M8 & M12 Washdown Series
M23 Series
Two Way Distributors / T-Connectors Series
Push-Pull Miniature (440 Series)
UTS Series
M16 IP40 (581, 680, 682 Series)
UTO Series
UTG Series
UTP Series
UTL Series
Snap-in IP40 Subminiature (719, 709 Series)
Bayonet Subminiature (710 Series)
Push-Pull Subminiature (430 Series)
M9 IP40 (711 Series)
M9 IP67 (712, 702 Series)
Bayonet Miniature (678 Series)
M16 IP67 (423, 723, 425 Series)
Bayonet Power (690 Series)
M25 Power (691 Series)
HEC Power (696 Series)
RD30 Power (694 Series)
M5 (707 Series)
M8 A-Coded (768, 718 Series)
M12 A-Coded (713, 763 Series)
Circular Connectors From Northern Connectors
If your application involves high vibration, pressure, temperature variation, or electromagnetic interference, then our circular industrial connectors are built to cope.
Also known as circular interconnects or round connectors, circular connectors pair multi-pin inserts with a robust cylindrical housing. They join cable to cable, or cable to an enclosure in panel-mount versions, while keeping out moisture, dust, and contaminants that can cause equipment failure over time.
Depending on the series, they carry power, signals, data, or a combination of all three, which is why they are found in almost every area of industry.
Industrial Sectors
Circular connectors are widely used in the following industrial sectors:
Agriculture
Audio
Monitoring, measurement, & control
What are the Different Types of Circular Connectors?
Circular connectors are usually grouped by size, locking mechanism, and format – knowing what you need makes ordering simpler and faster.
Sizes and standards
- M8 connectors have an 8mm locking thread for compact sensors and actuators where space is tight
- M12 connectors are the most widely used industrial size, with coding options for sensors, power, and Ethernet
- M16 connectors offer a mid-size option for signal and power, and are most often used in measurement and control equipment
- M23 connectors are larger contacts for motors, drives, and encoders, in signal, power, and hybrid versions
- ⅞” connectors are imperial thread formats used for power distribution in fieldbus and automation networks
- M27 and M40 connectors are the largest sizes for higher contact counts and power transmission
Locking mechanisms
- Screw locking is a proven choice where vibration is constant
- Bayonet locking connects with a quick twist
- Push-pull locking latches automatically and releases if the outer sleeve is pulled
- Snap-in locking clicks into place for faster assembly
Formats
Panel-mount connectors fix to an enclosure or device, while field-wireable connectors are assembled on site onto your own cable.
Moulded cable assemblies arrive pre-wired and sealed, ready to plug in.
8-Pin Circular Connectors
8-pin circular connectors give you enough contacts for multi-channel signals or high-speed data, without moving up to a larger housing.
In the M12 format, A-coded 8-pin versions are most often used for sensors, encoders, and multi-signal devices. X-coded 8-pin versions support industrial Ethernet at up to 10 Gbit/s. Pin counts vary by series, so check each series page or ask our team to confirm which is right for your application.
What are the Benefits of Circular Connectors?
Circular connectors have become widely adopted across a range of industries due to their robust design, ease of use, broad range of configurations, and extreme versatility.
These qualities have made circular industrial connectors a standard choice across automation, energy, transport, and many other sectors:
- Easy to install and remove
- Compact designs
- Reliable and secure locking mechanisms
- Sealed ingress protection up to IP68 & IP69K
- Capable of housing various kinds of contact within the same shell
How to Connect Circular Connectors
Connecting circular connectors correctly protects the electrical contacts and the seal. Each series has its own instructions, but the process usually follows the same basic steps:
- Check compatibility – Both halves must share the same size, coding, and pin count, with one male (with pins) and one female (with sockets).
- Line up the keyway – Align the key or notch on the plug with the receptacle so the contacts meet in the right orientation.
- Push straight in – Insert the plug without twisting until the contacts are fully seated.
- Engage the lock – For screw types, tighten the coupling nut by hand or with the manufacturer’s recommended torque. Twist bayonet types until they click into place. Push-pull and snap-in types latch automatically.
- Check the seal – The stated IP rating only applies when the connector is fully mated or capped, so make sure the seal is well seated.
For field-wireable versions, first terminate the cable to the insert using the method specified for that series, such as a crimp, solder, screw, IDC, or spring clamp. Then assemble the housing and tighten the cable gland.
Lead Times for Circular Connectors
Here at Northern Connectors, we keep a large stock ready to process and deliver in a timely manner. All in-stock items are available for next-day delivery as standard, and any out-of-stock items are subject to individual manufacturers’ lead times.
Enquire today for a written quote, and we’ll let you know how soon you can expect delivery.
Order our Circular Industrial Connector Product Range
If you require high-quality circular connectors suitable for a comprehensive range of industrial applications, browse the wide selection on offer at Northern Connectors. We stock the very best circular connectors from the industry’s leading brands, delivering top-quality service every time.
Choose from a versatile range of robust, easy-to-use circular connectors from leading manufacturers, including Binder, Hirschmann, Hummel, Lumberg Automation, Mennekes, and Souriau. Our products include various types of locking mechanisms, termination methods, and configurations to suit your needs, and we can offer a quote for whatever you may need.
As an ISO 9001-certified business with more than 4 decades of industry experience as a trusted distributor of circular industrial connectors, we offer quality service from start to finish. We provide next-day delivery on in-stock items, a low minimum order value to suit your individual requirements, as well as flexible call-off and scheduled order arrangements, making the order process smooth, simple, and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you an affordable industrial connector cable supplier?
Northern Connectors offers a vast range of circular connectors, also known as circular interconnects. With such an extensive range of connectors available, we offer a bespoke quoting service for all orders to ensure competitive pricing.
All customers receive written confirmation of the price of their order, taking into account the quantity required, pack size/MOQ of the specific item, and availability, as well as any delivery particulars.
How do circular connectors work?
Circular industrial connectors use aligned contacts housed within a sealed shell. Once locked, this precision alignment helps maintain a stable electrical connection, which helps prevent misalignment or disconnection due to vibration or movement.
Which type of circular industrial connector do I need?
This depends on the application. Consider key factors such as environmental conditions, current and voltage requirements, pin count, IP rating, and the locking mechanism and mounting style.
Industrial automation will need connectors with high ingress protection and vibration resistance, but our technical team can advise on the best solution for your system.
What are circular connectors called?
Circular connectors are also known as circular interconnects, round connectors, or cylindrical connectors. In industry, they are often named by thread size, such as M8, M12, or M23, or by format, such as DIN or ⅞” connectors.
Why Choose Us?
At Northern Connectors, we combine an unbeatable range of circular connectors with industry-leading customer service. We work closely with many of the sector’s most trusted manufacturers to provide customers from all industries with the products they need, when they need them.
With more than 40 years of industry experience on our side, we are able to offer responsive, tailored customer support according to your requirements, and can advise you on any queries you might have. Here are some of the benefits of shopping with Northern Connectors:
Authorised Partner
of the industry’s leading manufacturers
Credit Accounts
to simplify the ordering process
Scheduled Orders
over a 12-month
period
Technical Expertise
in-house product
specialists
Personalised Support
designated Coordinators for your specific needs
Certification
ISO 9001 quality management system
What Connector Type Are You Looking For?
Easily find the connection type you need through the categories below:
Get in touch with our connector experts
With over 40 years experience in the industry, we're always happy to share our knowledge and help with connector solutions or product enquiries.
Whether you want to share your specs or already know the connector you require, we're here to advise.