M12 Male / Female Overmolded Sensor Connector | B2B OEM/Wholesale Supply
Product Overview
The M12 Waterproof Circular Connector 3-Pin / 5-Pin Sensor Cable Assembly is an industrial M12 circular connector with factory-overmolded PVC cable, offered in both 3-pin and 5-pin contact configurations. Designed for sensor and actuator connections in industrial automation, this M12 cable assembly features gold-plated contacts and a PA66 reinforced nylon housing rated to IP67 for dust and water protection. Both male (pin) and female (socket) variants are available in straight and right-angle styles.
M12 Thread & Connector Form
The M12 Waterproof Circular Connector 3-Pin / 5-Pin Sensor Cable Assembly uses an M12×1 metric thread with a knurled coupling nut designed for hand-tightening or hex-wrench engagement. The connector body is constructed from PA66 reinforced nylon with a nickel-plated copper coupling nut.
The overmolded boot at the cable exit is a one-piece injection-molded strain relief that protects the junction between connector and cable from repeated bending and pulling forces. This pre-molded design eliminates field-termination work and provides a consistent, factory-sealed connection right out of the package.
Electrical Specifications
| Parameter | 3-Pin Model | 5-Pin Model |
| Number of Contacts | 3-pin (male / female optional) | 5-pin (male / female optional) |
| Coding | A-coded | A-coded |
| Rated Voltage | 60V | 60V |
| Rated Current | 4A | 2A |
| Voltage Withstand | 800V | 800V |
| Contact Resistance | ≤3mΩ | ≤3mΩ |
| Insulation Resistance | ≥100MΩ | ≥100MΩ |
| Wire Range | 26AWG ~ 16AWG | 26AWG ~ 16AWG |
| Typical Applications | Proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, limit switches, 3-wire sensor power | Industrial Ethernet, DeviceNet, fieldbus, multi-signal sensors |
The 3-pin M12 model is the standard connector for 2-wire and 3-wire industrial sensors — proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, and limit switches. Its higher current per contact (4A) handles sensor power and discrete signal transmission reliably.
The 5-pin M12 model supports additional signal channels, making it suitable for 4-wire and 5-wire smart sensors, industrial fieldbus connections (DeviceNet, PROFIBUS), and multi-parameter devices that combine power with analog or digital signals in a single connector.
Termination & Wiring
The M12 Waterproof Circular Connector 3-Pin / 5-Pin Sensor Cable Assembly ships with a pre-molded cable — no field termination is required on the connector end. The standard configuration includes a 2-meter PVC jacket cable (custom lengths available), with the opposite end unterminated for connection to terminal blocks, controller I/O, or field devices.
The cable inner jacket is PE (nylon optional), and the outer jacket is PVC (TPU available as an upgrade for high-flex drag-chain or chemical-resistant environments). Both shielded and unshielded versions are available; shielded variants feature 360° shield termination at the connector housing for EMI noise rejection, recommended for Ethernet and fieldbus applications.
Environmental & Mechanical Ratings
| Specification | Rating |
| Housing Material | PA66 reinforced nylon / nickel-plated copper coupling nut |
| Contact Material | Gold-plated copper alloy |
| Protection Rating | IP67 (when mated) |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C ~ +85°C |
| Thread Size | M12 × 1 |
| Cable Jacket (standard) | PVC, 2m length |
| Cable Jacket (optional) | TPU (high-flex / chemical-resistant) |
| Shielding | Unshielded (standard) / Shielded (optional) |
| Connector Style | Straight / Right-angle |
The M12 connector carries an IP67 rating when mated — fully dust-tight and resistant to temporary water immersion, suitable for washdown areas, outdoor installations, and industrial environments with moisture or dust exposure. The gold-plated contacts maintain low contact resistance over repeated mating cycles and resist oxidation in humid environments.
Applications
| Application Scenario | Descrição |
| Industrial Sensors | Proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and limit switches on assembly lines, packaging machinery, and material handling equipment. |
| Fieldbus & Ethernet | DeviceNet, PROFIBUS, and industrial Ethernet nodes in factory automation networks. |
| Machine Builders | Pre-wired sensor connections on new machine builds, reducing on-site assembly labor. |
| OEM Integration | Standard BOM item for sensor manufacturers and equipment OEMs who integrate M12 connectors into their products. |
| Maintenance & Replacement | Direct replacement cables for damaged sensor leads on existing equipment, available in standard lengths. |
OEM / Customization & Wholesale
| Customization Option | Available Choices |
| Pin Count | 3-pin / 5-pin (A-coded) |
| Connector Gender | Male (pin) / Female (socket) |
| Connector Style | Straight / Right-angle |
| Cable Length | Custom lengths beyond standard 2m |
| Cable Jacket | PVC (standard) / TPU (high-flex upgrade) |
| Shielding | Unshielded / Shielded |
| Opposite End | Unterminated / Stripped-and-tinned / Connector-to-connector |
| Packaging | Bulk / Retail / Custom labeling |
Volume pricing is available for OEM production runs. CE certification and RoHS compliance documentation is available with each order.
Q&A
Q: Are the 3-pin and 5-pin M12 connectors interchangeable?
A: No. While both share the M12×1 thread, the internal pin count and pinout differ. A 3-pin connector cannot mate with a 5-pin connector. Ensure your sensor and mating cable use the same pin count and coding.
Q: What is the difference between A-coded and D-coded M12 connectors?
A: A-coded M12 connectors (3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, 12-pin) are used for sensors and general signal/power connections. D-coded M12 connectors (4-pin) are specifically designed for industrial Ethernet (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP). This product line covers A-coded 3-pin and 5-pin configurations.
Q: Can I use a shielded cable in an unshielded application?
A: Yes. A shielded M12 cable can be used in unshielded applications — the shield can be left unconnected or grounded at one end. Using shielded cables where EMI is not a concern adds cost but does not cause functional issues.
Q: What is the maximum cable length for an M12 sensor cable?
A: The maximum cable length depends on the sensor type, current draw, and signal protocol. For standard 3-wire proximity sensors, runs of up to 10–15 meters are typical. For fieldbus and Ethernet applications, follow the specific protocol’s length limits (e.g., 100m for 100BASE-TX Ethernet). Contact us with your specific application for length guidance.
Solicite um orçamento
Ready to source the M12 Waterproof Circular Connector 3-Pin / 5-Pin Sensor Cable Assembly for your machine build, sensor integration, or replacement cable needs? Contact our M12 connector sales team today for current pricing, stock availability, sample lead times, and bulk order options. Whether you need a few sample pieces for engineering validation or bulk supply for OEM production, our team is ready to support your project with reliable M12 sensor cable assemblies and responsive technical support.