A wide range of M12 connectors

M12 electrical connectors were designed for, and are primarily used in, factory automation applications for actuators, sensors, industrial ethernet, and Fieldbus – enabling secure signal and current transmission.

When it comes to finding a ready-to-connect cable, M12 connectors are very versatile and offer options for both cable-to-panel and cable-to-cable requirements.

Field-wireable cable connectors, also known as field-installable connectors, are essential components in engineering and electronics. These cable assemblies offer the user ultimate flexibility with wire termination choices including screw-clamp, solder, Insulation Displacement Connection (IDC), and crimp connection.

Moulded cable connectors boast a huge variety of options including single or double-ended variants, shielded or unshielded types, and a wide range of cable jackets including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Standard cable lengths for moulded types tend to be 2m, 5m, and 10m; however, any length is possible upon request.  

Panel connectors are typically used to connect the front panel buttons, LED, and USB ports to the pins on the motherboard. These are usually provided with dip-solder PCB contacts for mounting directly to the board or with pre-wired, and often potted, contacts. 

The portfolio of solutions boasts 3, 4, 5, 8, and 12-way layouts, with a current carrying capacity of up to 16A per contact and data transmission speeds of up to 10 Gbit per second.

M12 connectors are coded in various ways to avoid mis-mating and to fulfil customers’ demands in terms of international standards. The coding is offered by a variety of notches in the contact bearer, which determines the type.

Common M12 connector coding includes A, B, D, K, L, S, T, and X.

M12 connectors for specific applications

M12 connectors are found in many applications, including agriculture, alternative energy, communications, factory automation, measurement & control, robotics, and transportation.

While standard circular connectors come in handy for rugged computing in harsh environments, M12 electrical connectors are purposely designed for washdown and corrosive environments – protecting against loose connections and providing a waterproof seal.

To speak to us about your requirements, please call us on 01744 815001 or complete an enquiry form and our technical sales team will promptly assist.

Frequently asked questions

What are M12 connectors used for?

An M12 connector is a circular connector with a 12mm locking thread.

M12 electrical connectors are used predominantly in the factory automation setting, for actuators, sensors, industrial Ethernet, and Fieldbus applications.

An M12 connector for sensor and actuator cable assemblies is typically available in a straight or right-angled configuration. The latter is great for routing cables in tight spaces and preventing excessive bending.

M12 connectors are designed for use in washdown and corrosive environments and are ideal where compact, rugged, and reliable power, signal, and data connections are required. 

To find out more about M12 electrical connectors and their applications, don’t hesitate to contact Northern Connectors on 01744 815 001.

What are the advantages of using M12 electrical connectors in harsh environments?

M12 electrical connectors are often the go-to choice for automation technology and harsh outdoor or industrial environments, and it’s not without good reason.

Depending on which M12 connector you select, it will likely have an ingress protection (IP) code, such as IP20, IP65, IP67, and IP69.

Most of the M12 connectors we supply have an IP67 rating, which means they are protected against dust and temporary immersion up to 1m for 30 minutes.

Boasting a compact design, these coded connectors are an excellent choice for saving space. Surprisingly, they can withstand the harshest conditions – providing reliable connections even when subjected to shock and vibrations.

If you’d like to know more about the M12 electrical connectors we supply at Northern Connectors, speak to the team today.

Is an M12 connector waterproof?

Yes – all M12 connectors are waterproof to an extent.

They offer environmental protection against fluid and particulate ingress, making them a mainstay in rugged operations.

An IP65 M12 connector is sealed to prevent dust from entering and protect against water propelled from a nozzle. 

M12 electrical connectors with an IP67 rating, on the other hand, are dust-tight and provide protection against immersion up to 1m for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Get in touch for more information about the properties our M12 connectors offer.

How do I order M12 connectors?

Ordering M12 electrical connectors couldn’t be easier than at Northern Connectors. 

Browse our range of connectors in full and click through to find out more about the product’s specifications.

Feel free to check out the downloadable brochure to learn more about the M12 connectors we provide and their technical information.

Once you’ve decided on the perfect M12 connector for your needs, with the correct pin count, the next step is to request a quote. You can do so by clicking the ‘Quick Quote’ button on the right-hand side of your screen.

Alternatively, if you’d like an expert opinion before you purchase M12 connectors, you’re welcome to call us on 01744 815 001.