Sensor and actuator wiring is the highest-volume connector job on any automated line. Every photoelectric sensor, proximity switch, valve bank and IO-Link device ends in a circular connector, and getting the interface right is what keeps a line from going down over a 20-cent part.
The standard interfaces
| Device | Connector | Poles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-wire DC sensor | M8 or M12 | 3 | PNP or NPN output |
| IO-Link sensor | M12 A-coded | 4 – 5 | Data + power |
| Valve bank | M12 A-coded | 5 – 8 | Multiple coils |
| Proximity switch | M8 / M12 | 3 – 4 | Short cable, tight mount |
| Field distributor | M12 A + L | 4 / 4+FE | Power + signal hub |
IO-Link deserves a note
IO-Link runs over a standard M12 A-coded cable but adds bi-directional data on top of the switch signal. The connector itself is no different – what changes is the device on the other end. That’s why IO-Link hasn’t created a new connector standard; it rides on the A-coded M12 you already use.
What to spec
Match the poles to the wiring (3-wire sensors are 3-pole, IO-Link is usually 4-pole), pick gold-plated contacts for low signal current, and decide field-wireable versus overmoulded based on whether you’re building one panel or a thousand machines.
We stock M8 and M12 A-coded connectors for the whole sensor and actuator range, with samples in 48 hours. Send your device list and we’ll spec the connectors.