M16 Connector Selection Guide: How to Choose Core Count, Code, and Protection Level

In fields such as industrial automation, robotics, and new energy, the selection of M16 connectors directly determines the stability, safety, and service life of equipment connections. Many engineers fall into the misconception that "the more cores, the better" and "the higher the protection level, the more reliable" when choosing. In fact, it is necessary to balance performance and cost based on the actual situation. As a professional manufacturer with 13 years of experience in the connector field (for more details, please visit the Octopusconn official website), this article will, based on international standards and practical cases from over a thousand customers, dissect the scientific selection method of M16 connectors from three core dimensions: core number, coding, and protection level, and at the same time share Octopusconn's customized solutions.

一、Core count selection: Match as needed, reject "over-provisioning"

The number of cores of the M16 connector directly determines the number of signal/power transmission channels. The common specifications are 2 to 24 pins (Octopusconn can support custom pin numbers). The key consideration in selection is "precise matching of transmission requirements", rather than blindly pursuing a higher number of cores.

1.1 Main core count and typical application scenarios

Pin	Transmission capacity	Applicable scenario	Octopusconn recommended model
3P	Single power supply / basic signal	Simple sensors, small actuators	M16-3P
4P	Dual-channel signal/power + signal	Ordinary sensors, LED lighting equipment	M16-4P
5P	Multiplexed signal transmission	Industrial switches, simple control systems	M16-5P
7P	Complex signal + power supply integration	Servo motor, automation module	M16-7P
8P	Data transmission + Power supply	Industrial Ethernet devices, monitoring instruments	M16-8P
12P	High-density multi-channel transmission	Robot joints and multi-sensor integration	M16-12P
19P	Ultra-high-definition data + multiple power supplies	Medical imaging equipment, high-end control systems	M16-19P

1.2 The three major principles for core number selection

Avoid using a horse that is too large for the task.：For sensors that only need to transmit a single signal, a 3-pin configuration is sufficient. There is no need to waste money by choosing an 8-pin configuration (according to data from Octopusconn, over-provisioning can increase the procurement cost by 20%-30%).
Reserve 1-2 redundant routes：In industrial scenarios, if future expansion of functions is possible, an additional 1-2 pins can be reserved based on the current requirements. For example, if the current requirement is for 4 pins, a 5-pin model can be chosen. ；
Combining wiring methods：The welding type offers the option of multi-core models. For the crimping type, the recommended number of cores is ≤ 8 (to reduce the difficulty of wiring). 。

The Octopusconn Case

An industrial robot manufacturer originally planned to use 12-pin M16 connectors. After our engineers' on-site assessment, it was found that only 6 signal transmissions were needed. We recommended the 8-pin model (M16-8P), which not only met the requirements but also reduced the procurement cost by 15%, and reserved 2 expansion channels.

二、Selection of protection level: How to choose between IP67 and IP68? It depends on the environmental requirements.

The protection level (IP) of the M16 connector is a key indicator for resisting dust and liquid intrusion. Common levels include IP67 and IP68. The core of selection lies in "matching the severity of the operating environment", and there is no need to blindly pursue high levels of protection.

2.1 The core differences between IP67 and IP68 (with test standards included)

Protection level	Dust-proof capability	Waterproofing capability	Testing standards	Applicable scenario	Octopusconn product configuration
IP67	Fully dust-proof	1 meter of water depth, soaked for 30 minutes, no water infiltration	IEC 60529	Indoor damp environment, occasional exposure to rain	Basic sealing components
IP68	Fully dust-proof	10 meters of water depth, soaked for 2 hours, no water infiltration	IEC 60529	Outdoor prolonged exposure to rain, underwater equipment, marine environment	Strengthen the sealing to achieve better waterproofing performance

Comparison of IP67 and IP68 Protection Levels for M16 Connectors

2.2 Selection of protection level for equipment

Indoor dry environment (such as inside the control cabinet of a workshop)： IP67 is sufficient and offers better value for money；
Indoor dampness / occasional exposure to rain (such as on workshop floor equipment)：Priority: IP67. If there is a risk of splashing water, select IP68 . ；
Long-term outdoor use (such as in photovoltaic power stations and outdoor base stations)： It is necessary to choose IP68. Octopusconn recommends pairing it with a stainless steel casing (resistant to corrosion)；
Underwater environment (such as marine monitoring equipment)： Customized connector

四、Octopusconn M16 connector: A one-stop solution for selection, customization and service.

As a professional manufacturer integrating R&D, production and sales (from the official website of Octopusconn), we not only offer M16 connectors that meet international standards, but also provide a complete process of "selection consultation - product customization - technical support" based on customer needs. The core advantages are as follows:

4.1 Product selection support: Free one-on-one consultation with engineers

Offer "Quick Selection" service: Customers only need to provide the usage environment, transmission requirements, and installation method, and the engineers can then provide precise model recommendations.

4.2 Product advantages: Benchmarking against international standards, a cost-effective option for domestic products.

Comparison dimension	Octopusconn M16 connector	International brands (such as NorComp)
Core parameters	Consistent with international brands, some indicators have been upgraded	Standard parameters, with high customization upgrade costs
Delivery cycle	Standard model: 2-7 days	On average, it takes 30 to 45 days. The customization period is even longer.
Price advantage	15% - 20% lower than international brands, without brand premium	The price is high, and there is a series of price hikes at each level through the agency channels.
Customization capability	Support customization of core count, encoding, protection level and material. Prototype can be delivered within 72 hours.	The customization threshold is high and the minimum order quantity is strictly required.
Certification qualifications	ISO9001/ISO14001/CE/FCC，The domestic certification process is straightforward.	International certifications are complete, and the domestic implementation period is long.

五、How can one quickly obtain support for selecting the model of the Octopusconn M16 connector?

Free product selection consultation

Call the national service hotline
+86 18925497513

Obtain information from the official website

Visit the official website of Octopusconn
To learn about the selection manual and
Product Data Manual

Email address

sale@octopusconn.com

Octopusconn guarantees: All M16 connectors come with a one-year warranty. During the warranty period, any quality issues can be replaced. Domestic customers will receive their orders within 48 hours after placing the order. Urgent orders can be processed more quickly (within 24 hours).。