A method and apparatus is invented that provides unambiguously detection of the charge and proximity to an object. The method and apparatus are passive and function by using the background electric fields from electrical power wiring and equipment. The invention is useful for detecting plastic and other charged objects concealed by nonconductive covering materials. Applications of this lead to plastic detectors to scan people and cargo for dangerous dielectric items similar to metal detectors. It is also useful to warn of hazards due to static electricity buildup on objects or individuals. The technology also offers touchless control capability of computers, apparatus, and games, with plastic objects such as pointers, styluses, swords, sticks, and wands. The sensors are able to detect motion while discerning between proximity to bodies with dielectric or plastic objects. It is also useful for providing people, robots, and machines with obstacle avoidance, and vision capabilities. Medial imaging possibilities also exist with the technology of this invention.