KN0001 - Gas detector IFM - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Capacitive gas detector
Brand	IFM
Model	KN0001
Dimensions (approx.)	Approximately 100 x 50 x 50 mm
Weight (approx.)	Approximately 150 g
Power supply	24 V DC, compliant with industrial standards
Main functions	Level detection of liquids and bulk solids; adjustment via Teach-In elements and CAL wire; NC/NO output; electronic lock
LED indicators	Green (mode), yellow (output), red (unsafe working zone / error)
Electrical connection	According to label; CAL wire for programming
Maintenance and cleaning	Regular cleaning of the sensor; recalibration if soiled; use a soft cloth
Safety	Do not use as a safety component; disconnect power before intervention; installation by qualified personnel
Spare parts and repairability	Not specified; contact IFM customer service
General information	Manual available in several languages; microprocessor with EEPROM memory; preventive maintenance assistance

Frequently Asked Questions - KN0001 IFM

How to set the KN0001 detector for a liquid?

Ensure the liquid is out of the detection zone, press the Teach-In SET element for max. 5 s for empty setting. Then, place the liquid in the zone and press SET for 5 to 10 s for full setting.

What do the LEDs on the device mean?

Green LED: operating mode (off), empty setting (slow flash), full setting (fast flash). Yellow LED: switched output (on) or not (off). Red LED: unsafe zone (slow flash) or error (fast flash).

Can I use the KN0001 as a safety device?

No, the detector is not designed as a safety component. It must not be used in safety systems without appropriate certification.

How to change the output function from NC to NO?

Press both SET and MODE simultaneously for at least 5 s to enter OES mode. Use SET to toggle between normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO). Confirm by pressing MODE.

What to do if the red LED flashes rapidly?

This indicates a setting error. Press a Teach-In element or briefly disconnect power. Possible causes include a signal deviation too small or direct contact with a conductive fluid.

How to lock the detector to prevent unintended changes?

Press the SET element for at least 10 s until all LEDs go off. Then release SET to lock. To unlock, repeat the operation: the LEDs go off again, then release SET.

What is the recommended supply voltage?

The detector operates at 24 V DC. Refer to the device label for exact values and comply with applicable standards.

Is the full setting mandatory?

No, the full setting is not mandatory but it is strongly recommended for maximum reliability. The empty/full combination allows the microprocessor to optimize switching thresholds.

How to clean the sensor?

Use a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasive products or solvents. After heavy soiling, perform a new empty setting to compensate for residue.

Can I download the manual in French?

Yes, the manual is available free in PDF format on the website notice-facile.com. You can also request a translation in other languages by email.

USER MANUAL KN0001 IFM

Capacitive level switch

DéTECTeur de niveau

capacitif

KNM

Function and features

Capacitive level switch for monitoring levels of liquids and dry bulk material in containers. Depending on the setting a switched signal is provided when the current level falls below or exceeds the mounting position.

The user has to adjust the switch to the individual application by using the inductive Teach in elements or the programming wire "CAL".

Warning

Electrical voltage! Before working on electrical installations: disconnect power and protect against restoring power! Not for use as a safety component!

Applicable standards and specifications have to be considered for installation! Installation, set-up and maintenance only by qualified staff! Applicable regulations have to be taken into account for the ground connection!

Electrical connection

Disconnect power before connecting the unit. Connect according to the indications on the type label.

Mounting

The sensor characteristics of a capacitive unit (medium sensitivity, humidity compensation etc.) depend strongly on the mounting position. Consequently, you can fully benefit from the technical advantages of the unit's electronically controlled adjustment when mounting has been completed.

Setting

The sensor is set via 2 inductive Teach-In elements (functions *SET and MODE).

If you touch the marked field with a metal object (e.g. screwdriver), the respective Teach-In element is activated.

If you remove the object again from the field, the respective Teach-in element is deactivated again. In the text below "actuation" means activating and then deactivating a Teach-In element with a metal object by touching and removing without special time requirements.

• The SET function is also possible via the programming wire "CAL" (not for article KNM.../OF). The programming wire "CAL" is electrically connected with wire "N" to activate the function.

The unit has a microprocessor which enables optimum adjustment to the medium. This process can be carried out as often as you like. The set values are stored in a non-volatile memory (EEPROM) and will be retained even in case of a permanent power failure. At any time a value for the empty state, a value for the full state as well as the output function (normally closed or normally open) are stored in this memory.

The unit has an additional function "uncertain operating range" to monitor and assess the normal operating status. This function provides a signal if the internal sensor signal approaches the switch point before it is actually reached. In this case the red LED is flashing slowly. In clear-cut applications it should only light for short periods, as the level nears the switch point.

Important:

This function is not an error message indicating a failure of the unit. It is to help the user to assess his application. For example it can indicate switch point drift of the sensor caused by considerable soiling before malfunctioning occurs, thus allowing a cleaning process to be started in time or a new empty state setting to be made which takes account of the soiling.

This function also enables comparison of different mounting positions.

Programming

"Operating mode" is the mode when all the normal sensor functions are active.

The following settings are also possible on the unit:

• Setting of the switch point by adjustment to the empty and full states (adjustment mode)
• Setting of the output function as normally closed or normally open (OES mode)
• Electronic lock to avoid unintentional adjustment (locking mode)

Display functions, overview

LED	State Display
LED green	operating mode off adjustment mode empty slow flashing (1Hz) adjustment mode full fast flashing (2Hz) OES mode slow flashing (1Hz) locking mode off
LED yellow	output disabled off output enabled on OES mode, nc slow flashing (1Hz), together with LED green
LED red uncertain operating range slow flashing (1Hz) error message fast flashing (2Hz)

- Adjustment to empty (adjustment mode)

Ensure that the medium to be detected is not in the sensing area of the sensor. Activate the *Teach-In element "SET" for max. 5 s. The green LED flashes slowly. When the element is deactivated, the measured value for the empty state is stored. The unit returns to the operating mode.

Note:

When the unit is adjusted to the empty state, it automatically suggests a possible measured value for the full state. Any measured value for the full state which may have been stored previously is overwritten. This suggested measured value is calculated on the basis of the empty state which has just been measured and a signal distance set at the factory. Under normal conditions safe functioning is guaranteed without adjustment to the full state.

- Adjustment to full (adjustment mode)

Ensure that the medium to be detected is in the sensing area of the sensor.

Activate the *Teach-In element "SET" for min. 5 s and max. 10 s. First the green LED flashes slowly and after 5 s it flashes quickly. By deactivating the element the measured value for the full state is read.

The unit returns to the operating mode. You can repeat the adjustment to the full state as often as you like. The adjustment to the full state does not change the measured value for the empty state stored previously. This enables optimum adaptation of the sensor to changing media in the same vessel for example.

Note:

The adjustment to the full state is not absolutely necessary for the functioning of the unit but it is recommended. On the basis of the values for the empty state/full state the internal microprocessor determines the optimum position of the switching thresholds between the two states. If you use both adjustment criteria (adjustment to the empty/full states), the maximum operational reliability possible for your individual application is guaranteed.

• The SET function is also possible via the programming wire "CAL" (not for article KNM.../OF). The programming wire "CAL" is electrically connected with wire "N" to activate the function.

Error messages:

If the adjustment to the empty/full state is not possible, the red LED flashes quickly (approx. 2 Hz) after the adjustment attempt.

To erase this error message, press a Teach-In element (no matter which) once or switch off the operating voltage for a short time. The values successfully set so far remain unchanged.

Possible reasons for an error message:

• The signal difference between the empty/full state is too small (e.g. adjustment to the empty and full state without appropriate change of the level)

• The signal change between the empty and the full state is in the wrong order (e.g. adjustment to the empty state when the vessel is full and to the full state when the vessel is empty)

• Adjustment to the empty state outside the operating range (e.g. adjustment to the empty state with direct contact with an electrically grounded medium, for example when the sensing face is immersed into water)

• Electronic error or damage of the unit in the sensing area
• Internal error (can only be erased by switching off the operating voltage for a short time, hardware reset)

Setting normally closed/open (OES mode)

The switching output of the unit can be used as normally closed or normally open contact.

First the OES mode must be activated.

Activate the OES mode:

Activate both Teach-In elements "SET" and "MODE" simultaneously for at least 5 s (you need two screwdrivers or similar metal objects).

Now the unit displays the current output function (normally closed or normally open).

Normally open: only the green LED flashes slowly

Normally closed: both the green and the yellow LED are flashing. By actuating the Teach-In element "SET" you can change between the two output functions as often as you like.

Deactivate the OES mode:

There are different ways of deactivating the OES mode and returning to the operating mode.

• In the OES mode actuate the Teach-In element "MODE"
• If after activation of the OES mode no button is pressed for 30~s , the unit automatically returns to the operating mode without any changes being made.
• If you have already pressed the Teach-In element "SET" in the OES mode and no button is pressed for 30~s , the unit automatically returns to the operating mode and stores the last output function set (normally closed or normally open).

Activate/deactivate the electronic lock (locking mode)

Activate the *Teach-In element "SET" for min. 10 s.

If this process is started when the unit is unlocked, the green LED flashes slowly first, then faster. After 10 s all LEDs go off. When the *TeachIn element "SET" is deactivated, the unit is locked and all setting functions are disabled. The unit returns to the operating mode.

If this process is started when the unit is locked, the green LED does not react first to avoid any hint to a hidden function. After 10 s all LEDs go off (if the unit is in an operating mode where no LEDs light or are flashing, the green LED flashes once briefly to indicate that 10 s have elapsed.). When the *Teach-In element "SET" is deactivated, the unit is unlocked and all setting functions can be used again. The unit returns to the operating mode.

• The SET function is also possible via the programming wire "CAL" (not for article KNM.../OF). The programming wire "CAL" is electrically connected with wire "N" to activate the function.

Operation

Check whether the unit functions properly. Indication by LEDs.