Various pin sizes are allowed for the M8 and M12 circular connectors. Occasionally, we will encounter different sized pins in industrial sensors such as the ones shown in Figures 1 and 2.
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According to IEC 61076-2-104, the M8 connectors may have male pins with diameters of 0.6, 0.7, and 1 mm.
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According to IEC 61076-2-111:2017, the M12 connectors may have male pins with diameters of 1.0 and 1.5 mm.
Figure 1: Image of M8 connectors with different sized pin connections.
Connector compatibility
As a general statement, the connectors are compatible. However, we can envision a situation where repeated connection cycles made using a 1 mm M8 connector can weaken the connector spring tension causing less than ideal contact. This is especially true if the 1 mm is replaced with a 0.6 mm pin.
Tech Tip: The pin diameter is often omitted from connector datasheets. Consequently, there is value using the manufacturer’s recommended accessories.
Figure 2: The TE Connectivity Erni 224152-E clearly shows the pins for an A-coded M8 connection.
Best wishes,
APDahlen
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About this author
Aaron Dahlen, LCDR USCG (Ret.), serves as an application engineer at DigiKey. He has a unique electronics and automation foundation built over a 27-year military career as a technician and engineer which was further enhanced by 12 years of teaching (interwoven). With an MSEE degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Dahlen has taught in an ABET-accredited EE program, served as the program coordinator for an EET program, and taught component-level repair to military electronics technicians. Dahlen has returned to his Northern Minnesota home and thoroughly enjoys researching and writing articles such as this.