IEC metric screw sized connectors
IEC metric screw sized connectors is a family of electrical connectors defined by IEC that are named according to their ISO metric screw thread, namely M5, M8 and M12.[1] The number gives their outer screw thread diameter in millimeters as with the identically named screws. However, the connectors are further classified by a so-called coding, denoted by one or more letters, which defines things like pin layout, shape of connecting surfaces and electrical properties.[2][3]
The many types are partly to prevent incorrect connection.[2] The larger connector sizes are the most varied, with designated connectors ranging from analog and digital signals to AC and DC power.[4]
Major uses include factory automation and transportation.[2] Products can be had that can keep out weather and chemicals (high IP rating)[2] and are mechanically durable.[1]
Standard listing
- IEC 61076-2-101 M12 connectors with screw-locking: M12 A, B, C, D and P-coding
- IEC 61076-2-104 M8 connectors with screw-locking or snap-locking: M8 A and B-coding
- IEC 61076-2-105 M5 connectors with screw-locking: M5 (only A-coding defined)
- IEC 61076-2-109 M12 connectors with screw-locking for data transmission frequencies up to 500 MHz: M12 X and H-coding
- IEC 61076-2-111 M12 power connectors with screw-locking: M12 E, F, K, L, M, S, T-coding
- IEC 61076-2-113 M12 connectors with screw locking, power and signal contacts for data transmission frequencies up to 100 MHz: M12 Y-coding[5]
- IEC 61754-27 M12-FO (fiber optic)
Variants
| Coding | Pins | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| A | 3-5 (⁙)[5] | DC power, sensors, actuators, 1 Gb/s Ethernet[3][1] |
| 8[5] | ||
| 12[5] | ||
| 17[5] | ||
| B | 5[5] | non-Ethernet fieldbus connections, commonly Profibus[3][1] |
| C | AC power, including motor connections[3] | |
| D | 4[5] | Industrial Ethernet protocols such as Profinet and EtherNet/IP; only Fast Ethernet (100 Mb/s) because of its two wire pairs.[3] |
| X | 8[5] | 10 Gb/s Ethernet[3][1][5] |
| Y | 8[5] | Power + 100 Mb/s Ethernet[5] |
| S | 2 + PE[6] | AC power (single phase)[6] |
| S | 3 + PE[6] | AC power (3-phase delta)[6] |
| K | 4 + PE[6] | AC power (3-phase wye)[6] |
| M | 5 + PE[6] | 3-phase motor + auxiliary wire pair[6] |
| T | 4[6] | DC power[6] |
| L | 4 + FE[6] | |
| FO | 2 optical + 2 electric |
References
- ^ a b c d e "Industrial Ethernet Connector Round-Up". Fluke Networks. 16 January 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
When it comes to industrial Ethernet, M12 and M8 connectors are by far the most popular and universally adopted for industrial control systems. They come in a variety of pin counts with the 4- or 8-pin varieties required for Ethernet and they can be used with twisted-pair category cable, from category 5e to fully shielded category 7A. (…) A-coded M12 connectors used primarily for sensors and actuators can support 1 Gbps Ethernet, B-coded connectors are for Profibus applications, and C-coded connectors are used for AC power. For industrial Ethernet, 4-pin D-coded can support 100 Mbps Ethernet, but X-coded connectors with 8-pin counts and superior shielding are gaining ground as they can support higher-speed Ethernet up to 10 Gbps when used with category 6A or higher cabling. And when it comes to PoE, the 4-pin M12 can support Type 1 PoE, while the 8-pin M12 is required for Type 2 and above. (…) Like the M12, M8 connectors are also coded with the 4-pin D-coded connectors supporting 100 Mbps and Type 1 PoE and the 8-pin version supporting up to 10 Gbps and Type 2 and above PoE. While RJ-45 connectors are the de facto interface for Ethernet, and they are available in ruggedized versions for harsher environments, M12 and M8 locking connectors are far more durable and better designed to handle the ongoing vibration of industrial equipment since they are locked into place.
- ^ a b c d "What does the coding mean on M12 connectors?". 2021-05-26. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f "Need an M12 Connector? Don't Forget to Ask about Coding!". 2021-03-26. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- ^ "Circular connectors M5 to M12 Product overview 2018/2019" (PDF). Phoenix Contact. 2018-08-01. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Coding of M12 Cordsets" (PDF). Murrelektronik. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Get amped with M12 Power!". Phoenix Contact. Retrieved 27 December 2021.