Waterproof Quick Disconnect Wire Connectors
Waterproof connectors provide a quick and safe way of interconnecting equipment in installations that require full protection against moisture. They also offer mechanical coding, which eases their interconnection and minimizes possible mistakes.
These waterproof outdoor wire connectors are perfect for marine deep cycle battery terminals or wiring extensions on Swamp Eye Submersible Lights. They eliminate the need to solder or crimp in confined spaces, making them much easier and safer than traditional electrical connectors.
M12 Power Cords
M12 connectors are used in industrial robotic and automation equipment to connect sensing, actuating, and power connections. They use a 12-mm locking thread and feature coupling nuts that screw into the mating connectors. The connections are sealed to resist washdown and corrosive conditions, and they can be safely used in wet environments as well.
The 9.5-mm round M12 connectors have pin arrays of three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine electrical connectors. They come in a range of colors and combinations, and their design prevents misconnections with visually similar mini-DIN connectors. M12s are also available in push-pull options that eliminate the need for tools and allow for more compact connections.
You can find a variety of pre-made M12 cables, or you can use them to make your own. For example, ShowMeCables M12A5PVC includes molded M12 connectors in a waterproof PVC jacket for reliable, flexible connections. This cable supports ethernet and fieldbus connections, and it’s suitable for use in harsh-industrial and outdoor environments.
The M12 connector standard was developed in 1982 and is still widely used today in robotic and automation equipment to connect power, data, and signals. These circular connectors are governed by an international standard (IEC 61076-2-010) and use an interference fit to prevent accidental disconnections. They have a variety of codings to suit different applications and are available with a choice of male or female coupling nuts.
M12 Splices
M12 Splices are a versatile option for applications where users need both small signal connections and the power of larger, heavier contacts. These permanent, robust connectors can withstand harsh environments with temperature extremes, radiation, rough handling, chemicals and other threats. Splice-on connectors can be installed with waterproof quick disconnect wire connectors automated tools that notify technicians when a successful fusion is achieved, eliminating the need for manual installer skill and removing the potential for error.
Unlike traditional wiring setups, which can take hours to troubleshoot and fix, M12 connections allow workers to replace components quickly and easily, cutting down on downtime and improving productivity. They are also safer than bare wire connections and provide greater flexibility to configure systems.
The M12 connector system consists of a round connector with a 12-mm locking thread on each end, designed to fit into mating receptacles. These connectors are used primarily in factory automation designs to connect actuators, sensors and other devices. They can withstand washdown and corrosive conditions and feature different waterproof wiring connectors pin counts depending on the application. M12 A-coded connectors are best for sensors and other devices that run on ac power; M12 K-coded connectors are commonly used for industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus; and M12 L-coded connectors, with four or five pins plus a functional earth pin, can handle DC connections.
M12 connectors are available in a variety of mounting options, including screw-type and bayonet styles. Some are shielded to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI), which can interfere with communication between connected equipment. Keying and color coding are also available for more precise identification of mating connectors, as well as LED and keying indicators that display the status of a connection.
M12 Cords with Inspection Window
M12 connectors are part of a larger trend in machine and factory automation toward simple, modular cabling systems that reduce the number of different cables and cords you have to keep in stock. They also help you install and replace the connections much faster than a traditional power cord with bare wires. This is a big advantage in washdown or high-vibration environments.
Unlike other power cords, these connections don’t require you to hand twist, insulate, and test the individual conductors, and they’re more resilient than bare wires in extreme temperatures. The thick threads take only a few turns to lock in place and detach just as quickly for frequent maintenance. These connections make it easy to connect and disconnect power, signal, or data to your machinery without damaging the conductors inside or exposing them to moisture, dust, or chemicals.
The M23 or M12 connector, also known as a mini-DIN connector, consists of a housing on the cable end that fits into a matching receptacle to provide a solid connection (see Figure 2). It uses an interference fit between the sleeve and mating pins to prevent accidental misconnections. These 9.5-mm diameter connectors are available in a variety of pin counts and arrangements, as well as several coupling and receptacle variations to match your specific equipment.
ShowMeCables offers a range of pre-built M12 connector cable assemblies with the connector, receptacle, and cable already mated and ready for use. These are ideal for use in UL 1685 rated spaces and can be used with both PVC and PUR drag chain or c-track cable. These assemblies are double-shielded for EMI/RFI protection, and some feature an X-coded connector designed to withstand harsher industrial environments.
M12 Cords with Threaded Ends
M12 connectors provide a compact, reliable, and durable option for connecting cables in harsh industrial applications. Their threaded ends seal out contaminants and resist shaking loose from vibration. They can be used to transfer power and signals between sensors, actuators, computers, IO modules, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in a variety of factory automation environments.
M12 and M23 circular connectors offer a wide variety of contact arrangements and sizes, including several coding variants for different application needs. The two formats share the same basic technology, which began in 1982 as a non-standardized 7/8 in. three-pin connector with a coupling nut that could be secured with a spinning screw. Both connector types share similar characteristics, with the differences primarily related to a size distinction and a few key engineering data points.
HARTING’s M12 PushPull circular connector offers an audible click that indicates when a connection is made and requires no special tools to install. Its simple design allows for fast and easy assembly, and the knurling on its side makes it easy to grip and handle in high vibration environments.
These connectors also feature a waterproof housing that meets IP67 standards and protects against harsh environments, such as washdown or corrosive conditions. They can be used to create connections on the plant floor using IDC (insert-in-connection) installation, which eliminates the need for cutting or splicing wires.