Connector Family Selection Guide
Turck names its connector families by size. Match the family to the connector on your sensor, valve, or device first. The family name appears in the Product Family field on each Automation Distribution product page.
| Turck Family |
Connector Size |
Typical Use |
| Picofast | M8 (threaded or snap-lock) | Compact sensors and small actuators where space is tight |
| Eurofast | M12 | The general-purpose standard for sensors, actuators, IO-Link, and Industrial Ethernet |
| Microfast | 1/2" (1/2-20 UNF) | AC and DC sensors in North American installations |
| Versafast | M16 | Higher current in a small molded body |
| Minifast | 7/8", 1", 1-1/8" | Power distribution, DeviceNet trunks, and heavy-duty field wiring |
| Multifast | M23, M27 | High pin count home-run cables from junction boxes back to the panel |
| Powerfast | M16, M23, A-size, D-size | NFPA 79 compliant AC and DC power for conveyor motors, material handling, and lighting |
M12 Coding
M12 connectors are keyed so the wrong cable cannot be mated. Coding must match on both ends; it is listed as Connection A Coding on each product page.
| Coding |
Used For |
| A-code | Sensors, actuators, DC power, IO-Link |
| B-code (reverse key) | PROFIBUS and other fieldbus connections |
| D-code | 100 Mbit Industrial Ethernet (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, EtherCAT) |
| X-code | Gigabit Ethernet and vision devices |
Cable Jacket Selection
The connector gets the cordset onto the device. The jacket decides how long it survives. Choose by environment and motion:
| Jacket |
Best For |
Where to Shop |
| PVC | Standard, static installations (Turck TEL series) | Cordsets |
| PUR / TPU (polyurethane) | Oil exposure, abrasion, and continuous flexing (Turck TXL series) | High-Flex & Drag Chain |
| TPE | Flexible data and Ethernet runs | Cordsets |
| Hygienic design | Food contact zones and aggressive cleaning | Washdown & Food |
| Weld-spark resistant | Weld cells where spatter destroys standard jackets | Weld Field Cordsets |
Ordering Notes That Prevent Returns
- Gender: in Turck part numbers, K means a female connector and S means a male connector. Most sensors have a male connector, so the cordset end that mates with them is female.
- Pins vs. conductors: a 4-pin connector may be wired with only 3 conductors. Check both the pin count and the number of conductors against your device wiring diagram.
- Single-ended vs. double-ended: single-ended cordsets have flying leads for terminating in a panel; double-ended cordsets connect device to junction box or splitter with no wiring.
- Straight vs. right angle: right-angle connectors save clearance on crowded machines and keep cable from bending at the connector.
- Hazardous location approvals: approvals vary by part. Confirm the listed approval on the product page or datasheet matches the classification of your area.
Connectivity FAQ
What is the difference between a cordset and a receptacle?
A cordset is a length of cable with a molded connector on one or both ends, used to connect a field device to I/O, a junction box, or a splitter. A receptacle is a connector that mounts through a panel, enclosure wall, or device housing so a cordset can plug into it. Most systems use both: receptacles on the enclosure, cordsets out to the devices.
What do eurofast, picofast, and minifast mean?
They are Turck's names for its connector families. Picofast is M8, Eurofast is M12, Microfast is 1/2", Versafast is M16, Minifast covers 7/8", 1", and 1-1/8", Multifast is M23 and M27, and Powerfast covers Turck's power connectors. Matching the family to the connector on your device is the first selection step.
Which M12 coding do I need for Ethernet?
Use D-code M12 for 100 Mbit Industrial Ethernet such as EtherNet/IP and PROFINET, and X-code for Gigabit Ethernet. A-code is for sensors, actuators, and IO-Link, and B-code is used for PROFIBUS. Codings are mechanically keyed and will not mate with each other.
When should I use a junction box instead of splitters?
A splitter puts two devices on one port and works well for a pair of sensors near each other. A passive junction box gathers several devices in one area and sends all signals back over a single home-run cable, which cuts panel wiring and simplifies troubleshooting. When more than a few devices are clustered on a machine, a junction box is usually the cleaner layout.
What cable jacket should I use in a drag chain?
Use a cordset rated for drag chain use, typically with a polyurethane (PUR or TPU) jacket that is oil resistant and halogen free. Standard PVC cable is intended for static runs and wears quickly under continuous flexing. Check the product page for the drag chain rating before ordering.
Can I make a custom-length cable?
Yes. Field wireable connectors can be installed on bulk cable cut to the exact length you need, which is also a fast way to repair a cordset damaged at the connector. For volume or special configurations, Automation Distribution can help you specify a Turck cordset built to length.
Need Help Matching a Cordset to Your Device?
Send us the device part number or connector details and the Automation Distribution team will help you select the right family, coding, jacket, and length.
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