Some of the most essential products in the harsh environments of industrial connectivity are M8 Ethernet cables and M12 Ethernet cables. Built with features that keep your network up and running, M8 Ethernet cables and M12 Ethernet cables have specific types of connectors commonly used in industrial applications. They are widely deployed in factory automation, machinery, robotics, and other industrial settings where standard Ethernet cables might not be suitable.

Below we explain the main difference between M8 and M12 cable assemblies and list five features to look for as you shop for them. We conclude with two tables to help clarify two designations you will encounter with these products: coding types and pin counts.

M12 vs M8 Ethernet Cables

M12 Ethernet cable assemblies have circular M12 connectors with a 12 mm locking thread diameter, while M8 assemblies have an 8 mm locking thread diameter. Both types provide a robust and reliable connection suitable for industrial environments. The main difference is that the smaller M8 is typically used in applications where space is limited, such as sensors, actuators, and other compact devices.

5 Features of M8 and M12 Ethernet Cables

M8 and M12 Ethernet cable connectors are considered more robust and reliable than other Ethernet connectors primarily because of their design features that cater to industrial and harsh environment applications. Here are the key aspects that contribute to their robustness and reliability:

  1. Mechanical Durability:
  • Threaded Locking Mechanism: Both M8 and M12 connectors use a threaded locking mechanism, ensuring a secure connection that resists vibrations, shocks, and mechanical stresses. This is crucial in industrial settings where equipment is subject to movement and impact.
  • Compact and Rugged Design: These connectors are designed to be compact and robust, with metal or high-grade plastic housings that protect the internal contacts from physical damage.
  1. Environmental Resistance:
  • IP Rating: M8 and M12 connectors often come with high Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, typically IP67 or higher, which means they are dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water. This makes them suitable for use in environments exposed to dust, moisture, and other contaminants.
  • Temperature Resistance: These connectors are designed to operate within a wide temperature range, accommodating the extreme conditions often found in industrial settings.
  1. Electrical Reliability:
  • Secure Electrical Contacts: The contacts within M8 and M12 connectors are engineered to provide stable and reliable electrical connections, reducing the likelihood of signal loss or interference. The design minimizes the risk of accidental disconnection.
  • Shielding: Many M8 and M12 connectors offer shielding to protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is critical in maintaining signal integrity in environments with significant electrical noise.
  1. Standards Compliance:
  • Standardized Design: M8 and M12 connectors adhere to industry standards (such as IEC 61076-2-101 for M12), ensuring compatibility and interchangeability across different manufacturers and applications. This standardization guarantees that they meet specific performance criteria for industrial use.
  1. Versatility:
  • Variety of Configurations: These connectors are available in various configurations (e.g., different pin counts, straight or angled versions), providing flexibility to meet different application requirements while maintaining the same robustness and reliability features.

M12 Coding Types

The significance of different M12 coding types lies in their ability to support various Ethernet speeds and protocols within industrial environments. By using the appropriate M12 coding, engineers can ensure reliable and high-speed data transmission suitable for specific industrial automation needs.

 

Some M12 Coding Types and Their Applications

Coding Type

 

Applications

Pin Count Typically Supported

A-coded

Not specific to Ethernet but can be used for basic data or signal transmission commonly including sensors, actuators, DeviceNet, IO Link, and Profibus.

2, 3, 4, 5, or 8 pins

B-coded

The flip side of A-coded connectors. Typically used for DeviceNet, Profibus, and Interbus systems.

4 or 5 pins

D-coded

Gigabit Ethernet up to 1 Gbps, but most commonly Cat 5e including Profinet and EtherCat and 2-pair PoE (Power over Ethernet).

4 pins

L-coded

DC power for robust power transmission up to 63V and 12A or 16A, with or without functional earthing.

4 pins

S-coded

AC power with functional earthing, voltage rating of 230V or 630V and current ratings of 12A to 16A. Used for motors, frequency converters, and motor-operated switches.

2 or 3 pins

X-coded

10-Gigabit Ethernet, offering higher data transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps).

8 pins

 

M8 and M12 Pin Counts

The pin counts in M8 and M12 Ethernet cables indicate the number of electrical connections (or conductors) within the cable and connector assembly. Each pin serves a specific purpose, such as transmitting data, providing power, or grounding signals. The choice of pin count depends on the specific application requirements, including the type of Ethernet protocol, power needs (PoE), space constraints, and other functionalities.

Some M8 and M12 Pin Counts and Their Applications

Pin Count

Main Application

Usage Examples

M8 Connectors

3 pins

Basic sensor or actuator connections where space is limited.

Connecting small sensors or actuators in tight spaces.

4 pins

Supporting basic Ethernet communication or sensor connections with additional functionalities, where space is limited.

Applications needing small-scale Ethernet communication or where power and data need to be transmitted.

M12 Connectors

3 pins

Simple data transmission applications or basic sensor/actuator connections.

Connecting simple sensors or actuators to an Ethernet network.

4 pins

Supporting Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) or PoE (Power over Ethernet) applications.

Connecting devices requiring Fast Ethernet communication or those that need both data and power transmission.

5 pins

Supporting additional functionalities beyond standard Ethernet, such as supporting dual-channel Ethernet or specific industrial protocols.

Applications where more complex communication or additional signals are needed.

 

8 pins

Supporting Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) or higher-speed Ethernet protocols.

Suitable for high-speed data transmission applications in industrial automation or networking.

 

ShowMeCables’ M8 Ethernet cables and M12 Ethernet cables are in stock and available with same-day shipping, and in-stock products ordered before 5 p.m. ET ship the same day. We invite you to check out our wide selection of M8 Ethernet cables and M12 Ethernet cables today!