What is a capacitive fuel level sensor and how does it work?

A capacitive fuel level sensor (fuel probe) measures the liquid level by detecting the change in capacitance between two electrodes inside the probe as the fuel level changes. This allows for continuous, highly accurate fuel measurement without moving parts, making it more durable than float-type sensors.

What types of liquids can the LC16 fuel probe measure?

The LC16 capacitive probe is compatible with diesel, gasoline, biodiesel, water, hydraulic oil, and other non-conductive liquids. It is ideal for truck fuel tanks, sealed tankers, industrial oil depots, and locomotive fuel monitoring.

How do you calibrate the LC16 capacitive fuel level sensor?

Calibration is simple and can be done locally via two-wire touch calibration. The probe also supports manual recalibration using the “Zero” and “Full Scale” settings, and computer-automated calibration via RS485 interface for fleet management or industrial monitoring systems.

What are the advantages of a capacitive fuel probe over other sensors?

Unlike float sensors or ultrasonic sensors, capacitive probes have no moving parts, offer higher accuracy, and provide real-time continuous readings. They also withstand vibration, fuel sloshing, and harsh operating conditions.

Can the LC16 fuel probe be customized for different tank sizes?

Yes. The LC16 is available in custom lengths and configurations to match different tank depths and shapes, making it suitable for trucks, buses, stationary tanks, and industrial machinery.

Auto-Calibrating Capacitive Fuel Level Probe | SFLS500 Series

High-precision, auto-calibrating capacitive fuel level probe designed for real-time monitoring of diesel, gasoline, and hydraulic oil tanks in trucks, fleet vehicles, and generators. Features advanced radio frequency (RF) tomography scanning technology to automatically compensate for temperature and medium changes without requiring manual recalibration. Available in field-truncatable, economical fleet, and heavy-duty stainless steel variants.

Accuracy: Up to ± $\pm0.5\%$ F.S.
Protection: IP68 waterproof rating & all-metal construction
Outputs: 0–5V, 0–10V, 4–20mA, RS485 Modbus, RS232, CAN bus
Applications: Fleet telematics, GPS tracking systems, truck fuel tanks, generator depots

Model Configuration

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SKU: N/A Category: Capacitive Level Sensors for Fuel, Oil & Hydraulics

Description

High-Precision Fuel Monitoring for Fleet Telematics & Asset Management

Accurate fuel tracking in commercial vehicles and diesel storage requires sensor technology that can withstand constant vibration, sloshing, and wide temperature swings. The SFLS500 Series Capacitive Fuel Level Sensor features multi-layer tomographic scanning technology that continuously compensates for environmental shifts. Unlike traditional float switches or basic capacitive probes, the SFLS500 requires no manual zero/span recalibration when temperature or fuel quality fluctuates.

Core Product Configurations

Field-Truncatable Series (SFLS500S)

Designed for maximum flexibility during installation. The light, durable aluminum alloy rod can be cut to length directly on-site to match exact tank depths without compromising sensor accuracy. Perfect for retrofit projects and diverse vehicle fleets.

Standard Fleet Telematics Series (SLFS500F)

A streamlined, high-reliability solution built specifically for high-volume fleet integration. Featuring a fixed-length aluminum design, it offers reliable digital and analog outputs ideal for standard truck fuel tanks and gensets.

Industrial Heavy-Duty Stainless Series (SFLS5010)

Engineered for demanding industrial environments and corrosive media. Built with 304/316 stainless steel, this variant provides maximum mechanical strength and chemical resistance for heavy machinery, rail, and marine applications.

Specialized Application Hardware

Tamper-Proof Anti-Dismantle Version (SFLS500E): Engineered specifically to combat fuel theft in commercial fleets. Features a single-hole, anti-clogging installation with security-locked hardware to prevent unauthorized removal.
Direct OEM Vehicle Replacement (SFLS500T5): Built to replace original factory tank senders directly using standard $55\text{ mm}$ or $65\text{ mm}$ chuck dimensions without requiring modification to the vehicle body.
GPS All-in-One Telematics Unit (SLFS500G): Integrates satellite positioning, live data transmission, and fuel monitoring algorithms directly into the sensor assembly for a streamlined, all-in-one hardware solution.

Model Comparison Matrix

Specification	SFLS500S	SLFS500F	SFLS5010	SFLS500E	SFLS500T5	SLFS500G
Target Application	Retrofits & mixed fleets	High-volume truck fleets	Heavy machinery & harsh tanks	Anti-theft fleet tracking	Direct OEM tank sender swap	All-in-one GPS satellite tracking
Probe Material	Aluminum Alloy	Aluminum Alloy	304/316 Stainless Steel	Aluminum Alloy	Standard Alloy / SS	Aluminum Alloy
Cut-to-Length	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Accuracy Class	Class 0.5 / 1.0	Class 1.0	Class 0.5	Class 1.0	Class 1.0	Class 0.5

Additional information

Model Configuration	SFLS500E – Anti-Dismantle / Anti-Theft Mount, SFLS500S – Field Truncatable (Cut-to-Length), SFLS500T5 – Direct OEM Replacement, SFLS5010 – Industrial Stainless Steel Heavy Duty, SLFS500F – Standard Fleet Series, SLFS500G – Integrated GPS Satellite Telematics

Features

Automatic Self-Calibration: Multi-layer scanning technology automatically adjusts for temperature shifts and changing dielectric properties.
Field-Cuttable Rods: SFLS500S variant allows custom length trimming on-site during fleet installation.
High-Accuracy Monitoring: Reaches up to 0.5% measurement accuracy with fine resolution under 0.1 mm.
Multi-Signal Compatibility: Supports RS485 Modbus, RS232, 0–5V, 0–10V, 4–20mA, CAN, and resistance outputs for seamless integration with all major telematics hardware.
Solid-State Construction: No moving mechanical parts or floats, ensuring a failure rate of under 0.3% and zero wear over time.
IP68 Submersible Design: Fully sealed housing designed to endure harsh outdoor, high-vibration, and washable conditions.

Specification

Parameter	Specification
Measurement Principle	Multi-Layer Capacitance Tomographic Scanning (Auto-Calibrating)
Detection Range	Automotive / Fleet: 100 mm to 1,400 mm Industrial Storage: 200 mm to 6,000 mm
Measurement Accuracy	Range > 700 mm: Class 0.5 (±0.5% F.S.) Range 300 – 700 mm: Class 1.0 (±1.0% F.S.) Range < 300 mm: Class 1.5 (±1.5% F.S.)
Resolution	< 0.1 mm
Medium Temperature Range	-50°C to +125°C
Operating Pressure	-0.1 MPa to +0.6 MPa
Power Supply Voltage	10–80 VDC or 5–30 VDC (24 VDC standard)
Signal Output Options	Digital: RS485 (Modbus), RS232, CAN, LIN, TTL Analog Voltage: 0–3.3V, 0–5V, 0–10V Analog Current: 4–20 mA Resistance: 3–300 Ω / 300–30 Ω
Ingress Protection	IP68 (Fully Submersible)
Explosion-Proof Ratings	Intrinsically Safe `Exia IIC T6` / Flameproof `Exd IIC T5`
Process Connection	M20x1.5 Thread, 5-Hole SAE Flange, or Custom Flanges
Failure Rate	< 0.3% (Solid-state design with no moving mechanical parts)
Compatible Media	Diesel, Gasoline, Biodiesel, Kerosene, Hydraulic Oil, Lubricants, and non-conductive liquids

FAQ

How does the auto-calibration feature work on the SFLS500?

The sensor utilizes multi-layer capacitance tomographic scanning. Multiple sensing points scan the fuel column continuously, allowing the internal microprocessor to calculate and filter out noise caused by temperature changes, fuel sloshing, or humidity without requiring manual wire shorting or external calibration tools.

Can I cut the probe rod if my tank depth changes?

Yes, if you select the SFLS500S (Field-Truncatable) configuration. You can shorten the aluminum probe with a standard saw to match your exact tank height. The internal processor automatically adjusts to the new overall length.

What output signal should I choose for my GPS tracker?

For digital telematics units, RS485 Modbus or RS232 is recommended for sending precise digital fuel percentage and liter data. For traditional analog inputs or simple gauge readouts, standard 0–5V or 4–20mA options are available.

Can these sensors be used in water or conductive liquids?

The SFLS500 series is specifically optimized for non-conductive or weakly corrosive hydrocarbon liquids such as diesel, gasoline, biodiesel, kerosene, and hydraulic oil. For wastewater, chemicals, or conductive liquids, please refer to our SLS605 Universal Series.

Downloads

Auto-Calibrating Capacitive Fuel Level Probe | SFLS500 Series – Datasheet