Hydac ENS 3116-2-0205-400-K Electronic Level Switch

Capacitive level monitoring with temperature sensing in one probe

The Hydac ENS 3116-2-0205-400-K (HYDAC part number 909234) is an electronic level switch for hydraulic tanks. A ceramic capacitive probe measures the fluid level, and a built-in semiconductor sensor measures the oil temperature, so a single instrument can raise a low-level alarm and an over-temperature alarm. It has a four-digit LED display and two PNP transistor switching outputs, each assignable to either level or temperature.

The probe in this code is 20.5 inches (about 520 mm) long with an active zone of 15.35 inches. It fits through a 22 mm collar to a G22L cutting ring coupling.

Technical specifications

Settings and uses

Two menus hold the settings, with a programming lock against changes. The fluid type is chosen in the menu for oil or water, so the capacitive electronics calibrate to the medium. Switching points can use a switching-point function or a window function, with N/C or N/O direction and delays from 0.00 to 9999 seconds. A level offset function lets the zero be moved to a convenient tank reference. The display can show the actual level, the temperature, peak values or the switching points.

Code decoding

The datasheet pattern ENS 3 X 1 X – X – XXXX – 000 – K reads: the first digit after 3 chooses the temperature sensor (1 with, 2 without), 1 is the 22 mm collar, the following digit the plug (6 for four-pole M12x1), then the output model (2 is two switching outputs), the probe length 0205 (20.5 in), the 400 inch-based modification number and K for the ceramic probe. The USA datasheet gives dimensions in inches and the only tank pressure allowed is low, so this is for atmospheric-vented reservoirs only.

Check the tank depth against the 20.5 inch probe and keep the active zone clear of baffles and foam. Because water or oil is selected in the menu, recalibrate after changing the fluid grade.

Documents and quotation

The ENS 3000 datasheet (E 18.061.4) is attached. Please state the tank depth and the fluid. See also our level instrumentation range.

How the ENS 3116-2-0205-400-K works

The ceramic probe of the ENS 3116-2-0205-400-K forms part of a capacitor. As the fluid rises along the probe, the dielectric around it changes, and the measured capacitance changes with the immersed length. The electronics convert this capacitance into a level value in inches, show it on the LED display and compare it with the stored switching points. Because oil and water have very different dielectric properties, the fluid type is selected in the menu so that the evaluation matches the medium. The integrated semiconductor sensor measures the fluid temperature at the same time, which allows one instrument to monitor two important tank conditions.

There are no floats, reed contacts or moving parts, so there is nothing to stick in contaminated oil and nothing to wear. HYDAC states more than 100 million switching cycles for the transistor outputs.

Setting ranges for the 20.5 inch probe

For the 20.5 inch probe, the dimension drawing shows an inactive zone of about 1.34 in at the lower end and about 2.56 in at the upper end, and a total length of about 24.01 in including the housing. Plan the switching points inside the active zone only.

Pin connection

The ENS 3X16-2 uses a male M12×1 4-pole plug: pin 1 +UB, pin 2 switching output SP2, pin 3 0 V, pin 4 switching output SP1. Each output can carry up to 1.2 A, and reverse-polarity, excess-voltage, override and short-circuit protection are built in.

ENS 3116-2-0205-400-K selection & ordering guide

• Temperature sensor: 1 = with (as on this model), 2 = without.
• Mechanical connection: 1 = 22 mm collar for a G22L cutting ring coupling.
• Electrical connection and output: 6-2 = M12×1 4-pole with 2 switching outputs; 6-3 = 1 switching output plus 1 analogue output; 8-5 = 5-pole with 2 switching outputs and 1 analogue output; P-8 = 8-pole with 4 switching outputs and 2 analogue outputs (only with temperature sensor).
• Probe length: 0100 = 9.80 in, 0162 = 16.2 in, 0205 = 20.5 in, 0287 = 28.7 in.
• 400 = standard in inch; K = ceramic probe.

If your control system needs a continuous level signal (4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 V) instead of, or in addition to, the two switch contacts, choose an analogue output version, which needs an 18 to 35 V DC supply. With four switching outputs you can add warning levels in front of the minimum and maximum alarms, for example to warn of pump aeration before the low-level shutdown.

Installation & maintenance

• Install the probe vertically through the tank cover with the 22 mm collar and a G22L cutting ring coupling; connect the supplied M3 earth screw.
• The tank must be practically unpressurised: 7.25 psi maximum, 43.5 psi for less than one minute.
• Accuracy is specified for calm, non-turbulent fluid. Keep the probe away from the return-line outlet and from foam, or use a splash guard from the HYDAC accessories range.
• Respect the 32 to 140 °F fluid and operating temperature range.
• Clean the ceramic probe of sludge during tank service and check the level reading against a sight glass.

Typical applications in Oman & the GCC

The ENS 3000 is used primarily in hydraulics for level monitoring of tanks: hydraulic power units on presses and machine tools, lubrication units, mobile and offshore power packs, and test stands. Combining level and temperature monitoring in one penetration is useful on compact reservoirs where there is little room for separate instruments, and on plants in Oman and the GCC where high ambient temperatures make oil temperature supervision especially important.

Why source from Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies HYDAC level switches and sensors across Oman and the GCC. Request a quote for the ENS 3116-2-0205-400-K, and tell us the tank depth, fluid and required outputs; our team can help confirm the correct ordering code.