IEC metric screw sized connectors is a family of electrical connectors defined by IEC that are named according to their ISO metric screw thread, namely M5, M8 and M12.[1] The number gives their outer screw thread diameter in millimeters as with the identically named screws. However, the connectors are further classified by a so-called coding, denoted by one or more letters, which defines things like pin layout, shape of connecting surfaces and electrical properties.[2][3]
The many types are partly to prevent incorrect connection.[2] The larger connector sizes are the most varied, with designated connectors ranging from analog and digital signals to AC and DC power.[4]
Each "coding" has a different keyway that prevents incorrect connection between incompatibly keyed connectors.[5]
Major uses include factory automation and transportation.[2] Products can be designed for high weather and chemical resistance (high IP rating)[2] as well as mechanical durability.[1]
Coding | Pins | Uses |
---|---|---|
A | 3-4[7] | Signal[4] |
Coding | Pins | Uses |
---|---|---|
A | 3,4,6,8[8] | Signal, Ethernet[4] |
B | 5[8] | DeviceNet[4] |
D | 4[4] | Profinet[4] |
P | 4[8] |
Coding | Pins | Uses |
---|---|---|
A | 3-5 (⁙)[6] | DC power, sensors, actuators, 1 Gb/s Ethernet[3][1] CANopen, DeviceNet, Profibus PA[4] |
8[6] | ||
12[6] | ||
17[6] | ||
B | 5[6] | non-Ethernet Fieldbus connections, commonly Profibus DP[3][1][4] |
C | AC power, including motor connections[3] | |
D | 4[6] | Industrial Ethernet protocols such as Profinet and EtherNet/IP; only Fast Ethernet (100 Mb/s) because of its two wire pairs.[3] |
X | 8[6] | 10 Gb/s Ethernet[3][1][6] |
Y | 8[6] | Power + 100 Mb/s Ethernet[6] |
S | 2 + PE[9] | AC power (single phase)[9] |
S | 3 + PE[9] | AC power (3-phase delta)[9] |
K | 4 + PE[9] | AC power (3-phase wye)[9] |
M | 5 + PE[9] | 3-phase motor + auxiliary wire pair[9] |
T | 4[9] | DC power[9] |
L | 4 + FE[9] | |
FO | 2 optical + 2 electric |