When it is time to set up a network, Major Electronix offers a number of industrial Ethernet connectors and cables from Mencom that will work with your devices. They are available with M12 or RJ45 connections, with or without cable. While RJ45 ports are the most common for Ethernet use, there are areas in which an M12 connection proves to be the better option. Both have their differences depending on what the needs of the application.

RJ45 vs M12 Ethernet Connectors

RJ45 stands for Registered Jack 45, and have 8 contacts with 8 positions. The contact points are typically gold plated to resist corrosion and have 1mm spacing. Ethernet cables that are attached to an RJ45 jack have 8 conductor wires with each one connected to a contact point. Those 8 conductor wires are also separated into 4 twisted pairs. RJ45 Ethernet connectors are common for linking routers, servers, and modems for data transmission. They can be used for such applications as robotics, testing & measurement equipment, and industrial automation.

M12 Ethernet connectors, on the other hand, are intended for use in more extreme environments, because they provide a tighter connection. They are more waterproof, have a wider operating temperature range, and greater shielding than RJ45 connectors. M12 Ethernet connectors have an M12 size coupling thread with an A-coded or D-coded keyway. They are ideal for processing machinery and manufacturing. They also prove useful if the server needs to talk to a remote system, such as on a bus or oil rig, for example.

Choosing a Mencom Ethernet Connector

Mencom’s Ethernet connectors have 4 or 8 pole connections in male or female versions. The molded cable versions have 2-, 5-, or 10-meter lengths of teal cable. The teal cable makes it distinct from Mencom’s other types of M12 cables and makes clear their use for network connections. The M12 versions are 4-wire, D-coded with two twisted pair Cat5e cable, or they are 8-wire, A-coded with four twisted pair Cat5e cable. Cat5e has a much faster speed than Cat5, while maintaining a similar bandwidth. When choosing what you need, there are different aspects to consider. If an Ethernet connector with cable is needed, you’ll want to keep in mind the length of the cable, the amount of shielding (if any), and whether an RJ45 or M12 connection is necessary. Shielding is important if EMI/RFI interference is a concern. If you are getting just the field wireable connector, pay attention to the size of the cable diameter that the connector accepts. Try to avoid a connector if your cable is at the highest or lowest end of their range.

The line of Mencom Ethernet connectors also feature a few armored cable versions for the most extreme applications, as well as E45V3 receptacles, suitable for RJ45 patch cords. All of them are designed with industrial environments in mind.