Project Hub /IoT & Connected Devices/Telemetry & Remote Logging/How Does a Contact-Less Liquid Level Sensor Work?

Beginner

ARDUINO

₹500 – ₹1,500

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

How Does a Contact-Less Liquid Level Sensor Work?

Learn how the XKC-Y26-V capacitive contactless liquid level sensor works and how to interface it with an Arduino for reliable, non-intrusive fluid level detection.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

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Water Level / Float Sensor
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How It Works

The XKC-Y26-V capacitive contactless liquid level sensor operates on the principle of electric field sensing. When the sensor is securely attached to the outside of a non-metallic container or pipe, it establishes a localized electrostatic field. Because liquids typically have a higher dielectric constant than air, the presence of fluid inside the container alters the capacitance detected by the sensor's internal circuitry. The sensor continuously measures this capacitance change. When the liquid level reaches the height of the mounted sensor, the threshold is crossed, causing the output signal state to transition. This digital signal is then read by the Arduino Uno board through a connecting wire. By processing this input state in the Arduino IDE, the system can determine whether fluid is present at that specific height without ever coming into physical contact with the liquid itself, making it ideal for monitoring sensitive, corrosive, or high-temperature fluids.

Why Build This

Design automated pump control systems for experimental fluid setups without risking mechanical wear or corrosion.

Implement remote telemetry and logging for chemical liquid tanks and industrial containers in undergraduate engineering labs.

Monitor fluid levels in boilers and sealed non-metallic vessels where traditional intrusive probes would compromise containment.

Real-World Application

Automatic pump control systems, chemical liquid tanks, boilers, and industrial container fluid monitoring where contact with corrosive or boiling liquids should be avoided.

Skills You'll Learn

Capacitive sensing principles

digital input signal acquisition

non-intrusive transducer interfacing

microcontroller GPIO configuration

basic industrial automation logic

Safety Precautions

Ensure correct power supply wiring (5V-24V as specified for the sensor) to prevent damage to the module or microcontroller.

Technology Tags

CAPACITIVE SENSOR

XKC-Y26-V

LIQUID LEVEL DETECTION

ARDUINO

MICROCONTROLLER

NON-CONTACT SENSING

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a non-metallic container required for this sensor?

Metallic containers block or distort the electrostatic field, preventing the capacitive sensor from reliably detecting the dielectric changes caused by the liquid inside.

Does the sensor need to be placed inside the liquid?

No, the XKC-Y26-V is a contactless sensor designed to be mounted externally against the outside wall of the pipe or container.

What software is needed to program the Arduino Uno for this project?

You will need the Arduino IDE installed on your computer to write, compile, and upload the code that reads the digital state of the sensor.

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This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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