Looking for PTH, panel-mount industrial connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: angust_uk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 02:30:34 pm
content: I'm working on a design which will live in an indoor industrial environment and am trying to identify the best connector series to use for external cable interfaces. The connector ideally will have pins suitable for soldering directly to a PCB mounted inside the enclosure, and will be panel-mounted such that there is no internal wiring to do.My first thought was something likehttps://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/industrial-circular-connectors/1115764from RS, though this particular one has solder buckets rather than PC pins.Spec-wise, we don't need anything particularly special; it will be carrying <1A and relatively low speed signals, with 4- or 6-way options.Has anyone used anything similar they found to be good? I did find a few M12 connectors from TE, but they are ~$20 each which is a bit more than our BOM can bear!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 02:43:49 pm
content: not enough info to go on ...dustproof ? exposed / none exposed ? fixed / removable ?it may be cheaper to put a simple connector inside the enclosure and provide a cable entry.

author: angust_uk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 02:52:02 pm
content: Sorry - I thought there was enough there, with the included example.Removable (i.e. un-pluggable) connector - like the example oneLow voltage & current (<12V, <<1A) so exposed/not exposed doesn't matterDoesn't need to be 'dust-proof'

author: Jackster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 03:01:41 pm
content: How many do you need?I might be able to source you either knock-off LEMO connectors or GX style like the one you linked with longer/90 degree pins from my supplier.Just about to place an order with the knock-off LEMO supplier this week...

author: angust_uk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 03:06:27 pm
content: Thanks! Do you have drawings or any data on the ones you're about to order? I'll drop you a DM with my email!Quote from: Jackster on September 07, 2022, 03:01:41 pm

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 03:21:25 pm
content: mini-fit jr ?phoenix contact pluggable screw terminals ?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 03:25:23 pm
content: There are some pretty cheap M8 connectors out there, those would be a great choice for any industrial application since the cables are dead common. The trick is making sure that you're getting a suitable combination of connector/pin orientation, keying, and pin count--some of those combinations are much more common than others, so you'll want to pick something you'll be able to get mating parts for later. Same goes for those sorta-DIN connectors like that one linked in the OP, some are proper DIN formats, others are variations that may or may not be easy to find mates for.Tons of other options, though, so you may be better off looking through some catalogs to see what's out there that will work for you and in your price range. If you don't need environmental protection then screw terminals are also pretty industrial...

author: bugrobotics
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 03:29:34 pm
content: I'd go with M12 connectors (Turck is my fav). Tons of options, PCB mount available, waterproof and good price.Just noticed you mentioned M12 prices at $20 each...TE has PN T4140012041-000 for 6.98 at Mouser

author: angust_uk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2022, 01:12:15 pm
content: Thanks for the help all - looks like I've got plenty of options now!

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2022, 06:15:41 pm
content: I'm Binder fan, cute and tough (me and the connectors). Its worth using standard automation connectors with loads of alternate sources eg Mxx serieshttps://lumberg-automation.com/en/Lumberg_Automation/Sensor-Actuator/index.phtmlwww.binder-connector.comThey make your thing look like you're a Pro.I dont mind a knock off Lemo or Fischer but I prefer the real thing. Neutrik make some nice stuff. A bit Mercedes luxurious though.