L-coded M12 meets Industry 4.0’s ‘appetite for energy’

The ever greater ‘appetite for energy’ in industry is driven by increased uptake and expansion of automation applications. As additional automated processes are installed, factory networks are required to handle larger numbers of signals, greater data volumes and ever more power for automated devices. In response, HARTING has participated in the development of new industry standards in order to make manufacturer-neutral mating faces a reality. The resulting new IEC 61067-2-111 standard is the basis for future M12 Power connector solutions.

The universal mating face with L-coding has also emerged from adoption of this standard. At 63V/16A, the 5-pin L-coded connector is able to carry 0.75kW of power, making it suitable for small servo motors, field distribution boxes, field-bus-controlled I/O boxes, power supply devices and valve applications.

The M12 L-coded is expected to become the future standard connector that replaces existing M12 A-coded and 7/8” solutions. Consequently, in future, users will be able to deploy standardised and universal IP65/67 power connectors.

On the cable side, the well-known HARAX IDC connectors and 360° shielded crimp terminals are available for straight male/female versions. Consequently, HARTING has taken into account a market requirement that extends even beyond the requirements of the relevant IEC 61076-2-111 standard.

Kevin Canham, Product and Application Manager, HARTING UK, commented: “This connector is designed to meet Industry 4.0’s ‘appetite for energy’. As automation becomes more widely implemented across manufacturing there will be an increasing need for compact power connections, and this new standard has allowed us to develop connectors that are very well suited to fulfil that requirement.”