Shielded Cable
8 Products| Product Name | Poles | Coding | Gender | Direction | IP | LED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | A | Female | IP65 | No | ||
| 4 | A | Female | IP65 | No | ||
| 3 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 3 | A | Male | IP65 | No | ||
| 3 | A | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Male | 90° | IP65 | No | |
| 4 | A | Male | IP65 | No | ||
| 4 | A | Female | 90° | IP65 | No |
Technical Guide: Shielded Cable
Selection criteria and engineering considerations for your application.
Application & Compatibility
M8 shielded cable connectors are commonly used in industrial automation where compact form factor, EMC robustness, and reliable sensor/actuator connectivity are required. This category covers pre-assembled M8 cable connectors in right-angle (90°) format, with A-coding, available in both male and female versions, and with 3-pole or 4-pole contact layouts. These options align with typical low-voltage signal and control wiring needs for proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, small actuators, I/O modules, and compact field devices.
Product Range
For standards compliance, M8 connector interfaces are defined by IEC 61076-2-104, including dimensional and mating requirements. In mixed connector architectures, engineers often pair M8 device-level links with M12 trunk or module interfaces specified by IEC 61076-2-101. Using standardized interfaces helps maintain interchangeability, simplifies spare parts strategy, and reduces integration risk across multi-vendor automation systems.
Configuration Options
Shielding is the key differentiator in this category. Compared with unshielded alternatives, shielded M8 cable assemblies improve resistance to electromagnetic interference from VFDs, servo drives, motor cables, and high-current switching equipment. This is especially relevant for analog signals, high-speed switching signals, and installations routed through cable trays shared with power conductors.
Selection Criteria
For best EMC performance, verify 360° shield termination quality, panel grounding concept, and continuity across connector and cable shield paths. Configuration selection is straightforward: choose 3-pole versions for common DC sensor power and switching signal circuits, or 4-pole versions when an additional signal path is needed. Select male or female cable-end interfaces based on mating device receptacles.
Environmental Protection
The 90° orientation is useful in space-constrained machine zones, reducing bend stress and improving cable routing near compact sensors or moving axes. Environmental suitability should be checked against the connector’s specified ingress protection when mated, commonly IP67 in industrial circular connector designs. In washdown, outdoor, or coolant-exposed areas, also verify cable jacket material, temperature range, chemical resistance, and sealing performance under dynamic motion.
Installation Notes
Proper tightening torque, bend radius control, and strain relief practices are essential to preserve long-term reliability in vibration-prone automation equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between A-coded M8 connectors and other coding types for industrial sensors? + −
A-coding is the standard choice for most M8 sensor/actuator DC applications, especially with 3 or 4 poles. It defines keying to prevent incorrect mating and supports typical power-plus-signal wiring used by proximity and photoelectric sensors. Other coding systems are designed for different signal or protocol requirements and are less common in basic M8 sensor links. For compatibility, match coding, pole count, and gender with the device port datasheet.
When do I need shielded M8 cable connectors instead of unshielded versions? + −
Use shielded M8 cables when installations are exposed to electromagnetic noise, such as near VFDs, servo drives, motor feeders, contactors, or long parallel runs with power cables. Shielding improves signal stability and reduces intermittent faults in analog and fast-switching signals. For effective EMI control, ensure proper grounding strategy, low-impedance shield termination, and continuity from device to control cabinet. Unshielded cables may be sufficient only in electrically quiet environments.
What IP rating should I select for M8 shielded connectors in factory environments? + −
For most machine automation applications, connectors rated to at least IP67 when mated are a common baseline, providing protection against dust ingress and temporary immersion. If the area includes frequent washdown, coolant spray, or outdoor exposure, verify whether higher sealing performance or specific material resistance is required. Always confirm that the full connection system (connector, cable jacket, receptacle, and assembly practice) meets the target environmental rating.
How do I choose the right cable length for M8 sensor connections? + −
Select the shortest practical cable length that allows safe routing, service loops, and movement without over-tension. Excess cable can increase noise pickup risk and create mechanical stress points, while cables that are too short can fail under vibration or axis travel. In drag-chain or robotic applications, include dynamic bend radius and cycle-life requirements. Validate voltage drop, especially for low-voltage DC sensors over longer distances.
How do I decide between 3-pole and 4-pole, and male vs female M8 cable connectors? + −
Choose 3-pole when the device needs standard DC power and one switching signal; choose 4-pole when an additional signal or function is required. Gender selection depends on the mating interface on the equipment: cable connector gender must complement the device receptacle gender. Before finalizing, verify pin assignment, coding (A-coded), and right-angle clearance in the installation envelope to avoid interference during assembly and maintenance.