Automation Canada Machine Safety Issue May 2021 - 26

That's a lot of M12 codings to digest! Let's try to make it a little easier by categorizing them by application and the four most common M12 connectors
we work with every day at Murrelektronik.
POWER & I/O SIGNAL CONNECTIONS
A-Coded connectors with 3 to 5 poles are definitely the most common type of M12 connector. They are mostly used to provide power (4A max) and
signal connections for sensors, pneumatic or hydraulic valves, IO-Link devices and many other 24VDC devices.
NETWORKING & DATA CONNECTIONS
D-Coded connectors with 4 poles are oſten used to connect field devices like I/O modules, VFDs and valve manifolds to an Ethernet, Profinet or
Ethercat network up to 100 Mbit/s.
X-Coded connectors with 8 poles are used to connect newer, faster field devices like vision systems, scanners and high-speed actuators to networks
capable transferring data up to 10 Gbit/s.
DC POWER TRANSMISSION
L-Coded connectors with 4 or 5 poles are fast becoming the new standard for power connectors. While smaller than traditional 7/8 " connectors,
L-Coded connectors are capable carrying more current (16A) which enables more power for high current applications and also enables more devices
to be connected on a single power cable run.
That covers the four main types of M12 connector you will come across. What about those other six M12 connector types?
Well, we rarely work on Profibus or Interbus applications anymore, so B-Coded connectors are not something we run into oſten here in Canada and
it's been more 10 years since I've worked on an AC application requiring a C-Coded connector so that leaves the K, S, T and Y coded connectors.
These four connectors are still relatively new and have not yet been widely integrated into many industrial devices yet, so as of spring 2021, we are
not seeing any real demand for these types of connectors. That's not to say you will not come across devices using them, or their popularity will not
increase in the near future but it's just good to know about them.
With its proven reliability, compact size, IP67 (and IP69K) protection, multiple contact options, and a current rating of up to 16A, the M12 connector
is probably the most versatile industrial connector in the world, and I suspect it will remain that way for many more years.
Until next month, have fun decoding all those M12 connectors out there and if you need help choosing the right connector for your device or
application, don't hesitate to reach out to us here at Murrelektronik Canada.
For more information, visit www.murr.ca.
CANADIAN AUTOMATION
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3
26

http://www.murr.ca

Automation Canada Machine Safety Issue May 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automation Canada Machine Safety Issue May 2021