Connector

Networking takes shape in many different environments and not just in clean, dry server rooms. Many industries, including automation, robotics, and alternative energy must have access to networks but are out in the field quite often. The products used to build these networks must withstand harsh environmental factors for the long haul. Our new M12 cables manufactured by L-com provide secure connections for all of your industrial networking application needs.

What is an M12 cable?

M12 cables from ShowMeCables are category-rated ethernet cables with two connectors on either end. These circular connectors have 12mm locking threads to ensure an established connection and a tight seal. Specifically, the twelve pins within the cable meet industrial signal requirements and keep you connected to a secure network. 

What makes an M12 cable special?

The difference between traditional category-rated ethernet cables and M12 ethernet cables is the environment in which they can perform. Traditional ethernet cables are used within a server room under normal conditions, meaning the room is dry, temperature-controlled, and monitored regularly. M12 cables can perform similar functions in environments with harsher conditions - those with excess water, corrosion, or wind, for example. 

M12 cables are coded to prevent incorrect mating between cables, and shielding is available in many cases. With an industrial outdoor FR-TPE jacket and IP-68 rating, these cables can be used in applications that have sensors, actuators, and factory automation. Our M12 cables are Cat5e rated, oil- and sunlight-resistant, rated for 600v, and available in four variations and multiple lengths.

All cables (with the exception of fiber cables) are made using metal. Looking at any cable, users can see metal in the connectors on the end. Some connectors are entirely made of metal while others are mostly plastic and contain small metal pins. Regardless of how much metal is used in making a cable, and regardless of what exactly that cable is used for, these materials are all used for the same purpose: to conduct electricity. Any user who has handled various cables over the years, as most people have, has probably noticed that different metals can be used from one cable to the next.

Why are Certain Metals used in Cables?

So why are different metals used? Is there a metal that is better than the rest? There are many different factors that go into selecting what metals are used in making a cable. The first of which is conductivity. The list shows the commonly used metals in cable manufacturing, from most to least conductive (rated assuming the metals are pure).

1. Silver
2. Copper
3. Gold
4. Aluminum
5. Zinc
6. Nickel
7. Brass
8. Bronze
9. Iron

From left to right: FC, LC, SC, and ST

Fiber optic cables utilize a few different fiber connector types that can be used to terminate the cable. While they do bear some similarities, each kind has a different enough size and shape that they are not interchangeable. When preparing any fiber-related equipment for installation, it is important to make sure the cables are equipped with the right connectors for the job.

FC is an older fiber optic connector currently being phased out of industry standards. While single mode cables still use FC, it is unusual to see them on multimode cables. FC connectors take longer to unplug compared to newer fiber optic connectors due to their threaded screw-on design. Additionally, the more complex design and use of metal make them more costly to manufacture. Despite those downsides, FC still sees some use since those threads allow it to remain secure when used on moving machinery.

LC was designed as a push-pull connector that locks in place with a latch. While being faster and easier to operate is an advantage, the main draw of LC is its small size. Being about half the size of other fiber optic connectors, LC can be used on devices that would otherwise have too little room to support a fiber optic connection.

SC is arguably the most common type of fiber optic connector used today. Designed to be simple to use and inexpensive to produce, SC uses a push-pull design similar to LC but utilizes a locking tab instead of a latch to secure the unit. The cost-effective design of SC makes it a popular choice with industries that frequently use fiber cables,

Coax cables are fairly simple to assemble, but there are a few different ways to go about doing so. Having a good coax signal is heavily dependant on installing a connector correctly. If you are unsure about how to install a coax connector, see our installation guide here.

Whether crimp, solder, compression, and twist-on is the best option will depend on the exact setting the cable will be used in. Consider questions such as:

• Is the cable low- or high-voltage?
• Will it be used for field-work or factory-work?
• How experienced are the individuals working with the cable?
• How long is the cable expected to last?
• What is the budget?
• Will the cable be in a hazardous environment (extreme temperatures, exposure to chemicals, vibrating machinery, etc.)?

The details below cover the different options with general, overall performance in mind. If other factors come into play, a type of connector not normally considered “the best” could be your best option.

Crimp

Crimp connectors are the most popular option and the go-to for most professionals. Crimping has two large advantages over the other options: it is easy and it is fast. With good tools and enough know-how, a crimp connector can be attached in less than 30 seconds.

Crimping works by taking the metal sleeve of the connector and squeezing it tightly onto the cable, securing the connector into place. It sounds simple, but these connections are gas-tight and can hold up to any reasonable pull test when secured properly. The only special tool needed to install a crimp connector is a

ShowMeCables is proud to announce a new addition to our inventory: coaxial cable adapters and connectors from Pasternack. Pasternack is an industry expert specializing in RF and Microwave components with a strong focus on quality above all else.

Pasternack’s items are among the highest quality available, being RoHS and REACH Certified. Each connector is constructed using nickel-plated brass with gold-plated beryllium copper pins and built to withstand temperatures from -85°F to 329°F (-65°C to 165°C). Some units are also available in gold plating, with a temperature rating of -67°F to 311°F (-55°C to 155°C).

A full list of Pasternack parts available at the time of this publication is listed below.

• Pasternack PE4003 - SMA Male Connector Crimp/Crimp Attachment for RG174, RG316, RG188, LMR-100, PE-B100, PE-C100, .100 inch
  
• Pasternack PE4009 -

This is the DC Power Male Solder Connector - 1.3mm Male to 2.5mm Female While many connectors carry power in addition to data, some connectors are used specifically to provide power connections to devices. Direct Current (DC) electrical power connectors are typically connected to various power supplies for laptop computers, small televisions and many other electronic devices. This male barrel connector, or “plug”, has a 1.3mm inner diameter and 2.5mm outer diameter. It is housed in a Molded strain relief plastic handle, for protective flexibility. Although there are multiple methods of attaching the plug to the end of the wire, it’s also possible to get plugs that come pre-attached to a cable. For more information on our products please contact our customer service department at 888-519-9505 For all your cable and connector needs choose Show Me Cables.

This is the DC Power Right Angle Male Solder Connector - 2.5mm I.D. - 5.5mm O.D. While many connectors carry power in addition to data, some connectors are used specifically to provide power connections to devices. Direct Current (DC) electrical power connectors are typically connected to various power supplies for laptop computers, small televisions and many other electronic devices. This male barrel connector, or “plug”, has a 2.5mm inner diameter and 5.5mm outer diameter. It is housed in a Molded strain relief plastic handle, for protective flexibility. Although there are multiple methods of attaching the plug to the end of the wire, it’s also possible to get plugs that come pre-attached to a cable. For more information on our products please contact our customer service department at 888-519-9505 For all your cable and connector needs choose Show Me Cables.

This is the DC Power Right Angle Male Solder Connector - 2.1mm I.D. - 5.5mm O.D. While many connectors carry power in addition to data, some connectors are used specifically to provide power connections to devices. Direct Current (DC) electrical power connectors are typically connected to various power supplies for laptop computers, small televisions and many other electronic devices. This male barrel connector, or “plug”, has a 2.1mm inner diameter and 5.5mm outer diameter. It is housed in a Molded strain relief plastic handle, for protective flexibility. Although there are multiple methods of attaching the plug to the end of the wire, it’s also possible to get plugs that come pre-attached to a cable. For more information on our products please contact our customer service department at 888-519-9505 For all your cable and connector needs choose Show Me Cables.

This is the DC Power Right Angle Male Solder Connector - 1.3mm I.D. - 3.5mm O.D. While many connectors carry power in addition to data, some connectors are used specifically to provide power connections to devices. Direct Current (DC) electrical power connectors are typically connected to various power supplies for laptop computers, small televisions and many other electronic devices. This male barrel connector, or “plug”, has a 1.3mm inner diameter and 3.5mm outer diameter. It is housed in a Molded strain relief plastic handle, for protective flexibility. Although there are multiple methods of attaching the plug to the end of the wire, it’s also possible to get plugs that come pre-attached to a cable. For more information on our products please contact our customer service department at 888-519-9505 For all your cable and connector needs choose Show Me Cables.

This is the DC Power Adapter - 3.0mm Male to 2.5mm Female While many connectors carry power in addition to data, some connectors are used specifically to provide power connections to devices. Direct Current (DC) electrical power connectors are typically connected to various power supplies for laptop computers, small televisions and many other electronic devices. This male barrel connector, or “plug”, has a 3.0mm inner diameter and 2.5mm outer diameter. It is housed in a Molded strain relief plastic handle, for protective flexibility. Although there are multiple methods of attaching the plug to the end of the wire, it’s also possible to get plugs that come pre-attached to a cable. For more information on our products please contact our customer service department at 888-519-9505 For all your cable and connector needs choose Show Me Cables.