KN5119 - Capacitive level sensor IFM - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Capacitive level sensor
Brand	IFM
Model	KN5119
Power supply	10-30 V DC
Output	Switch (normally open / normally closed)
Housing material	Stainless steel
Protection rating	IP67
Operating temperature	-25 to 70 °C
Electrical connection	Wires BN (brown), BU (blue), BK (black)
LED display	Green, yellow, red
Setting mode	Automatic via programming pushbutton
Programming functions	Empty setting, full setting, lock, output inversion
Mounting	Threaded housing
Commissioning	Check proper operation via LEDs
Error messages	Red LED flashing (2 Hz); Green+Red LEDs flashing = short circuit
Maintenance	Clean the active face if soiled
Safety	Disconnect power before any connection or intervention
Applications	Level control of liquids and dry bulk materials, plastic pellets

Frequently Asked Questions - KN5119 IFM

How to connect the IFM KN5119 sensor?

Disconnect power from the installation. Connect the wires according to the label: BN (brown) = supply +, BU (blue) = supply -, BK (black) = switching output.

How to program the switching threshold?

Use the programming pushbutton (with a non-sharp object) to access the setting mode. First carry out the empty setting, then optionally the full setting.

What does the continuously lit red LED mean?

The continuously lit red LED indicates that the internal signal is close to the switching threshold, which may signal non-optimal conditions (e.g., deposits). Consider re-adjustment or cleaning.

How to lock the settings to prevent unintentional changes?

In operating mode, press the programming pushbutton for at least 5 seconds until the green LED turns off. The device is then locked. To unlock, repeat the same procedure.

How to invert the output function (normally open/closed)?

Disconnect power from the device, reverse the supply polarity (BN and BU) during power-up, then restore normal polarity. The output function is then inverted.

What to do if the red LED flashes quickly after a setting?

This indicates a setting error. Press the pushbutton once or briefly disconnect power. Successful settings remain unchanged. Possible causes: signal difference too small, reversed setting order, or setting outside the operating range.

How to perform the empty setting?

Make sure the tank is empty and the sensor does not detect any fluid. Briefly press the pushbutton until the green LED flashes slowly (1 Hz). The setting is done.

How to perform the full setting?

Fill the tank so that the sensor detects the fluid. Press the pushbutton again until the green LED flashes quickly (2 Hz). This setting is recommended for optimal reliability.

What does the simultaneous flashing of green and red LEDs at 2 Hz mean?

This indicates a short circuit on the switching output. Check the wiring and installation. Disconnect power and correct the fault before powering on again.

How to clean the IFM KN5119 sensor?

Clean the active face with a soft, dry cloth or slightly dampened if necessary. Avoid abrasive products. Soiling can change the sensing range and require a new setting.

USER MANUAL KN5119 IFM

Adernfarben: BN = braun, BU = blau, BK = schwarz

3 Montage

1 Function and features 9
2 Electrical connection 9
3 Mounting 10
4 Operation 10
5 Programming 10
6 Set-up/operation 14

(1) Electrical connection (plug or cable)
(2) LEDs red, yellow, green
(3) Programming button
(4) Threaded sleeve
(5) Active face

1 Function and features

The capacitive level switch monitors levels of liquids and dry bulk material in vessels, preferably plastic granulates. Depending on the setting a switched signal is provided when the current level falls below or exceeds the mounting position.

• Automatic adjustment to the medium to be detected by means of programming button.

2 Electrical connection

Disconnect power before connecting the unit (see type label).

Core colours: BN = brown, BU = blue, BK = black

3 Mounting

Mount the proximity switch as shown and then program it.

4 Operation

Adjust the sensor. To do so, press the programming button with a blunt object.

5 Programming

Operating mode

Immediately after power on the proximity switch is in the operating mode. In this mode all normal sensor functions are active.

You can also make the following settings on the unit:

• Adjustment mode
• Switch point setting by adjustment to the empty and full state.
• Locking mode
• Electronic lock to avoid tampering.
• Setting the output function as normally closed or normally open.

Adjustment mode empty state

The sensor is adjusted to the empty vessel. If it detects material, the switched signal changes.

Then carry out steps 1 and 2.

Adjustment mode full state

Fill the vessel so that the sensor detects the material.

Then carry out steps 1 and 2.

Note:

The adjustment to the full state is not absolutely necessary for the operation 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. If you use both adjustment criteria (adjustment to the empty and full state), you obtain the maximum operational reliability for your individual application.

Locking mode

The stored adjustment values can be protected against unauthorised programming as follows (output state not locked):

When the programming button is released the unit is locked and all programming functions are inactive. The unit returns to the operating mode.

If this operation starts from the locked state, the green LED does not react at first to avoid any hint to a hidden function.

If you want to release the locking, proceed as follows:

When the programming button is released the unit is unlocked and all programming functions are active again. The unit returns to the operating mode.

Setting the output function as normally closed or normally open

The switching output of the unit can be operated as normally closed or normally open. To do so, the unit must first be disconnected. To generate the inverted output response the operating voltage is connected again by reversing the wires.

Error messages

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

To delete this error message press the programming button once or disconnect and then connect power again. The adjustment values successfully read so far remain unchanged.

Possible reasons for an error message:

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

• The signal change between the empty and full state is in the wrong order (e.g. adjustment to the empty state when the vessel is full and then adjustment 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, e.g. if the active face is immersed in water).

Help: Avoid the above-mentioned errors and repeat the adjustment.

Further faults:

• Electronic fault or sensing zone of the unit damaged
• Internal fault (can only be deleted by disconnecting and connecting power again, hardware reset).

6 Set-up / operation

Check the safe functioning of the unit. Display by LEDs.

LED green	ON = unit is ready for operation flashes slowly (1 Hz) = adjustment mode empty state flashes quickly (2 Hz) = adjustment mode full state OFF = locking mode
LED yellow	OFF = switching output disabled ON = switching output enabled
LED red	flashes quickly (2 Hz) = error message ON = undefined operating range
LED yellow and red	flash quickly simultaneously (2Hz) = short circuit of the switching output

The red LED indicates no malfunction of the unit, it indicates that the internal sensor signal is near the switching threshold.

Two cases can be distinguished:

- Normal operation/safe operation

The red LED is lit temporarily during the change between "medium" and "no medium".

- Warning of possible malfunction

If the red LED is lit continuously, the operating conditions are no longer optimum.

For example a change of the sensing range caused by deposits of dirt can be detected.

You can take preventive measures to avoid a malfunction. For example readjust or clean the unit.

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