The M12 connector is a standardized circular connector widely used in industrial automation, sensors, power transmission, and data communications. Due to its high protection level, strong reliability, and high durability, the M12 connector has become an important choice for signal and power connections in industrial environments. M12 connectors are composed of two forms: male (plug, Male) and female (socket, Female), of which the M12 female connector is responsible for providing a socket and is paired with the M12 male connector.
Many users will have questions about the size of M12 connectors when purchasing them: What are the dimensions of the M12 female connector? Is its diameter 12 mm? This article will focus on this core question and discuss in detail the size standards, measurement methods, and key size parameters of M12 connectors in practical applications.
M12 connectors: everything you need to know
"M12" refers to the circular connector size that complies with the IEC 61076-2-101 standard, which applies to electrical connections in the industrial and automation fields. The "12" in the M12 connector refers to the thread diameter of the connector housing, not the outer diameter of the connector. Therefore, the name M12 does not directly correspond to its outer diameter size.
The history of the M12 connector can be traced back to the 1980s, when the demand for reliable and efficient data transmission in the field of industrial automation increased. In order to meet these needs, the M12 connector came into being and became one of the standards for industrial connectors, and is widely used in electrical connections between various machines and equipment.
M12 connectors have a variety of connector styles and pin counts, including 4-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, etc. They are commonly used in industrial sensors, data acquisition, control systems, and communication networks. The design of the connector ensures high protection (such as waterproof and dustproof) and stable electrical performance, and adapts to application requirements in harsh environments.
What are the dimensions of the M12 connector?
M12 outer diameter and thread size
The outer diameter of the M12 connector does have something to do with the "12" in its name, but it refers to the thread diameter, not the overall outer diameter. The thread diameter of the M12 connector is about 12 mm, which is the size specified in the international standard IEC 61076-2-101.
Specifically, the thread size of the M12 connector is M12×1.0, that is, the outer diameter of the thread is 12 mm and the pitch is 1.0 mm. This size standard is widely used in various industrial connectors, including female connectors and plug connectors.
Outer diameter of M12 female connector
Although the thread diameter of the M12 connector is 12 mm, the overall outer diameter of the M12 female connector is actually slightly larger than 12 mm. This is because the M12 female connector includes not only the threaded part, but also the protective shell and the contact part. Generally, the outer diameter of the M12 female connector is about 14-16 mm, and the specific outer diameter size of the M12 female connector varies depending on the manufacturer and design type.
Length and shape of the M12 female connector
The length and shape of the M12 female connector vary according to different application scenarios. Typically, the length of an M12 female connector ranges from 20 mm to 40 mm. The shape of an M12 female connector is usually cylindrical, with external threads and internal grooves to allow for secure insertion into a plug connector.
The shape and size of an M12 female connector helps ensure that it can be stably inserted into a plug connector during installation and prevents poor connections due to vibration or external forces. M12 female connectors are also typically waterproof and dustproof, and can maintain electrical performance in harsh environments.
What factors affect the size of an M12 connector?
The size of an M12 connector may vary depending on the number of contacts (pins), connector mounting method, protection level (IP level), shielding (shielding) and non-shielded (non-shielded).
1. Number of contacts (pins)
Depending on the application requirements, the number of internal contacts of an M12 connector can be 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 17 pins and other different configurations. As the number of pins increases:
● The spacing between pins (sockets) decreases
● The housing may increase to accommodate more contacts
● The arrangement of pins (circular or double row) affects the overall size of the connector
2. Connector installation method
M12 connectors can be installed in a variety of ways, and different installation methods will affect the size of the female connector:
● Panel Mount: Generally has a longer socket part and requires a 12.5-13 mm opening
● Cable Mount: The connector size depends on the cable sheath and seal
● PCB Soldering (PCB Mount): There are two installation methods, direct plug and patch, and the size may be slightly different
3. Protection level (IP level)
M12 connectors usually have a protection level of IP65, IP67, IP68 or even IP69K:
● Connectors with high protection levels usually add seals and protective covers, thereby increasing the external size
● IP69K-level M12 connectors usually have thicker shells and are resistant to high temperature and high pressure cleaning
4. Shielding and non-shielded
● Shielded M12 connectors are usually used for data communications (such as PROFINET, Ethernet/IP), and their shells may be thicker and slightly larger in size
● Non-shielded connectors are mainly used for ordinary signal transmission and are more compact in size
What are the size standards for M12 connectors?
The size of the M12 connector is subject to international standards, and the size requirements in different standards may be slightly different:
1. IEC 61076-2-101 standard
IEC 61076-2-101 is the international standard for M12 connectors, which specifies its size, terminal definition, contact resistance and other parameters:
● Thread diameter: 12 mm
● Mounting hole size: 12.5-13 mm
● Contact spacing: 1.5-2.5 mm
● Shell size: about 14-16 mm (slightly changed depending on the model)
2. ANSI/TIA-568.2-D standard
The American communications industry standard ANSI/TIA-568.2-D specifies the size requirements of M12 connectors in Ethernet and PROFINET networks:
● The shell diameter of the shielded connector will be slightly larger than that of the ordinary model
● Higher contact resistance and signal integrity requirements
3. UL 2238 certification
UL 2238 certification is mainly used for industrial and power connections:
● M12 connectors with higher protection levels may have an increased overall length and shell diameter
● Connectors resistant to high temperatures and high pressures usually have thicker insulation layers
4 common pin counts of M12 female connectors
M12 female connectors have different contact forms and pin counts depending on application requirements. Common ones include 2-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, etc. Different pin counts determine the type and number of signals that the connector can transmit. The following are 4 common M12 female connector pin configurations:
1. 2-pin M12 connector: 2-pin M12 connectors are usually used for simple power supply or switch signal transmission, suitable for low-complexity applications.
2. 4-pin M12 connector: 4-pin M12 connectors are usually used for sensors, control signals or data acquisition, and can transmit more types of signals, suitable for industrial automation equipment and robotic systems.
3. 5-pin M12 connector: 5-pin M12 connectors are generally used in more complex data transmission systems. They can transmit power and multiple signals at the same time and are suitable for systems that require more wiring.
4. 8-pin M12 connector: 8-pin M12 connectors are widely used in communication equipment, network equipment and other fields that require high-bandwidth signal transmission. They can support higher signal transmission speeds and more complex data exchanges.
What is the difference between M12 connectors and M8 and M23?
Comparison with M8 connectors
● Outer diameter: The outer diameter of the M12 connector is 12 mm, while the outer diameter of the M8 connector is 8 mm. Compared with the M8 connector, the M12 connector has a larger size and is suitable for applications that require more pins and higher current carrying capacity.
● Application areas: M12 connectors are generally used in more complex systems, such as industrial automation, data transmission, etc.; while M8 connectors are more used for simple sensor connections.
Comparison with M23 connectors
● Outer diameter: The outer diameter of M23 connectors is larger than that of M12 connectors, usually 23 mm. M23 connectors are suitable for applications that require more current and more complex signal transmission, such as high-power motor connections.
● Number of pins: M23 connectors usually have a larger number of pins and are suitable for more complex control and data transmission systems, while M12 connectors are more suitable for medium-complexity applications.
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