds the capacitive switch, normally closed detail to the broader capacitive proximity sensor family. Material, mounting, contamination and adjustment affect operation; a capacitive mark does not guarantee detection through every container or medium.

## Facts

- Drawing form: Capacitive Switch, Normally Closed
- Public vendor block names: HPX12C / VPX12C. Autodesk identifiers, not standards database IDs.
- Drawing purpose: capacitive proximity sensor
- Graphic scope: Independently authored educational illustration; not certified standard geometry, a terminal pinout or a product footprint.

## Public references

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Capacitive proximity switches](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-F2CC4639-9203-4C6A-8A9F-2A32717D2BE3.htm) — Autodesk. Public Capacitive Switches table explicitly lists HPX12C / VPX12C with this operating or connection form. Vendor graphics are linked, not copied.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.