Open Ended Cable
33 Products| Product Name | Poles | Coding | Gender | Direction | IP | LED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | A | Male | Straight | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Male | Straight | IP65 | No | |
| 5 | A | Male | Straight | IP65 | No | |
| 3 | A | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 5 | A | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 3 | A | Female | Straight | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Female | Straight | IP65 | No | |
| 5 | A | Female | Straight | IP65 | No | |
| 3 | A | Female | Straight | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Female | Straight | IP65 | No | |
| 3 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 5 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 3 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 5 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 8 | A | Male | Straight | IP67 | No | |
| 8 | A | Male | 90° | IP67 | No |
Technical Guide: Open Ended Cable
Selection criteria and engineering considerations for your application.
Application & Compatibility
M12 open-ended cable connectors are used when a standardized M12 interface is required at the device side and free cable ends are needed for termination into a control cabinet, terminal block, or custom harness. In industrial automation, this format is common for connecting sensors, actuators, valve manifolds, distributed I/O blocks, and compact field devices where pre-terminated circular connectivity improves installation speed and reduces wiring errors. For M12 interfaces, dimensional and mating compatibility are aligned with IEC 61076-2-101.
Product Range
Engineers working across mixed device ecosystems may also reference IEC 61076-2-104 for M8 interfaces when panel space or device size drives a smaller connector choice. In this category, A-coded M12 connectors are available, which are widely used for general-purpose DC sensor/actuator and signal connections. Available pole counts include 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, and 17 poles, enabling designs from simple discrete I/O up to higher pin-count signal distribution.
Configuration Options
Configuration flexibility is important during machine design and retrofit projects. Options include male and female connector genders, plus straight and 90° cable outlet directions to manage routing constraints, bend radius, and enclosure clearance. Straight versions are typically preferred for inline cable runs, while right-angle versions help reduce mechanical stress where space is limited or cables must exit parallel to a surface.
Selection Criteria
When selecting an open-ended M12 cable assembly, key criteria include electrical pin assignment, conductor size, cable jacket material, temperature range, and EMC requirements. Shielded constructions are generally preferred in electrically noisy environments (for example, near VFDs, servo drives, and high-current motor lines), while unshielded cables may be acceptable for short runs in low-noise zones. Protection rating should be verified in the mated condition and against the complete installation, including gland sealing and cabinet entry.
Environmental Protection
Many M12 assemblies are specified for IP67, with some variants supporting higher ingress protection depending on connector design and tightening torque. For reliable field performance, match the connector coding, pole count, and environmental rating to the target device specification, then validate cable length for voltage drop and signal integrity at the required load.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between A-coded M12 connectors and other M12 coding types? + −
A-coded M12 connectors are the standard choice for most sensor/actuator and general signal wiring in factory automation. Other coding types (such as B, D, or X coding) are mechanically keyed differently to prevent mismating and are typically used for specific protocols or functions. For open-ended cable selection, always match the coding specified by the device datasheet. Even if thread size is M12, different coding types are not interchangeable.
When should I use shielded vs unshielded M12 open-ended cable? + −
Use shielded M12 cable assemblies when routing near variable frequency drives, servo systems, contactors, or long parallel power runs where EMI can affect signal quality. Shielding is especially important for higher-speed or low-level signals and for maintaining stable communication in noisy cabinets. Unshielded cables can be sufficient for short sensor runs in low-noise environments. Follow your grounding concept carefully, typically terminating shield continuity at the appropriate reference point.
What IP rating do I need for M12 connectors in industrial automation: IP67, IP68, or higher? + −
IP67 is commonly used for washdown-resistant and dust-tight machine areas where temporary immersion can occur. IP68 or higher may be required for prolonged exposure to water or harsher cleaning processes, depending on site standards. Check whether the rating applies in mated condition, unmated condition with cap, or both. Also verify torque, O-ring condition, and cable entry sealing, since installation quality directly affects real-world ingress protection.
How do I select the right cable length for an M12 open-ended cable assembly? + −
Start with routing distance, then add service loop, strain-relief allowance, and motion slack where needed. Avoid excessive extra length, which can increase voltage drop, add noise pickup risk, and complicate cable management. For DC loads, calculate voltage drop using conductor resistance and current over the full loop length. For signal lines, consider capacitance and protocol limits. Standardize practical lengths across machine modules to simplify maintenance and spare parts.
Should I choose male or female, and straight or 90° M12 open-ended connectors? + −
Choose male or female based on the mating interface on the field device or panel receptacle; this is defined by the equipment manufacturer and pin/socket safety requirements. Select straight connectors for direct cable exits and open routing space. Choose 90° connectors where depth is limited, side-exit routing is needed, or mechanical stress at the connector must be reduced. Confirm bend radius and clearance to maintain long-term reliability in dynamic installations.