What does the coding mean on M12 connectors?

M12 connectors are circular connectors with a 12-mm locking thread used for sensors, actuators, Fieldbus and industrial Ethernet, primarily in factory automation applications. Often with ratings ofIP65, IP68 and IP69K, they are ideal for wash down and corrosive environments.

The M12 family can be found in many applications such as factory automation, measurement and control, communications, food and beverage, transportation, agriculture, robotics and alternative energy.

When it comes to specific applications, users must select the right pin count. For sensors and power applications, 3 and 4 pins are required. Profinet and Ethernet use 4 and 8 pin counts. And Fieldbus, CANbus and DeviceNet primarily use 4 and 5 pin counts. Finally, specify 12 pins for signal requirements.

Several styles of coding exist in M12 connectors. This coding prevents incorrect mating on products. In addition, shielding is available in most coded M12 connectors. For example, X-coded connectors are specifically shielded by the design of their coding.

The most common types of coding include:

M12 A coding

-Screw locking according to DIN EN 61076-2-101

-Pre-molded with cables or soldered with single wires for immediate use

-Sealed on the single wire side for optimum leak-tightness

-Panel mount receptacles: rear/front mount, vertical/angled

-Versions: 4, 5, 8, pins and 12, 17 pins in high-density

-Easy field assembly cable type available

-Solder/ dip-solder PCB/screw connection

-Versions with shielding available

-Degree of protection IP67

-Customer specific assemblies and single wire lengths available

M12 B coding

-Screw locking according to DIN EN 61076-2-101

- Pre-molded with cables or soldered with single wires for immediate use

-Sealed on the single wire side for optimum leak-tightness

-Panel mount receptacles: rear/front mount

-Version: 5 pins

-For signal or data transmission

-Easy field assembly cable type available

-Solder/ dip-solder PCB/screw connection

- Excellent EMC shielding

-Angled connector adjustable

-Degree of protection IP67

-Customer specific assemblies and single wire lengths available

M12 D coding

-Screw locking according to DIN EN 61076-2-101/109

--Pre-molded with cables or soldered with single wires for immediate use

-Sealed on the single wire side for optimum leak-tightness

-Panel mount receptacles: rear/front mount

-Version: 4 pins

- For Data Transmission up to 100 Mbit, CAT 5

-Easy field assembly cable type available

-Solder/ dip-solder PCB/screw connection

- Excellent EMC shielding

-Angled connector adjustable

-Degree of protection IP67

-Customer specific assemblies and single wire lengths available

M12 X coding

-Specified for Ethernet

-Pre-molded with cables or soldered with single wires for immediate use

-Sealed on the single wire side for optimum leak-tightness

-Panel mount receptacles: rear/front mount, vertical/angled

-Version: 8 pins

- For Data Transmission up to 10Gbps, CAT 6a

-Easy field assembly cable type available

-Solder/ dip-solder PCB/Crimp connection

- Excellent EMC shielding

-Degree of protection IP67

-Customer specific assemblies and single wire lengths available

M12 Y coding

-Hybrid for power and signal transmission

-Pre-molded with cables or soldered with single wires for immediate use

-Sealed on the single wire side for optimum leak-tightness

-Panel mount receptacles: rear/front mount

-Version: 8 pins

-Up to 100 Mbps transmission speed

-Currents up to 6 A

-Solder/ dip-solder PCB connection

-Excellent EMC shielding

-Degree of protection IP67

-Customer specific assemblies and single wire lengths available

M12 T coding

-Screw locking according to DIN EN 61076-2-111

-Pre-molded with cables or soldered with single wires for immediate use

-Sealed on the single wire side for optimum leak-tightness

-Panel mount receptacles: rear/front mount

-Version: 4pins

-Power supply up to 63 V DC/12 A

-Solder/ dip-solder PCB connection

-Degree of protection IP67

-Customer specific assemblies and single wire lengths available

M12 S coding

-Screw locking according to DIN EN 61076-2-111

-Pre-molded with cables or soldered with single wires for immediate use

-Sealed on the single wire side for optimum leak-tightness

-Panel mount receptacles: rear/front mount

-Versions with 3pins (2+PE)

-Power supply up to 630 V AC/12 A

-Solder/ dip-solder PCB connection

-Degree of protection IP67

-Customer specific assemblies and single wire lengths available

M12 K coding

-Screw locking according to DIN EN 61076-2-111

-Pre-molded with cables or soldered with single wires for immediate use

-Sealed on the single wire side for optimum leak-tightness

-Panel mount receptacles: rear/front mount

-Versions with 5pins (4+PE)

-Power supply up to 630 V AC/12 A

-Solder/ dip-solder PCB connection

-Degree of protection IP67

-Customer specific assemblies and single wire lengths available

If you are in need of any M12 connectors for your network cables, just contact us. You can always count on us for the best products and services per time.