5V Optical Infrared Water Level Sensor (Low-Current Module)
The 15ma 5v optical infrared water liquid level sensor is a low-current photoelectric point-level sensor module for water tanks, 작은 저수지, 가전 제품, test equipment, and MCU-based liquid detection systems. Buyers usually verify four items first: 5V DC supply, approximately 15mA current draw, NPN 오픈 컬렉터 출력, and direct MCU input compatibility. HojellyTek supplies optical water level sensors from Shenzhen with OEM/ODM support for housing material, 케이블, 커넥터, 장착, 출력 구성.
Low-Current 5V Optical Water Level Sensor Capabilities
This 5V infrared optical water level sensor is designed for single-point liquid presence detection. It does not measure continuous tank height; it confirms whether liquid has reached the sensor tip position. For buyers comparing a standard 광학 레벨 센서 with a compact PCB-friendly module, the key value is fast, contactless optical switching at a defined level point.
Typical project use cases include:
- Water tank low-level or high-level detection
- Small appliance reservoir protection
- Smart dispenser and humidifier liquid detection
- Laboratory device liquid presence sensing
- Pump dry-run protection input
- Embedded MCU water detection modules
- OEM smart tank products using gateway, 와이파이, 투야/스마트 라이프, or local controller logic
The module is suitable when the control board already works on 5V logic and the buyer wants a low-current sensor input without adding a relay, float arm, or mechanical moving part.
Electrical Specs Buyers Verify First
For this product type, the most important buying decision is not the appearance of the sensor; it is whether the electrical output matches the controller. A low-current 5V optical infrared sensor is usually selected because it can be powered from the same regulated 5V rail as the MCU board.
| Electrical Item | 사양 / Buyer Check |
|---|---|
| 공급 전압 | 5V DC |
| Current draw | Approximately 15mA |
| 센싱 방법 | Infrared photoelectric optical sensing |
| 출력 유형 | NPN 오픈 컬렉터 출력 |
| Controller compatibility | Direct MCU input compatible when pull-up and logic level are correctly designed |
| 탐지 모드 | Point-level wet/dry detection |
| Signal use | Digital level input for alarm, 펌프 제어, tank status, or embedded logic |
| Wiring check | VCC 확인, GND, and signal line before powering the sensor |
The NPN open-collector output is especially important. It is not the same as a push-pull output. In many MCU circuits, the output line needs a pull-up to the controller’s logic voltage. When the sensor switches, the output transistor pulls the signal line low or releases it, depending on the wet/dry state and circuit design. 주문하기 전, buyers should confirm the expected output logic with the control board firmware.
For a hands-on microcontroller wiring explanation, use our Arduino optical sensor guide. This product page focuses on specification selection, not Arduino programming.
How the Infrared Optical Tip Detects Water

The sensing principle uses an infrared LED, 광트랜지스터 수신기, and a transparent optical prism tip. 건조 상태에서, 적외선 빛은 프리즘 내부에서 반사되어 수신기로 돌아옵니다. 프리즘이 액체에 젖을 때, 굴절 조건이 변합니다, 그래서 수신기로 돌아오는 빛이 줄어듭니다. The circuit converts that optical change into an electrical output.
This is why optical sensors are different from float switches. There is no magnet, 리드 스위치, 경첩, or moving float. The sensor responds to the optical condition at the tip. That makes it useful in compact tanks, narrow spaces, and equipment where a moving float could jam, 막대기, or become noisy.
그렇지만, the buyer must check the detection liquid. Clean water is the most common target for this 5V module, but real-world liquids can behave differently. 거품, 거품, heavy scaling, thick oil films, 응축, or sticky residue on the optical tip may delay or disturb detection. If the liquid is not clean water, share the medium name, temperature condition, 청소 방법, and whether residue is expected.
차원, Housing Material and Mounting Choices
Compact 5V optical water level modules are often used where space is limited. Dimensions should be confirmed from the product drawing before purchase because tank wall thickness, 나사산 길이, 케이블 출구 방향, and sealing area all affect installation.
HojellyTek can support optical sensor structures for different OEM projects, including plastic-bodied modules, compact sensor heads, 그리고 맞춤형 케이블 조립체. For very tight equipment layouts, 구매자들은 저희 리뷰도 할 수 있습니다 마이크로 광학 센서 옵션.
Common wetted-material choices include:
- 공공 주민 주거 for general water and appliance applications
- PTFE 차체 for chemically aggressive liquid environments
- 316 스테인리스 스틸 하우징 for stronger mechanical protection or industrial tanks
- Glass sensing tip for selected high-cleanliness or special media requirements
Material selection should follow the liquid, cleaning chemical, 온도 노출, 기계적 응력, and sealing method. A low-current 5V electrical design does not automatically mean the same housing works for every liquid.
Panel and Inline Mounting Notes
Panel mounting is the most common approach. The sensor tip passes through a tank wall or panel opening, and the optical tip is positioned at the required level point. The buyer should confirm:
- Sensor tip direction
- 탱크 벽 두께
- Thread or locking-nut requirement
- Seal position
- 케이블 출구 방향
- Whether the sensor is installed from inside or outside the tank
- Whether the liquid level rises slowly, splashes, or creates foam near the sensing point
Inline mounting is different. Instead of being mounted directly into a tank wall, the sensor may be placed in a small liquid path, 튜브, 챔버, or transparent/opaque flow section. For inline use, the buyer should provide a drawing of the fluid path so the factory can review whether the optical tip will be fully exposed to the liquid and whether trapped air bubbles may affect detection.
Quick-Test Checklist Before Production Use

Before moving to batch production, test the module with the real control board and real liquid condition.
- Confirm power first
Supply the sensor with stable 5V DC and verify the current draw is suitable for the controller power budget. - Check wiring order
VCC 확인, GND, and NPN signal output before connection. Incorrect wiring can damage the module or create false output. - Verify output logic
Test dry state and wetted state with a multimeter or MCU input. Confirm whether the firmware expects active-low or active-high behavior. - Test the actual liquid
Do not rely only on clean water if the final product uses detergent, 냉각수, oil-water mixture, chemical solution, or liquid with residue. - Test mounting position
Install the sensor in the real tank wall or chamber position. Check splashing, 거품, 응축, and whether the optical tip is fully exposed. - Run repeated wet/dry cycles
Cycle the liquid level multiple times to confirm repeatability before approving the sensor for production.
5-Step OEM Supply Process
- 조사
목표 액체를 보내세요, 공급 전압, 출력 유형, 장착 방법, cable length preference, 그리고 지원서 사진 또는 도면. - 사양 및 커스터마이징 리뷰
Our team confirms the 5V, approximately 15mA, NPN open-collector requirement and reviews housing material, 커넥터, 도장, 설치 제약 조건. - 샘플 확인
Sample units can be prepared for electrical, 액체, and mechanical fit testing before batch approval. - 생산 및 품질 관리
The factory checks electrical function, optical response, 배선, housing condition, 그리고 고객 특화 구성. - Export and shipping support
HojellyTek exports optical liquid level sensors to US, 우린, 인도, and other markets with support by WhatsApp and email.
Ordering Requirements to Share With the Factory
To quote the correct version, send these details:
| 요구 | 왜 중요한가 |
|---|---|
| 액체형 | Confirms optical detection reliability and wetted material |
| 공급 전압 | This page focuses on 5V DC modules |
| Current budget | Confirms suitability for approximately 15mA sensor draw |
| 출력 요구사항 | NPN open collector is standard for this selection; PNP or 4–20 mA can be reviewed for other projects |
| 장착 방식 | Panel, tank wall, 챔버, or inline installation |
| 주택 재료 | PSU, PTFE, 316 스테인리스 스틸, or glass options depend on the liquid |
| 케이블 / 커넥터 | Needed for OEM assembly and serviceability |
| Controller type | MCU, PLC input board, IoT 모듈, or appliance control PCB |
5V vs 12V vs Micro Optical Sensor Options
| 선택 | 최고 | 구매자 노트 |
|---|---|---|
| 5V low-current optical module | MCU boards, 가전 제품, compact water detection | Choose when 5V supply and direct digital input are preferred |
| 12V optical sensor | Industrial controls and 12V systems | Better when the control cabinet or machine already uses 12V power |
| Micro optical sensor | Very small reservoirs and tight OEM layouts | Review drawing and mounting depth carefully |
| 316 스테인리스 / PTFE versions | Industrial or chemical liquid projects | Select based on liquid compatibility and mechanical environment |
왜 HojellyTek을 선택해야 하나요
HojellyTek은 광전 광학 액체 수평 감지에 중점을 둔 선전의 제조업체이자 수출업체입니다. 우리 사내 R&D team supports sensor structure selection, OEM/ODM 맞춤화, cable and connector matching, and application review for water, 기기, 전차, and industrial liquid detection projects.
Buyers work with us when they need factory-direct support instead of only a generic module listing. We help confirm the electrical interface, 액체 호환성, mounting approach, and production test requirements before the order is finalized.
FAQ
Is the 15ma 5v optical infrared water liquid level sensor a continuous level sensor?
아니요. It is a point-level sensor. It detects whether liquid is present at the optical tip position. For continuous tank height measurement, a different sensor structure is required.
Can the 5V optical water level sensor connect directly to an MCU?
네, when the MCU input circuit is designed for an NPN open-collector signal with the correct pull-up and logic expectation. Always test wet and dry output states before production.
What liquid can this optical infrared sensor detect?
Clean water is the most common target. Other liquids should be tested because foam, 잔류, 유화 필름, 거품, or heavy contamination can affect the optical tip response.
Does the sensor need a relay?
Not for most MCU input designs. The NPN open-collector output is normally used as a digital signal input. A relay is only needed if the wider control system requires one.
Can I order a different output type?
네. This page focuses on the 5V, approximately 15mA, NPN open-collector module. For PNP, 아날로그, 4–20 mA, or other interface needs, send your controller specification for review.
Can this sensor be used for inline mounting?
네, inline use can be reviewed if the liquid path allows the optical tip to contact the liquid properly. Send the chamber, 튜브, or flow-path drawing before ordering.
견적 요청
액체 타입을 보내세요, 5V controller details, output logic requirement, 장착 도면, cable or connector preference, 그리고 예상 주문량. HojellyTek can review the specification and provide a suitable low-current 5V optical infrared water level sensor quotation by WhatsApp or email.