M12 Splitters & Tees

M12 Y-Splitters, Y-Cables, Twin Connectors and Drop Tees

M12 splitters let one M12 port serve two connections: two sensors on a dual-channel I/O port, a device and a bus tap on the same line, or power and signals routed to two places. Automation Distribution carries molded Y-splitters, Y-cables with cable legs, twin distribution connectors, and fieldbus drop tees from Leuze, Baumer, WAGO, Pizzato, Zebra, Robotiq, Datalogic, and Schunk.

Splitters are only interchangeable when the wiring inside matches your application, so check the pin mapping before you order. The wiring guide below the product list explains what to look for.

Splitter Types

Y-Splitters and Y-Cables One M12 plug to two M12 sockets, molded direct or with cable legs, such as Leuze K-Y1 Y-cables in 2 to 20 m lengths and Baumer CAM12 Y-splitters.
Twin Distribution Connectors Compact WAGO twin connectors that split one M12 port into two, including M12 to M8 versions for miniature sensors.
Fieldbus Tees Drop tees and Y-cables that tap a device off a bus line, such as the WAGO DeviceNet drop tee and Leuze B-coded PROFIBUS Y-cables.
Device-Specific Y-Cables Splitters built for one product family: Zebra AltiZ multi-unit and power Y-cables, Robotiq gripper splitters, Datalogic Y adapters, and Pizzato Y connectors for safety device series connections.

Jump to: How splitters are wired  |  Selection checklist  |  FAQ  |  All M12 connectors

How M12 Splitters Are Wired

Two splitters can look identical and be wired completely differently inside. The wiring decides what the splitter is for.

Wiring What it does Typical use
Signal split (dual channel)The two signal pins of the single M12 port are routed to one leg each, so each leg carries its own signal.Two single-output sensors sharing one dual-channel I/O block or junction box port.
Parallel (1:1)Every pin is connected straight through to both legs.Sharing power, or connecting a second device to the same signals.
Bus teeThe bus passes through, with a drop to the device.DeviceNet, CANopen, and PROFIBUS drops; match the network's coding.
Series (daisy chain)The circuit loops through each device and on to the next.Connecting safety switches in series, such as with Pizzato Y connectors.
Pin-count changeThe single end and the legs have different pin counts.Device-specific breakouts, such as the Schunk 5-pole to 3-pole and 4-pole Y-distributor.

Always check the wiring diagram on the datasheet. Pin assignments vary by brand, and a splitter wired for a different purpose will power up but not deliver the signal where you expect it.

Selection Checklist

  • Coding. Match the port: A-coded for sensors and I/O, B-coded for PROFIBUS, and the bus's own coding for fieldbus tees.
  • Pin count on every end. Many splitters use 5 pins on the single end and 3 or 4 on the legs, or M8 on the legs.
  • Gender. Most Y-splitters have a male single end to plug into the I/O port and female legs to take the sensor cordsets.
  • Direct or cable legs. Molded splitters mount right on the port. Y-cables add cable legs or a trunk when the two devices are apart from each other or from the I/O block.
  • Jacket. For moving machinery or harsh areas, choose a cable leg with a suitable jacket, such as the PUR cable on Leuze K-Y1 Y-cables.

M12 Splitter FAQ

What does an M12 Y-splitter do?

An M12 Y-splitter turns one M12 port into two. The most common use is connecting two sensors to a single dual-channel port on an I/O block or junction box, with each sensor's signal routed to its own channel. Other versions share power, tap a fieldbus, or connect devices in series.

Can I use any Y-splitter to connect two sensors to one port?

Only if the splitter routes the signals to separate channels and the port supports two inputs. A parallel splitter connects both sensors to the same signal pin, so the controller cannot tell them apart. Check the splitter wiring diagram and the I/O port's pinout before you connect.

What is the difference between a Y-splitter and a drop tee?

A Y-splitter divides one port into two device connections. A drop tee is a fieldbus component: the bus line passes straight through and a third connector drops to a single device. Drop tees must match the network's coding and pinout, such as 5-pole DeviceNet.

Should I choose a molded splitter or a Y-cable?

Choose a molded splitter when both devices are close to the I/O port, since it plugs directly in and adds no cable. Choose a Y-cable when the devices are spread out, so each leg reaches its device without a separate extension cordset.

Can M12 splitters carry Ethernet?

Standard Y-splitters are not used to split an Ethernet link, because Ethernet needs a switch to connect more than two devices. Use an Ethernet switch or a device with two ports for line topologies. The Ethernet Y-cables in this category are device-specific, such as Zebra cables for connecting multiple AltiZ units.

Not sure which splitter wiring you need?

Send us the I/O block or junction box part number and the devices you want to connect, and the Automation Distribution team will match the right splitter. Contact Automation Distribution or call 1-888-600-3080.