Capacitive touch sensors can be used, for example, as a start and stop button on machines, as enable switches and for opening and closing gates. Compared to mechanical switches the sensors operate without wear.
A distinction is made between the dynamic, stable and latching operating principle.
Dynamic touch sensors detect an approaching human hand and suppress interference such as water, layers of ice or foreign bodies to a large extent. However, a gloved hand will still trigger them.
Static touch sensors detect hands and objects even through glass for as long as the sensing face is covered which provides, for example, protection against vandalism.
With the latching operating principle it is possible to switch the sensor on by touching briefly and to switch it off again by touching briefly again. The housing is resistant to oils and it is also impact and scratch resistant.
Powerful LEDs as optical feedback signal that the sensor has been activated.