The M8 connector is the miniature sibling of the M12. It goes where an M12 won’t fit – small sensors, tight machine guards, compact actuators and camera housings. The trade-off is lower current and fewer mating cycles, which is the price of the smaller footprint.
We stock M8 connectors in 3, 4, 6 and 8 poles, male and female, straight and angled, field-wireable and overmoulded, plus panel-mount versions.
Pole and rating table
| Poles | Voltage | Current | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-pole | 60 V | 3 A | DC sensors |
| 4-pole | 30 V | 4 A | Sensors with output |
| 6-pole | 30 V | 1.5 A | Multi-signal devices |
| 8-pole | 30 V | 1.5 A | Dense signal, encoders |
M8 vs M12 in practice
Choose M8 when the device is too small for an M12 or when you need to fit connectors side by side on a crowded manifold. Choose M12 when the cable will be handled often, when you need more current, or when your plant already standardises on M12 tooling.
Frequently asked questions
Can M8 carry IO-Link?
Yes, 3-pole and 4-pole M8 are used for IO-Link on compact sensors, though M12 is more common.
What cable diameter fits M8?
3.5 – 5 mm is standard.
Do you supply snap-in and screw-lock M8?
Both. Snap-in suits fast machine integration; screw-lock suits high-vibration areas.
Quote M8 connectors – samples in 48 hours.