Turck M12 Cordset Features

A cord set from Turck sensors with straight female M12 connectors. The cord measures 8 meters or 26.25 ft. in length. The cord is compatible with up to 250 volt electrical connections. Durability is a strength, as the materials used include a gray PVC jacket and brass coupler housing. The cord is oil resistant as well as sunlight resistant. Turck cables are manufactured in Germany, with production facilities known for their advanced engineering and strict quality control standards. Each Turck facility follows rigorous testing procedures to ensure every cord set meets international certifications for safety and durability.

Wondering what an M12 cable is? Well, an M12 fitting is a standardized, circular connector system used in industrial automation for connecting sensors, actuators, and other field devices to control systems. The M12 designation refers to the metric thread size (12 millimeters) of the connector.

It's also important to note that not all M12 connectors are the same. While M12 connectors share the same 12mm metric thread size and basic form factor, there are differences to consider for compatibility and proper function. M12 connectors come in a variety of coding types-such as A-coded, B-coded, D-coded, and more-each designed for specific signal or power requirements within electrical and sensor applications.

• In car wash operations, they provide secure, watertight connections for sensors monitoring bay equipment, high-pressure pumps, chemical injectors, and safety interlocks.
• Beyond car washes, M12 cables are commonly integrated into automated production lines, packaging equipment, robotics, and material handling systems where resistance to oils, moisture, and constant mechanical motion is essential.
• M12 cord sets are also frequently found in food processing, bottling factories, and heavy equipment, where reliable signal and power transmission is critical for process automation and safety.

Installation of M12 Cables

For installing Turck M12 cordsets, only basic, commonly available hand tools are needed. You will typically need a pair of wire strippers for prepping cable ends if any additional wiring is required, plus a soft, lint-free cloth to keep connectors free of debris during installation. An adjustable wrench or torque wrench may be used for applying the correct tightening force to the coupling nut. For installations in tight or hard-to-reach spaces, needle-nose pliers can help guide or hold connectors during alignment. If securing cable runs along equipment frames or walls, plastic cable ties or mounting clips are useful for neat, safe routing.

1. Begin by verifying the cordset's compatibility with your equipment, paying close attention to the number of pins, coding type, and voltage or current ratings.
2. When connecting, align the keyway on the M12 connector and secure the threaded coupling by hand-tightening until snug; avoid over-tightening, as this can damage the seal or connector body.

Upkeep and Maintenance of M12 Cables

• For optimal operation, regularly inspect the cable and connectors for signs of wear, contamination, or compromise of the sealing surfaces, especially in areas exposed to high moisture, chemicals, or frequent mechanical movement.
• If needed, gently clean connectors using a soft, lint-free cloth and ensure mating threads and seals are free of debris before installation.
• To prolong cable life, route M12 cordsets away from sharp objects, moving machine parts, or areas of high foot traffic, and maintain appropriate bend radii as specified-typically at least five times the cable diameter when static, or ten times when in motion.

Turck Cables vs Competitors

When comparing Turck cables to competitor brands, several key advantages stand out, especially for demanding car wash and industrial applications. Turck cordsets are manufactured with precision in Germany, where extensive engineering and rigorous quality control go into every product. Their cables are designed to meet international standards for safety and durability, featuring IP68 and IP69K protection ratings to guard against water, oils, and harsh chemicals. The use of robust materials, such as a PVC jacket and nickel-plated brass coupling nuts, ensures long service life and resistance to corrosion even in challenging environments. Turck's attention to reliable contact design-with gold-plated bronze contacts and a secure O-ring seal-minimizes the risk of connection failure, reducing costly downtime for operators.

Cable Specifications:

• Connector A: Female, M12 _ 1, Straight, A-code
• Design Specification: Acc. to IEC 61076-2-101
• Number of Pins: 3
• Contacts: Bronze, CuSn, Gold-plated
• Contact Carriers: Plastic, TPU, Black
• Connector Body: Plastic, TPU, Yellow
• Coupling Nut: Brass, CuZn, Nickel-plated
• Connector Seal: O-ring, Plastic, FKM/FPM
• Pollution Degree: 3
• Protection Class (When coupled): IP68, IP69K
• NEMA: 1, 3, 4, 6P
• Cable ID: RF52081
• Total Number of Conductors: 3
• Cable Diameter: O 5.13 mm
• Cable Length (L): 8 m (+50mm or 4% of length/-0.0, Whichever is greater)
• Cable Jacket PVC: Gray
• Conductor Diameter: 0.054"
• Conductor Material: TC (Tinned Copper)
• Conductor Insulation Material: PVC
• Conductor Size: 3 x 22 AWG [Similar to 0.34 mm_]
• Number of Strands x O.D.: 19 x 0.0058 "
• Conductor Colors: BN, BU, BK
• Electrical Properties at +20 degC
• Rated Voltage: 250 V
• Current: 4 A

Cord Set FAQs

What Type of Cable is Hi Tuff?

Hi Tuff cable is a robust, industrial-grade cable designed for applications where durability and long-term reliability are essential. It features enhanced resistance to abrasion, oils, chemicals, and moisture, making it especially suitable for harsh environments like car washes and manufacturing facilities.

How Do I Test Cable Size?

To test cable size, first check the markings on the cable jacket for information about the conductor gauge-often listed in AWG (American Wire Gauge) or metric size-since this provides a quick reference for many standard cables. If direct markings aren't available or you need to confirm the size, use a wire stripper or caliper to measure the diameter of the conductor after carefully stripping back a small section of insulation. Compare this measurement to a standard wire gauge chart to identify the corresponding wire size.

What Size Wire is an M12 Cable?

M12 cables are available in a variety of wire sizes, and the specific wire gauge used depends on the cable's intended application, voltage, and current requirements. Most standard M12 cordsets, including Turck models, feature conductor sizes ranging from 22 AWG to 18 AWG, which balances flexibility with suitable current-carrying capacity for sensor and automation tasks.

What is the Difference Between A and B Coded M12?

A-coded M12 connectors are most commonly used for connecting standard sensors, actuators, and auxiliary devices to control equipment, and they typically support power and signal transmission in automation systems.

B-coded M12 connectors are intended for networking applications and are often found in Profibus and fieldbus systems. The B-code employs a different keyway pattern to prevent cross-mating with other types, and its pin configuration is tailored for reliable data communication between control devices and network modules.

What is the Difference Between M8 and M12 Cable?

M8 and M12 cables primarily differ in size, application, and electrical capacity. The M8 cable features an 8mm diameter metric thread and is generally used for smaller sensors and compact devices. In contrast, the M12 cable has a 12mm metric thread and is a standard for more robust sensor, actuator, and field device connections. M12 cables provide higher current and voltage ratings, like the Turck RK 4T-8, which supports up to 250V and 4A, while M8 cables are typically rated for lower power requirements.

What is Maximum Current for M12 Cable?

The maximum current rating for an M12 cable largely depends on the cable's pin configuration, conductor size, and specific application. Standard 3-pin or 4-pin M12 cordsets, like the Turck RK 4T-8, typically support up to 4 amps per contact, which covers most sensor, actuator, and field device needs in industrial automation or car wash equipment.

Are M12 Cables Shielded?

M12 cables are available in both shielded and unshielded configurations, depending on your application needs. Shielded M12 cables feature an internal conductive layer, usually made of braided copper or foil, that surrounds the internal wires. This shielding is designed to protect signal integrity by minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby motors, drives, and electrical equipment commonly found in car wash environments. For applications where reliable data communication is critical-such as sensor feedback or network communication-a shielded M12 cordset helps ensure stable performance by reducing noise and signal loss. However, if the installation is in a low-interference area or only carries power, an unshielded cable may be sufficient.