The first M17 connector standardized in accordance with IEC
As machines become increasingly compact, every millimeter counts and supply security is crucial. Standardized M17 hybrid connectors provide a smart solution by transmitting signals, data, and power through a single connector, saving space, reducing installation time, and minimizing downtime risk.
System failures cost both money and valuable development time. The M17 Pro Hybrid from Phoenix Contact is the first single‑cable solution in the Pro series compliant with the international IEC standard, setting a new benchmark in connection technology.
From a special solution to the standard
Geopolitical and market shifts have heightened the importance of future viability and supply security, making standardized products preferable to customer‑specific solutions. To avoid reliance on a single supplier, Phoenix Contact contributed to developing the new IEC standard for large circular connectors (M17–M40).
In the past, machine cabling required separate cables for power and for signals/data, a space‑intensive and complex setup. Single‑cable solutions have grown in popularity over the past decade, but most remain proprietary and lack cross‑manufacturer compatibility. With the trend toward decentralized machine units, demand is rising for compact, intelligent field devices that need flexible, space‑saving, high‑performance connection technology, precisely what the M17 Pro Hybrid delivers.
Following the trend – and yet one step ahead.
The M17 Pro Hybrid from Phoenix Contact is the first product to comply with the new IEC 61076‑2‑117 standard. By transmitting data, signals, and power through one compact M17 connector with a standardized interface. It saves space, reduces material use, and simplifies system architecture while maintaining full functionality.
Alongside the standardized pin connector pattern, the new product family offers additional benefits. The connection threads also follow the new standard, and the patented ONECLICK fast‑locking system enables safe, rapid cabling in the field. Saving up to 70% of connection time compared to metric screw locking and significantly easing servicing.
The touch protection of the power contacts ensures safe use of pin and socket inserts in both field and device connectors. This enables daisy‑chain wiring and significantly reduces cabling and installation work.
Colored and mechanical coding prevents mismatching between the 50 V (type 2B, IEC 61076‑2‑117) and 630 V versions (type 2, IEC 61076‑2‑117), enhancing safety and simplifying mounting.
The angled device plugs have a reduced installed height of 30 mm 15% lower, making the M17 Pro Hybrid the flattest solution in its size for flexible cable outlets. With power contacts up to 1.5 mm² supporting 16 A per contact, it delivers true powerhouse performance.
Four additional signal and data contacts provide flexible device cabling. This makes the hybrid connector suitable for applications ranging from sensors and drives to control units.
Robust, compact, and versatile: M17 Pro Hybrid as an all-rounder for demanding industrial applications
Like all Phoenix Contact circular connectors, the M17 Pro Hybrid offers high mechanical and thermal load capacity for harsh industrial environments. Resistant to vibration, shock, and temperature, it ensures reliability in automation, robotics, and mobile machinery. Its broad application range spans ventilation systems in building automation, wheel drives in AGVs, and cobots in process automation.
Low‑voltage motors are a rapidly growing field in industrial automation. These energy‑efficient drives are increasingly used in decentralized machine modules for positioning, conveying, and lightweight handling. They require a compact interface that reliably delivers both power and signal/data transmission.
Standardization as a guarantee of success
Standardized connectors are key to global supply security, offering cross‑manufacturer compatibility, simpler warehousing, and reduced risk of bottlenecks. The new IEC standard defines clear mechanical and electrical requirements, ensuring reliable performance. For manufacturers, it fosters fair competition, drives innovation, and accelerates product launches, benefits once limited to M5–M12 connectors, now extended to larger circular connectors. In short, choosing standardized solutions means reliability, quality, and future viability, an advantage in a world where flexibility, availability, and efficiency are essential.
Read more about the new M17 PRO hybrid connector.
