KN5125 - Detector IFM - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Capacitive Level Sensor
Brand	IFM
Model	KN5125
Category	Sensor
Power Supply	10-30 V DC
Power Consumption	< 50 mA
Output	PNP/NPN switching (depending on version), clogging output
LED Indicator	Green (operation), yellow (switching status), red (error)
Temperature Range	-25 °C to +70 °C
Housing Material	Stainless steel / plastic (depending on version)
Connection	M12 connector, 4-pin
Protection	IP67
Mounting	In the tank wall (direct contact) or through a non-metallic wall
Main Functions	Level detection of bulk solids (dry) and liquids, empty/full adjustment, lock/unlock
Adjustment	Via push button or programming input (pin 2)
Maintenance and Cleaning	Regularly clean the sensing surface to prevent fouling
Safety	De-energize the installation before any connection or maintenance
Weight	Approximately 100 g
Dimensions	Diameter 30 mm, length 60 mm (approximate)
Spare Parts and Repairability	Not repairable by user; contact IFM service in case of defect
General Information	Manual available for free download at notice-facile.com

Frequently Asked Questions - KN5125 IFM

How to install the IFM KN5125 sensor?

Mounting is done in the tank wall for direct contact with the material, or through a non-metallic wall for KNM30NSA models. Ensure the tank is de-energized before electrical connection.

How to adjust the sensor for an empty tank?

Place the sensor on an empty tank and briefly press the push button. The switching thresholds are generated automatically. The yellow LED indicates the switching status.

How to perform an additional 'full' adjustment?

After the 'empty' adjustment, you can perform a 'full' adjustment in the presence of material. The values of the 'empty' adjustment remain stored. Press the push button or use the programming input.

What to do if the red LED flashes after an adjustment?

This indicates an adjustment error (empty and full signals too close). Briefly press the push button to confirm and repeat the adjustment. The clogging output emits a 2 Hz signal.

How to lock or unlock the device?

Press and hold the push button for at least 10 seconds. The green LED flashes then turns off for locking. To unlock, repeat the operation: all LEDs turn off briefly then the device resumes normal operation.

Can this sensor be used with liquids?

Yes, for models mounted through a non-metallic wall (KNM30NSA), it is suitable for dry bulk materials and liquids. Direct contact models (KNM30BSA) are intended for dry materials only.

What is the meaning of the LEDs?

Green LED on: device operational. Yellow LED on: output switched. Yellow LED flashing: short circuit on the output. Red LED on with full/empty tank: uncertain detection or modified 'empty' signal.

How to clean the sensor?

Regularly clean the sensing surface with a soft dry cloth to avoid residue buildup. Avoid aggressive solvents. Disconnect the power supply before any cleaning.

What safety precautions must be observed?

Always de-energize the installation before connecting or disconnecting the sensor. Use the sensor within the specified temperature and pressure limits. Do not exceed the indicated supply voltage.

Where to find the full manual for the KN5125?

The user manual is available for free download at notice-facile.com. You can also request a translation by selecting your language and providing your email address.

USER MANUAL KN5125 IFM

Capacitive level switch

Détector de niveau

capacitif

KN

Function and features

The capacitive level switch controls the level in vessels. It detects if target medium is present or not and provides a switched signal.

• Adjustable to the target medium by means of a programming button or by an electrical signal on the function check output.

LED's red, yellow, green

Installation

Units of the type KNM30BSA... should be mounted into the vessel wall.

The sensor is in contact with the target medium.

Suitable for dry target medium.

Units of the type KNM30NSA... should be mounted outside the vessel. The sensor detects the target medium through the vessel wall.

Suitable for both dry and liquid target media.

Only for non-metallic vessels.

Electrical connection

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

Setting

• With target medium absent

The setpoint is adjusted while the vessel is empty. When target medium is detected, the sensor's output switches. The switch-on and switch-off points are automatically generated.

• With target medium present

For most applications setting the sensor while the vessel is empty is sufficient. You can, if you wish, make an additional adjustment with the target medium present (e.g. to obtain an optimum excess gain for special applications).

*You can adjust the setpoint via pin 2 (fc output).

(signal length = duration of pressing the button)

Type FPKG: (+U_B) to pin 2; type FNKG: (-U_B) to pin 2.

The setpoint values made with an empty vessel are not overwritten by automatic setting while the vessel is full. You can update adjustment with the vessel full as often as you wish. (Automatic setting with the vessel full will return the "full" setting to the factory default.)

If adjustment is not possible (e.g. "empty" signal strength and "full" signal strength are almost the same), the red LED flashes after setting (in addition the function check output provides a 2Hz signal).

Press the button briefly (= acknowledgement) and repeat setting.

Locking / Unlocking:

1	Press for at least 10s*	→	At first the green LED flashes slowly, then faster. After 10s it goes out. The unit is locked.
2	Press for at least 10s*	→	After 10s all LED's go out for a short time. The unit is unlocked and the LED's indicate the current operating status.

*You can also lock/unlock the unit via pin 2 (fc output).

(signal length = duration of pressing the button)

Type FPKG: (+U_B) to pin 2.

Type FNKG: (-U_B) to pin 2.

Operation

Check whether the unit functions properly. Indication by LED's and by the function check output:

LED green	unit is ready for operation
LED yellow lit	= output is switched flashing = output is short-circuited
LED red + fc output	ON = uncertain range: - when the vessel is full: target medium is not safely detected - when the vessel is empty: the "empty" signal has changed since the last setpoint adjustment (e.g. due to excessive build-up of deposits). flashing + 2Hz signal of the fc output = error in setting or locking / unlocking.