Choosing the Ends
Each end of a double-ended cordset needs the right gender and orientation for what it plugs into. Work from both ports.
| Connection |
Usual ends |
Notes |
| Sensor to I/O block or junction box | Female at the sensor, male at the I/O port | Most sensors have a male M12 port and most I/O and junction box ports are female. |
| Extending an existing cordset | Female on one end, male on the other | Plugs between the existing cordset and the port without changing anything else. |
| Device to device, Ethernet | Male on both ends | M12 Ethernet ports on devices and switches are usually female, so D-coded and X-coded patch cords are usually male to male. |
| Tight spaces | Straight on one end, right-angle on the other | Put the right-angle head where the cable must turn close to a bracket, guard, or I/O block. |
| Mixed connector families | M12 to M8, 7/8", RJ45, USB, or DB9 | Check pin count on both ends, since it can change from one end to the other. |
On long runs, check the voltage available at the device. The longer the cable, the more voltage it drops, so confirm the conductor size on the datasheet for runs that approach the longer lengths in this category.
Reading a Turck Double-Ended Part Number
Turck double-ended part numbers list the first connector, the length in meters, then the second connector.
| Example |
First end |
Length |
Second end |
| RKC 8T-35-RSC 8T | RK: straight female M12, 8 pin | 35 m | RS: straight male M12, 8 pin |
| RK 4.43T-31-WS 4.43T | RK: straight female M12, 4 pin | 31 m | WS: right-angle male M12, 4 pin |
| RKC 4.5T-50-RSM 50 | RK: straight female M12, 5 pin | 50 m | RSM: straight male 7/8" minifast |
RK and WK are female, RS and WS are male; R is straight and W is right-angle. Suffixes after a slash, such as /S90 or /S715, mark special cable or connector versions, so search the full part number to find an exact match.
Double-Ended M12 Cordset FAQ
What is a double-ended M12 cordset?
A double-ended M12 cordset is a factory-molded cable with a connector on both ends, at least one of them M12. It connects two devices or ports directly, such as a sensor to an I/O block, with no terminal wiring. Common versions include M12 to M12 extensions, M12 to M8, M12 to 7/8", and M12 to RJ45.
What is the difference between an extension cable and a patch cord?
Both are double-ended cordsets. An extension usually means a female to male cable that lengthens an existing cordset run. A patch cord usually means a shorter cable that connects two ports directly, such as a device to an I/O block or two Ethernet devices.
How do I connect an M12 Ethernet device to an RJ45 switch?
Use an M12 to RJ45 cordset with the coding your device uses: D-coded 4-pin for 100 Mbit/s networks such as most PROFINET and EtherNet/IP devices, or X-coded 8-pin for Gigabit. Check the coding on the device datasheet before ordering, since the M12 end will not mate with a different coding.
Can I connect two double-ended cordsets together?
Yes, as long as the mating ends are opposite genders with the same coding and pin count. Each added connection is another point that can loosen or leak, so for permanent installs a single cordset of the right length is the better choice.
Which cable do I need for a Zebra fixed industrial scanner?
It depends on how the scanner talks to the host. This category includes Zebra M12 to USB-C and M12 to USB-A HID cables for PC connections and M12 to DB9 cables for RS-232 serial. Check the scanner model's interface options before ordering.
Need help matching both ends?
Send us the part numbers of the two devices you are connecting and the distance between them, and the Automation Distribution team will find the right double-ended cordset. Contact Automation Distribution or call 1-888-600-3080.
