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30 Advancements in Industrial Automation The M12 hybrid connector (Figure 3) fits within an M12 form factor. Different mating interfaces are defined in IEC 63171-7 (Figure 4). Depending on the power that needs to be transferred, different mating interfaces can be chosen. The different interfaces can be categorized into three different groups. Types I, II, III, and VI are defined for the non- hazardous voltages (63VDC or less than 50VAC). The types can vary in rated currents and the power pin layout. The power contact for types I, II, and III can handle currents up to 8A and is connected to wires of 16 American Wire Gauge (AWG). In type I, the two left power contacts are shorted with each other, and the two right power contacts are shorted with each other. This enables the interface to handle higher currents up to 12A. Here, each power contact is connected to wires of 17AWG. Type VI supports 16A by utilizing two larger power contacts connected to 14AWG wires. This variation in different wire gauges is important for the amount of power it will transfer over distance (a later section in this article will elaborate). Lastly, types III and VI include a functional earth. Figure 3: M12 hybrid connector, coding Type II. (Source: TE Connectivity) Figure 4: M12 hybrid interface types in IEC 63171-7. (Source: TE Connectivity) Types IV and VII are defined for hazardous voltage (600VDC or 600VAC). Types IV and VII can handle 8A and 16A on their power contacts and are connected to wires of 16AWG and 14AWG, respectively. Due to the high voltage level, they include a protective earth (PE) contact. Type V is meant for three-phase applications. It can be used for voltages up to 480VAC and currents up to 8A. Due to the high voltages, a protective earth contact is included.