Industrial Circular Connectors

RS Australia holds local stock of M8, M9, and M12 industrial circular connectors from leading global manufacturers, supplied as both plug and receptacle variants for factory automation, instrumentation, sensor wiring, and process control applications. Our range covers common pin configurations including M12 4 pin, 5 pin, and 8 pin connectors, alongside M12 panel mount connector options and the standard coding variants used in industrial Ethernet, power, and signal wiring.

Some of the industrial circular connector brands we stock include:

• Phoenix Contact
• RS PRO
• Souriau Sunbank by Eaton
• Amphenol Industrial
• binder
• Bulgin
• TE Connectivity
• LEMO
• ITT Cannon
• Hirose

We offer next-day delivery nationwide on qualifying business orders above $40 excluding GST.

What are Industrial Circular Connectors

Industrial Circular Connectors are heavy-duty connectors that are typically used in tough environments and feature multiple contacts housed in a circular body. These connectors are designed to ensure secure and reliable connections in industrial applications and automation processes. Some of our range boast high IP ratings such as IP67, IP68 and IP69K, making them ideal for use in high moisture environments. They are built with either plastic or metal housing to withstand harsh conditions. Industrial circular connectors or cable connectors operate by connecting multiple electrical contacts through a circular interface, ensuring efficient and secure signal transmission. They are available in a variety of mounting types, including panel mount, cable mount, and PCB mount options. The number of contacts can vary, commonly ranging from 2 to 12 or more, depending on the specific application requirements. These connectors come in both plug and socket formats, with straight or right-angle cable entry to suit different installation needs. Termination methods include soldering, crimping, and screw terminals, providing flexibility for various applications. The current and voltage ratings of industrial circular connectors can also vary, typically supporting currents from a few amperes up to several tens of amperes, and voltages ranging from low voltage applications to several hundred volts. Typically, our connectors come pre-built; however, we do offer a range that needs to be crimped and built. They are available in both plugs and sockets with straight or right-angle cable entry, ensuring versatile solutions for your connectivity needs.

What are Industrial Circular Connectors Used For?

Typically they are used for data transfer, electrical signal transmissions, or for powering electrical devices using different connector standards. In some cases, circular connectors are designed to carry multiple types of data with power. These types of multi-pin connectors are used for simultaneous power and signal transmission.

Commonly-used Connector Sizes

Industrial circular connector sizes are typically denoted by a series of letters and numbers that indicate the diameter of the connector’s shell in millimetres. The naming convention often includes an "M" followed by a number, which represents the size of the threaded outer diameter. These sizes help determine the compatibility and application of the connectors in various industrial settings.

• M12: M12 connectors have a 12mm diameter and are widely used for sensors, actuators, and industrial automation. They offer reliable connections in compact spaces and are available in various configurations such as 4-pin, 5-pin, and 8-pin.
• M8: M8 connectors feature an 8mm diameter and are ideal for smaller sensors and devices where space is limited. They provide secure connections in tight spaces and are commonly used in automation and robotics.
• M23: M23 connectors have a 23mm diameter, designed for high-power applications. They are used in industrial control systems and servo motors, providing robust and reliable connections for demanding environments.
• M9: M9 industrial circular connectors feature a 9mm diameter, used primarily in telecommunications and medical equipment. They offer precise connections for small, delicate assemblies, ensuring reliable performance.
• Miniature: Miniature circular connectors are designed for applications requiring compact and lightweight connections. They are often used in portable devices and aerospace applications, providing secure connections without adding significant bulk.

Industrial Applications of Industrial Circular Connectors

Circular industrial connectors can be found in various areas including:

• Factory and Industrial Automation

Industrial circular connectors are used extensively in factory and industrial automation for connecting sensors, actuators, and control devices. They ensure reliable data and power transmission in automated systems. Examples include M12 connectors for robotic arms and conveyor systems. They typically operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C.

• Manufacturing

In manufacturing, industrial cable connectors are essential for linking machinery and equipment, facilitating communication and power distribution. Applications include CNC machines and assembly lines. Connectors like the M23 are used for their robustness. They generally operate within a temperature range of -25°C to 85°C.

• Process Control

Process control systems utilise industrial connectors to connect instruments and controllers, ensuring precise monitoring and control of industrial processes. Examples include chemical processing and oil refineries, where M12 and M8 connectors are common. They can operate in temperatures from -40°C to 85°C.

• Industrial networking

Industrial networking relies on circular connectors to provide secure and efficient data transfer between networked devices. They are used in Ethernet and fieldbus systems, with examples like the M12 connectors for PROFINET networks. These connectors typically operate in temperatures between -40°C and 85°C.

• Measurement and instrumentation

Measurement and instrumentation applications use industrial circular connectors to link measurement devices and sensors, ensuring accurate data collection and transmission. Examples include environmental monitoring equipment and precision measurement tools. M9 and miniature connectors are commonly used, operating in temperature ranges from -25°C to 85°C.

Bulk Purchasing of M12 Connectors

Looking to streamline your supply chain and save costs? Bulk purchasing of M12 connectors from RS is the solution. M12 circular connectors, with their standard 12mm thread size and industry-standard A-coded configurations, prevent mis-mating and ensure reliable connections. Our range of connectors adhere to the latest IEC standards, and are ideal for a wide range of industrial applications.

By ordering M12 circular connectors in bulk, you can enjoy significant savings and benefit from the convenience of having ample stock for large projects. Business customers also receive free Australia-wide delivery on orders above $40 excluding GST.

Whether you need M12 plug connectors, M12 panel mount connectors, or various pin configurations like M12 4 pin, 5 pin, or 8 pin connectors, RS has you covered. Take advantage of our competitive pricing and reliable delivery to keep your projects on schedule and within budget. Contact us to order your M12 connectors in bulk from RS Australia today.

How to Order Industrial Circular Connectors from RS

As a global distributor operating from local Australian warehouses, RS supplies engineers and panel builders with an extensive industrial connectors range, backed by the same global supply network used by manufacturers and OEMs worldwide. The catalogue lets you filter by connector size (M8, M9, M12), pin count, coding type, gender, and IP rating, helping you pinpoint the exact configuration needed for sensor cables, power feeds, or fieldbus wiring before placing an order.

Industrial circular connector brands available at RS include:

• Phoenix Contact
• RS PRO
• Souriau Sunbank by Eaton
• Amphenol Industrial
• binder
• Bulgin
• TE Connectivity
• LEMO
• ITT Cannon
• Hirose

Our industrial circular connector listings include real-time stock availability to support fast purchasing decisions, so engineers can confirm what's on the shelf before committing to an order. RS Australia also stocks other connectors such as din rail terminal blocks, ethernet connectors and pulse coaxial connectors. Business customers receive free Australia-wide delivery on industrial connector orders over $40 excluding GST.

Delivery Information for Australia

Place your order before 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday for next working day delivery on locally stocked industrial circular connectors, with dispatch available Australia-wide. Fast local dispatch is particularly valuable for maintenance teams sourcing urgent replacement connectors during unplanned downtime, with parts moving from local warehouses straight to site rather than transiting from overseas. For full delivery options, service levels, and fees, see ourdelivery information page.