Ongoing miniaturisation is having an increasing impact on the space-saving supply of voltage to compact drives as well as on networks. The step towards developing and standardising the K-coding was therefore a logical and necessary one. Powerful voltage supplies for circular connectors have up to now been realised via 7/8 inch solutions. In PROFINET, the M12 L-coding with 0.75kW at 63V and 16A is a firmly established standard. In order to offer the widely-used M12 form factor to device manufacturers for voltage supply, HARTING will be supplying the K-coding with 7kW at 630V and 16A from Spring 2019, allowing the integrated transmission of data, signals and power. The logical consequence for housing manufacturers will be simplified planning and cost savings.

With power of this magnitude in a compact M12 housing, particular attention must be paid to clearance and creepage distances to protect users properly. This is accomplished with a PE contact attached to the housing which is configured as a preleading pin in the mating face in order to bleed off voltage and conduct away flashovers on the housing or between contacts.

With the high voltages, the PCB socket must be protected from flashover on the contact side. To this end, all the hold-downs are separated from each other with an insulator. K-coded cable is available in a crimp version. The connection will be secured with the familiar screw fitting typical of the M12 design. There will also be a new PushPull variant which clicks audibly into place.

M12 K-coding – for more power in a small format.