A screw placed on the sensor allows regulation of the operating distance. This sensitivity regulation is useful in applications, such as detection of full containers and non-detection of empty containers. A waterproof protective housing is available. This housing is made of a non-toxic material (POM) and has a standard 1 1/2" GAS threaded fitting for mounting into a container. This housing permits a sensor to be rapidly removed for testing without the loss of material and protects the sensor from abrasion. The use of the housing can help to eliminate variation in the sensitivity of the sensor due to deposits of material. Capacitive proximity sensors use the variation of the parasitic capacity that develops between the sensor and the object being detected. When the object is at a preset distance from the sensitive side of the sensor, an electronic circuit inside the sensor begins to oscillate.