M12 A-Coded Series
M12 A-Coded (713, 763 Series)
M12 Series
M12 Stainless Steel Series
M12 Power Series
M12 X-Coded Series
M8 & M12 Washdown Series
M12-B Coded (715, 766 Series)
M12 D-Coded / M12 X-Coded (825, 876 Series)
M12 A-Coded Food & Beverage Series
Hirschmann M12 A-Coded Cable Connectors (E-Series)
M12 S-Coded / M12 K-Coded (814, 824 Series)
M12 T-Coded / M12 L-Coded (813, 823 Series)
What Are M12 Connectors Used For?
M12 electrical connectors are primarily designed for use in factory automation applications for actuators, sensors, industrial Ethernet, and Fieldbus networks – 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.
Alternative Types of M12 Connectors
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 in wire termination choices, including screw-clamp, solder, Insulation Displacement Connection (IDC), and crimp connections.
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.
This 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.
The Benefits of M12 Connector Systems
Compact design – Thanks to its small footprint, an M12 connector lends itself perfectly to industrial applications with space constraints.
Ease of installation – Designed for quick and easy assembly, a screw-locking mechanism ensures a secure connection, reducing the risk of disconnection caused by external factors.
Versatility – With various codes catering to different needs, these connectors can address various connectivity requirements, including AC and DC power transfer and industrial Ethernet applications.
Robustness – Rugged and reliable, M12 connectors offer high resistance to shock, vibration, temperature variations, and exposure to dust and water.
Convenience – Some connectors within this range feature innovative push-pull technology, making it easier to integrate devices, secure them, and save time. Whether you need a sturdy male connector or the corresponding female connectors, our connectivity solutions can be tailored to your specifications.
Types and Uses of M12 Connectors and Their Uses
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.
So, what are the different M12 coding types?
A-coded: Actuators, sensors, and motors
B-coded: Network cables for Fieldbus systems
C-coded: AC sensors and actuators
D-coded: Ethernet applications (high-speed data transfer up to 100Mb)
K-coded: AC power transmission
L-coded: DC power transmission
S-coded: Power transmission (a newer variant of C-coded)
T-coded: Power transmission(a newer variant of A-coded)
X-coded: Ethernet applications (high-speed data transfer to 10Gb)
Are M12 connectors standardised?
M12 connectors are very highly standardised, offering a reliable, non-proprietary, and easy-to-find option for industrial automation and sensors.
The coding system is integral to this standardisation, and covers the pin count, shape of keys/notches, and applications. Included in this is input from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which ensures standardisation through outlined geometries and pin arrangements.
This allows purchasers to rest assured that all M12 connectors in each coding type will have the same specifications.
What is the difference between A-coded and B-coded M12 connectors?
Designed to accommodate different tasks, there are many differences between the A-coded and B-coded M12 connector types. This includes their physical keyway orientation and pin count.
An A-coded M12 connector includes 2 – 12 pins and a standard single keyway, while a B-coded M12 connector has a reversed keyway and 4 – 5 pins.
M12 Connectors for Specific Applications
M12 connectors are found in everything from agriculture, alternative energy, communications, and transportation to factory automation applications, measurement & control, and robotics.
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.
How Do I Order M12 Connectors?
Ordering M12 electrical connectors couldn’t be easier than at Northern Connectors.
Our range of M12 connectors includes male and female connectors with straight or right-angled connection options.
Browse our range of connectors in full and click through to find out more about the product’s specifications.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect M12 connector with the correct pin count for your needs, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are M12 Connectors Used For?
An M12 connector is a circular connector with a 12mm locking thread, widely recognised for its compact size and excellent durability.
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?
In the vast realm of connectivity solutions, 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 and, more importantly, how you can benefit from them, speak to the team today.
Are M12 Connectors 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.
What size is M12 as standard?
M12 connectors have a 12mm diameter with a 1mm thread pitch. This robust, waterproof connection meets IP65 or IP67 standards.
What is the difference between male and female M12 connectors?
As with most connectors or cables that have male and female types, M12 connectors that are male have pins or plugs, while the female equivalents have sockets or receptacles.
However, there is also a difference in the thread type, as males have external threads while females have internal threads.
To ensure a functional connection, you must always use a male M12 connector and a female M12 connector with the same keying or coding – for example, a female B-coded connector with a male B-coded connector.
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
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