Simple, Cost Effective Level Sensor
TL400-I is a proven solution for measurement of liquid levels, including fuels. The non-intrusive sensor can be mounted to tanks of varying shapes and sizes, performing accurate measurements up to 4 metres distance with an accuracy of ±2mm. Installation is simple thanks to an industry standard M12 connector and free Bluetooth configuration tool, and the sensor comes complete with a gasket/seal kit. It's easy to install non-intrusively, compact and lightweight, runs on a wide 8-33V DC power supply range, and configures via Bluetooth with a free app using digital filters based on machine learning — allowing linearisation for any irregular tank geometry, and converting level into volume (litres, m3, gallons). It has a 150mm female M12 connection (2 cores power, 2 cores signal), is pressure rated to 6 bar, and comes with the standard 3 year Novus warranty.
Ideal for detecting liquids, grains, fluids and bulk solids in static and moving applications. The 4-20mA output can be configured to provide a proportional signal based on distance, level or volume. With a harmless pulsed laser beam it performs fifty measurements per second while an advanced algorithm calculates the exact level and converts it to volume in the desired units.
SigNow is the latest free software from Novus Automation for calibration and monitoring of sensor products. The TL400-I can be configured using a smartphone with the SigNow Mobile app (Apple and Android), or a Bluetooth-enabled laptop/computer using the SigNow PC version, downloadable from Novus Automation.
✅ 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty — backed by our UK-based technical support
Novus TL400 Datasheet Download
Technical Details
Measuring range: up to 4m. Measurement accuracy: ±2mm
Output signal: 4 to 20mA (TL400-I)
Connector type: 150mm cable with 4-pin male M12 connector
User interface: mobile device + SigNow Mobile app (Android and iOS)
Power supply: 8 to 33 Vdc. Power consumption: <70mA @12Vdc or <40mA @24Vdc
Electrical protection: against reverse polarity
Operating temperature: -20 to 80°C
Dimensions: Ø66 x 31mm
Mounting pattern: SAE 5 holes (standard) or 4 holes (accessory adapter flange)
Housing protection rating: IP68
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sensor detect water?
Yes — the sensor can reliably detect water.
What is the viewing angle and how can this assist me?
The viewing angle can be adjusted via software between 15-27 degrees. A narrow 15-degree angle helps avoid obstacles; a wider angle gives a better average measurement of a wide surface area.
How should the sensor be mounted?
It's important the sensor is mounted horizontally (completely level). Try to avoid reflections from different light sources, and mount away from physical obstacles — not too close to the tank wall or other obstructions.
Can the sensitivity be adjusted to avoid rapid fluctuations?
Yes — the Filter parameter can be adjusted to dampen or debounce the measurement. A recommended initial filter value of 10 gives a stable signal.
Does the sensor failsafe or provide any error signal?
You can set the sensor to provide a low or high level 4-20mA output in the event of an error.
Can the sensor cable be extended?
Yes — the cable can be extended with a female 4-pin M12 cable, widely used in industry and available from us here. When using a standard M12 4-pin sensor cable to extend the cabling, the final wire colours for termination are typically: Brown = +24V Supply In, Blue = 0V Supply In, White = mA Out +, Black = mA Out − (confirm with a multimeter if in doubt).
Industry Applications
- Fuel & Liquid Tank Monitoring — non-intrusive mounting suits tanks of varying shapes and sizes.
- Bulk Solids & Grain — laser measurement works on static and moving materials, not just liquids.
- Irregular Tank Geometry — linearisation converts raw distance readings into accurate volume.