To date in the M12 sphere of automation engineering, only sensor connectors for signal transmission have been in use, but in the future power plugs will also be introduced. To date a lack of space and tight installation spaces have not permitted any plug connections, but with the M12 Power, power transmission will become a possibility.
With new applications of the technology come new challenges. Transmission speeds of 16A require considerably higher levels of temperature resistance than simple signal transmission. Therefore, new materials were used for the M12 Power, so that the connector could work reliably at 125°C. As to the mechanical properties of the M12 connector, there were again completely new challenges to deal with. Higher power transmission requires larger wire cross-sections which results in larger cables. This requirement was taken into account by a special design. The M12 Power takes cables with an external diameter of up to 11mm.
The M12 Power has four different encodings (S, T, K or L), each available in a moulded or free to assemble version. The metallic cases are implemented with shieldable modifications and therefore are suitable for standard EMC. They fulfil the IP67 and IP 69K types of protections. For particular uses stainless steel varieties made from INOX AISI 316L are available.