Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find the answer to your questions here, call us at +44 (0) 1256 320244 to speak with one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives. You may also fax us at +44 (0) 1256 473680, or send us an email at sales@gems-sensors.co.uk

General

• What is your REMIT TO address and bank details?
• What does it mean to be "Intrinsically Safe?"
• Can I buy directly from Gems?
• Can I obtain the scheduled ship dates for my orders online?
• Can I track shipped orders online?
• Is Gems Sensors & Controls ISO certified?
• Why is there only a 9" cable provided Part #201002 & #2011003?

CAP-300

• What percentage of water and or coolant is acceptable for the CAP-300?
• What is the function of the CAP-300?
• What is the signal output logic for the CAP-300?
• What electrical terminations are commonly offered for the CAP-300?
• Does the CAP-300 have circuit protection?
• If the composition of the coolant changes overtime, will the CAP-300 have to be recalibrated?
• Will the CAP-300 require maintenance?
• Will density, opacity and viscosity variation as well as the accumulation of debris and chemicals found in the common coolants impair the sensor’s ability to detect the presence or absence of the medium?
• Should I be concerned with moisture intrusion with the CAP-300?
• What approvals does the CAP-300 have?
• What is the delay time for the CAP-300?
• What is the best orientation and mounting for the CAP-300?
• Will the CAP-300 work for an oil application?
• What is the default dielectric constant for the CAP-300?
• What Is the Mean Time Between Failure rate for Cap-300?
• What is Failure Rate for Cap-300?

Capacatance Sensors

• How does a CAP 100, 200 work?
• Which CAP sensors are Nonintrusive sensors?
• Which CAP sensor must touch the liquid media?
• What is the best way to position the CAP Sensor and can it be mounted on the bottom of the tank?
• What other ways can the CAP 100 be mounted if not using the mounting holes?
• When should I use a shielded CAP sensor?
• When should I use an unshielded CAP sensor?
• Will CAP sensors be affected by humidity or moisture?
• Can the CAP sensor be calibrated in the factory?
• When would recalibration be necessary for CAP sensors?
• How do I reset the CAP sensor back to the factory setting?
• When mounting more than one shielded CAP sensors, how much space do you need between them?
• When mounting more than one unshielded CAP sensors, how much space do you need between them?
• When mounting more than one shielded or unshielded CAP sensors, how much space do you need between them if you want to mount them face to face?
• What is the MTBF for CAP-100?
• What approvals do the CAP-100 & CAP-200 have?
• Can more than 1 CAP sensor be wired in parallel or series?
• CAP-200 – the input voltage is 6-48 VDC. What would happen if I used 5 VDC?
• What is the diode part number that is referenced for inductive loads per the wiring diagram for a Cap-300?
• When would a diode be used?

Flow Sensors

• Can a flow switch handle more flow than the flow set point?
• Can a flow switch be mounted at an angle?
• Can a flow switch be cleaned?
• If I add a small diameter connector to my flow switch, will it affect the pressure drop?
• Why is filtration necessary?
• What is the difference between a flow switch and a flow sensor?
• Can flow switches be used for liquid or gas?
• Can flow rate monitors be used for liquid or gas?
• Are flow switches set on the rise or the fall?
• What does SPST or SPDT switch mean?
• What is the minimum pressure needed to operate a flow switch?
• Does viscosity make a difference?

Point Level Products

• What is the difference between Wet Sink and Dry Sink?
• What is meant by "CMOS/TTL logic?"
• What is the difference between "sinking" and "sourcing?"
• Can you connect more than one 12 volt Sinking Electro Optic Sensor to the Opto Pak Controller?
• Does Gems offer an optic sensor with a time delay?
• Will different liquid media affect the time delay for optic sensors?
• Is there a minimum current flow requirement for a standard 20VA reed switch?
• Is there a preferred mounting position for the ELS-1150 and ELS-1150XP Optical sensor?
• What is the diode part number that is referenced for inductive loads per the wiring diagram for an Optic sensor?
• What is the mating cable connector for a standard custom made LS-700 model type with a 2 pin connection?
• What is the mating cable connector for a standard custom made LS-700 model type with a 4 pin connection?
• What is the mating cable connector for a standard custom made LS-700 model type with a 5 pin connection?
• What is the standard thread callout for the mating connector on the LS-700 model type with optional pin connection?

Temperature

• Please clarify the Maximum temperature specification of 55 °F (25C) above set point for a PDTF temperature switch?

Ultrasonic

• Can I use the transmitter in a standpipe application?
• What is Relay output?
• What is the difference between the Relay and the FET?
• What is the difference between the three wire and two wire UCL-200 series units?
• What size cable should I use to wire a two wire level transmitter back to a relay controller?

Ultrasonic - Troubleshooting

• After programming my Ultrasonic Sensor, the output constantly reads 4mA, what should I do?
• No signal is being measured from the ULC-200 sensor?
• The display flickers or is blank, but the output is locked. Why?
• Why isn't the transmitter receiving a valid return signal?
• What if the output reading is different from the actual reading?
• Why is the green LED flashing on the UCL-210?
• Why is there a reading of LOST on the display?

Valves

• What is an isolation valve?
• What is a latching valve?
• What is the response time on a Gems solenoid valve?
• What does MOPD stand for?
• What is the standard operating temperature on a Gems solenoid valve?
• What is the difference in the coil classifications?
• Does Gems Sensors do customized valves?

Warrick Conductivity Level Products

• Can a 3H or 3B electrode be mounted horizontally?
• Should the sensitivity of my control be higher or lower in resistance than my liquid?