NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

What aspect of the environment do capacitance proximity detectors monitor?

1. Sound levels

2. Temperature changes

3. Touching of metal objects

4. Pressure on mat surfaces

The correct answer is: Touching of metal objects

Capacitance proximity detectors are specifically designed to monitor the presence of objects based on their capacitance. These detectors work by measuring changes in the electrical field around a conductor. When metal objects come close to the detector, they alter the capacitance, allowing the detector to sense their presence without direct contact. Choosing the presence of metal objects as the focus aligns directly with the function of capacitance proximity detectors. This ability to detect objects through changes in capacitance is pivotal for various applications, especially in environments where contact with sensors needs to be minimized. In contrast, monitoring sound levels, temperature changes, or pressure on mat surfaces would pertain to different sensor technologies. Sound levels are monitored by acoustic sensors, temperature changes by thermocouples or thermistors, and pressure on mat surfaces by pressure sensors or switches. Each of these alternatives has its distinct sensors and methods of operation, which do not overlap with the primary function of capacitance proximity detectors.