
Connecting lines
What is a connection wire?
The most common connection wires are connection cables with M8 and M12 connectors in respective connector or socket versions. These standard terminals have flexible uses and guarantee a safe connection for controls, sensors and actuators, i.e. the processors and other electronic components. The connection cables ensure a reliable transmission of measurable data, above all in automation, control and regulation technology.
Structure of a connection wire
The structure includes the connection wire or its connector across multiple components in order to facilitate the frictionless connection of electronic components.
- The multiple pin connector: Connection wires are available with 3 to 8 pins, depending on the design and version. Depending on the performance, the right connector can be selected for the application with a corresponding pin number in order to ensure interference-free data transmission.
- The screw connection in standard sizes: Various industrial applications can be covered with the screw connections in standard sizes M8 and M12, facilitating fast and safe installation.
- The insulation: The wires are available for the respective application environments in various protection classes. Special cable ducts should be selected for comprehensive shielding. If the connection wires are exposed to additional movements, they are installed in cable tracks.
- Threads in the correct number: The number of electrical conductors can be selected individually for the respective installation. They are protected by additional insulation.

What is a connection wire needed for?
For a reliable connection of sensors and actuators to the respective machine controls and their power sources, a sensor connection wire from Phoenix Contact is the best choice. Safe data and power transmission is guaranteed in industrial and mechanical engineering with a connection wire.
M8 connection wires
The various designs differ by type of pin and socket (straight or angled), in the usable temperature range, material of the jacket and other environmental properties such as oil-resistance, chemical resistant and fire behaviour. The features of the installation can be covered with different lengths.
Connection wire M8 to M8
- M8 pin to M8 socket – straight and angled versions with and without LED
- PVC jacket, temperature range mobile from -5 to 80°, permanently installed -25 to 80° and
- PUR jacket, temperature range mobile from -25 to 80°, permanently installed -40 to 80°
- flame-resistant, fire behaviour according to UL: HB according to UL94
Connection wire M8 to M12
- Connection wire with M8 pin to M12 socket – Pin and socket versions straight and angled, with and without LED
- PUR jacket, temperature range: mobile: -25°C to 80°C permanently installed: -40°C to 80°Chalogen-free,
- Halogen-free, flame-resistant, fire behaviour according to UL: HB according to UL94
M12 connection wires
The M12 connection wire has 8 pins. Analogous to the M8 wires, there are different versions that can be used targeted for the various environmental applications, for example some wires are fitted with 2 LEDs.
Connection wire M12 to M12
- M12 pin to M12 socket – Pin and socket versions straight and angled
- PUR jacket, temperature range: mobile: -25°C to 80°C permanently installed: -40°C to 80°C
- PVC jacket, temperature range: mobile: -5°C to 80°C permanently installed: -25°C to 80°Chalogen-free,
- Halogen-free, flame-resistant, fire behaviour according to UL: HB according to UL94
Connection wire M12 to M8
- Connection wire with M12 pin to M8 socket – Pin and socket versions straight and angled
- PUR jacket, temperature range: mobile: -25°C to 80°C permanently installed: -40°C to 80°Chalogen-free,
- Halogen-free, flame-resistant, fire behaviour according to UL: HB according to UL94