Open Ended Cable
24 Products| Product Name | Poles | Coding | Gender | Direction | IP | LED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | A | Male | IP65 | No | ||
| 4 | A | Male | IP65 | No | ||
| 3 | A | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 3 | A | Female | IP65 | No | ||
| 4 | A | Female | IP65 | No | ||
| 3 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 3 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 3 | A | Female | IP65 | No | ||
| 4 | A | Female | IP65 | No | ||
| 4 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 5 | A | Male | IP65 | No | ||
| 5 | A | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 6 | B | Male | IP65 | No | ||
| 6 | B | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 8 | B | Male | IP65 | No | ||
| 8 | B | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 5 | A | Female | IP65 | No | ||
| 5 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No |
Technical Guide: Open Ended Cable
Selection criteria and engineering considerations for your application.
Application & Compatibility
M8 open ended cable connectors are widely used in industrial automation when you need a compact field connection on one side and free conductors on the other for cabinet or terminal integration. In this category, the connector side is an M8 circular interface and the opposite side is stripped or tinned flying leads, which simplifies wiring to I/O modules, sensor hubs, PLC terminals, and custom harnesses. These assemblies are commonly selected when pre-molded reliability is required at the device end, but installation flexibility is still needed at the control end.
Product Range
For standardization, M8 interfaces are defined by IEC 61076-2-104, including mechanical dimensions and mating compatibility. Many machine builders also work with M12 products governed by IEC 61076-2-101; understanding both standards helps when designing mixed connector architectures across sensors, actuators, and fieldbus devices. In compact sensor networks, M8 is typically chosen where space is limited and current requirements are moderate.
Configuration Options
Available configurations in this category include 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 pole options, supporting everything from basic DC sensor power/signals to higher pin-count control circuits. Coding types include A-coded and B-coded versions. A-coding is commonly used for standard sensor/actuator wiring, while B-coding is often selected for specific signal assignments in control and communication applications where keying prevents mismating.
Selection Criteria
Both female and male variants are available, and all products in this range use a 90° right-angle connector body to reduce bend radius at the device and improve routing in tight machine envelopes. When specifying an open ended M8 cable assembly, engineers typically verify mating interface (gender and coding), pin count, conductor assignment, cable jacket suitability, and environmental protection. Protection ratings are generally specified at the mated interface, with industrial designs frequently targeting IP67 or higher depending on connector pair and installation quality.
Environmental Protection
In washdown, coolant splash, or dusty production areas, the complete system rating depends on correct torque, sealing integrity, and compatible mating parts. Typical applications include proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, valve manifolds, compact drives, packaging machinery, and robotic end-of-arm tooling where reliable, vibration-resistant circular connections are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between A-coded and B-coded M8 connectors, and how do I choose? + −
A-coded M8 connectors are the default choice for most sensor and actuator wiring, especially standard DC I/O signals. B-coded M8 connectors use different keying and pin assignment intent to prevent accidental cross-connection in control or communication circuits. Selection should be based on the device port specification, not just pin count. Always match coding, gender, and pole count exactly to avoid mechanical incompatibility and wiring errors.
Do I need shielded cable for M8 open ended sensor connections? + −
Shielding depends on signal type, cable routing, and electromagnetic environment. For simple 24 VDC discrete sensors in short runs, unshielded cable is often acceptable. For analog signals, fast switching loads nearby, VFD environments, or long cable routes, shielded cable can significantly improve signal integrity and EMC performance. Follow the device manufacturer’s grounding guidance, especially where single-point vs. multi-point shield termination affects noise behavior.
What IP rating can I expect from an M8 open ended cable assembly? + −
The IP rating applies primarily to the connector interface when fully mated with a compatible counterpart and correctly tightened. Industrial M8 interfaces are commonly used in IP67 installations, with higher ratings possible depending on connector design. The open cable end itself is not inherently sealed and must be protected in the control cabinet or junction box. Always confirm system-level ingress protection, not connector datasheet values alone.
How do I select the correct cable length for an M8 open ended cable? + −
Start with the physical route length, then add allowance for service loops, moving axes, and maintenance access. Avoid excessive slack near moving equipment, but do not design to exact minimum length because connector strain and bend radius become problematic. For low-level signals, longer runs may increase voltage drop susceptibility and noise pickup, so verify electrical limits. Standardizing a few approved lengths can simplify spares and reduce installation errors.