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The Ever Changing Market Since M12 power connectors were introduced to the market in 2011, they have begun to replace traditional cable solutions for energy supply. Many applications that traditionally used 7/8-inch or A-coded M12 connector systems for power supply—such as supplying active I/O modules—are now relying on more efficient, M12 power-type connectors. The 7/8-inch connector is used around the world for currents up to 12A. The maximum nominal current per pin is 9A. However, the moderately priced conventional 7/8-inch plug is relatively large and offers limited EMI protection (Figure 1). The A-coded M12 connector has a compact design and affordability. It is also easy to customize in the field and install in the machine. M12 A-code also offers great program variety—with shielded variants, T and Y distributors as well as sensor-actuator boxes. And yet, due to internal spacing, it offers 18AWG as the largest wire size—with a maximum current carrying capacity of 4A per pin. New Coding Pave the Way for New Applications As previously mentioned, the IEC 61076-2-111 was drafted in 2011 for M12 power S and T coding based on the advantages of the A-coded 7/8-inch and M12 connectors. In 2013, Phoenix Contact developed three additional M12 power coding—K, L and M—to open new power-connector application opportunities (Figure 2). M12 Power with T and L Coding for DC Applications M12's T and L coding can supply power to electrical devices. The 4-pin coding allows for 12A of current supply; the 5-pin coding allows for 16A. The possible supply voltage is 63V DC. The L coding represents an anomaly—it has 4- and 5-pin variants. The Provirus and Profaned user organization integrated these variants into the Profaned Cabling and Interconnection Technology Guideline. The 4-pin variant without a functional earth (FE) contact is recommended for Profaned devices. The contact carriers and the cables are color-coded so that end users don't confuse the 4-pin and 5-pin variants. The 4-pin L-coded M12 variants have a black contact carrier and cable. The 5-pin variants with an FE contact have a gray contact carrier and cable. M12 Power with S, K and M Coding for AC Applications • The S-coding has four contacts—three conductors plus potential earth (PE). It can transmit 12A at 690V (600V UL), making it suitable for a three-phase motor application. • The K-coding has one more contact than the S-coding. It can transmit 16A to the end user at 690V (600V UL). Three current-carrying contacts, a PEN conductor and a PE form a classic three-phase current supply. • The M-coding, with its six contacts, represents the current limit with regard to the existing installation site for the M12 mating face. A three-phase motor can also be operated at 690V (600V UL) and 8A. Because it has two more contacts than the S-coding, it can connect a brake or a temperature | 10 | Figure 1: Circular connectors for power transmission compared: The M12 connector (bottom) is not only markedly smaller than the 7/8-inch connector (top); it is also technologically superior and offers shielded variants. (Source: Phoenix Contact) Figure 2: Coding for power cables: The M12 connectors were designed for high currents and voltages. (Source: Phoenix Contact)

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