Connectors

Connectors enable the easy and convenient connection of temperature measurement components. In order to avoid any changes and distortions in the original signal, it is important that they are made of the same material as the thermocouple. To do this, connectors have pins made of the same material as the temperature sensor to which they are connected. It is also possible to use a compensating material that has similar properties in terms of transmission to the thermocouple material.

In the sensor/actuator area, the space-saving size M5, or common sizes such as M8 or M12, are usually used. In particular, M8 and M12 connectors have proven to be very reliable in industrial applications. The M8 connector with A and B coding according to IEC 61076-2-104 can transmit signals at up to 100 Mbit/s. The A coding is equally responsible for sensor and actuator signals and can also transmit up to 4 A. In areas where IP65/67-protected signal transmission is required, the M8 offers a good, space-saving solution.

The M12 is a slightly larger and more robust variant of the M8, and like it, is most often used on sensor/actuator boxes. The largest of the signal-transmitting connectors is the M23, whose housing offers space for inserts with six to 19 pins. Apart from the metric sizes, the circular connector in the 7/8 inch size is also widely used.

Allmetra offers connectors in many different versions. The contacts consist of the respective thermocouple material or compensation material, so that error-free signal transmission is guaranteed. The leads, mostly made of copper, make it possible to assemble almost any temperature sensor with almost any plug or coupling. Sizes range from miniature versions with dimensions of a few millimeters to huge connectors of many centimeters.

In order to meet the needs of very different applications, the choice of materials for our connectors is also very large. In addition to many other variants, our offer includes:

• Plastics of every imaginable type for use in temperature ranges up to +200 °C
• Ceramic cases for higher temperatures
• Nickel-plated brass
• Stainless metals
  
  

The connection from the plug to the coupling and the way it is secured are very different, depending on the version. Here are various options:

• Bayonet connections
• Screw connections
• Connectors with locking
  
  

The classic form of locking in the area of round couplings is screw locking using a metric thread. This creates very robust, IP65/67-protected connections. Disadvantages include increased assembly time and a larger space requirement for the use of tools to check the correct tightening torque.

No matter what type of connector you need, you have found the right partner in Allmetra. We would be happy to provide you with a customized solution that exactly matches your special requirements. In addition, you benefit from comprehensive and professional advice and short delivery times thanks to our fast, worldwide airfreight services.