Connectors and Interconnects

Choosing Connectors and Interconnects components

Industrial connectors are not commodity items — the same physical size hides different pin counts, coding, contact materials, and ingress protection ratings. Substituting a "similar-looking" connector almost always causes intermittent contact, mis-wiring, or ingress failure under washdown.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Connector family and size (M8, M12, M16, M23 for circular; Harting Han 3A, 6B, 10B, 16B, 24B for rectangular)
Number of poles/pins and coding (A-code, B-code, D-code, X-code for M12 — coding prevents wrong mating)
Gender: plug (male pins), socket/coupler (female sockets), bulkhead/panel-mount
Termination: field-wireable (screw or push-in), IDC, crimp, or factory-molded
Contact material: gold-plated for low-signal, silver-plated for high-current
Current and voltage rating per contact
IP rating when mated: IP65 standard, IP67 for splash, IP69K for washdown
Cable gland size and accepted cable diameter range
UL/CSA/EN approvals as needed

Common gotchas: M12 connectors come in multiple codings — A-code for sensors and actuators, B-code for Profibus, D-code for industrial Ethernet (100 Mbit), X-code for gigabit Ethernet, and L-code for power. A-code and D-code physically resemble each other but their pin patterns prevent intentional mis-mating. Heavy-duty rectangular connectors use modular inserts; the housing without inserts is not functional, and inserts without the housing are not protected. Field-wireable connectors require proper strain relief; cables without strain relief at the connector pull on contacts and cause intermittent connection within months.

Typical applications: sensor and actuator wiring with M8/M12 quick-disconnect, fieldbus connections (Profibus, Ethernet, EtherCAT) with industrial coded connectors, motor power and signal connections with M23 and rectangular Han, machine-to-machine interconnection through bulkhead panel-mount, and modular cabinet wiring with heavy-duty rectangular sets. For legacy installations, in-kind connector replacement preserves mating compatibility and the wiring schedule.

For obsolete connectors and interconnects, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.

Do you stock obsolete industrial connectors?

Yes. Discontinued Harting Han legacy codes, retired Hirschmann ELKA/ELWIKA codes, end-of-life Lumberg field-wireables, and earlier Murr connectors are sourced through our supplier network.

M12 A-code vs. D-code vs. X-code — what's the difference?

A-code: sensors and actuators (most common). D-code: industrial Ethernet 100 Mbit. X-code: gigabit and 10 Gbit Ethernet. L-code: power. They have distinct keying so an X-code Ethernet cable cannot mate with an A-code sensor connector by accident.

Field-wireable vs. molded — which should I choose?

Field-wireable for repair, custom lengths, and panel-side terminations. Molded for new installations where the cable length is known — molded gives higher IP rating, better strain relief, and faster installation but cannot be shortened or repaired.

Can I mix connector brands as long as they're the same code?

For M-series connectors, generally yes — they are designed to mate across brands within the same code. For Harting Han and other rectangular families, housings and inserts must be from the same family but individual contacts may interchange.

How are connectors shipped?

From St. Louis in OEM or equivalent protective packaging. Free US shipping over $50, international over $350.

What is the warranty?

12-month functional warranty. Damage from over-mating-cycles beyond the rated count, mis-coding attempts, or cable pull-out from insufficient strain relief is not covered.

Connectors and Interconnects

ifm efector E12355 Field-Wireable Connector Plug

ifm efector E12356 Female Wirable Connector

ifm efector E12499 Female Wirable Connector

ifm efector E30019 Field-Wireable Connector Plug

ifm efector EVC496 Y-Splitter Connection Cable

ifm efector EVC810 Female Wirable Connector

ifm efector EVC811 Female Wirable Connector

ifm efector EVC812 Field-Wireable Connector Plug

ifm efector EVC813 Field-Wireable Connector Plug

ifm efector EVM018 Female M12 Cordset

ifm efector EVM019 Female M12 Cordset

Keyence CA-CH10R Flex-resistant Camera Cable 10-m for High Speed Camera

Keyence CA-CH3 Camera Cable 3-m for High-Speed Camera

Keyence CA-CH3BX High-flex, repeater-dedicated extension cable 3m

Keyence CA-CH3L L-shaped Connector Camera Cable 3-m for High-Speed Camera

Keyence CA-CH5 Camera Cable 5-m for High-Speed Camera

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