Cable assemblies for industrial automation, sensors and actuators
We supply automation cable assemblies to machinery manufacturers, automated-equipment makers and integrators: field connections defined by interface, function and conditions of use. The manufacturer makes the assembly; we compare alternatives and coordinate the supply.
What this industry needs
What makes automation cable assemblies different
Field connectivity must be defined like any other technical part of the equipment: it is not enough for the connector to have the right format if the coding, pin-out, function and cable do not match the interface. A poorly crimped contact or an unsealed connector in a wet area ends up being paid for when the assembly is already in the field.
- The same connector format can serve different functions
- Transmission requirements when data communication is involved
- Movement, flexing or torsion in moving elements
- Industrial environment: dust, water, oils, temperature and vibration
Industry requirements
What to define in an automation cable assembly
Each project requires different criteria. We confirm them with your documentation before quoting, not after.
- Interface, protocol and electrical function of the equipment
- Coding, number of poles and pin-out of the connector
- Cable type, cross-section and shielding where applicable
- Length, identification and movement conditions
- Degree of protection required and applicable documentation
Common applications
Where automation cable assemblies come in
From the sensor in the field to the control periphery, each stretch has different requirements.
Sensors and actuators
M12 and M8 connections for sensors, limit switches, solenoid valves and actuators, with the number of poles and the coding defined by the device interface.
Industrial communication
Assemblies for fieldbus and industrial networks. The interface, the cable performance, the shielding where applicable and the terminations are defined by the specification of the equipment and the system.
Connection between cabinet and field
Assemblies and connections between the control periphery and sensors, actuators or field modules according to the schematic defined by the customer.
Distributed I/O and field modules
Connection of distributed input and output modules and field periphery according to the architecture defined by the manufacturer or integrator.
Connection specification
What to define in an M8/M12 connection for industrial automation
“M12” is not a complete specification. The coding, number of poles, pin-out, electrical function and cable characteristics must match the interface defined for the equipment. The IEC specification for M12 connectors covers configurations from 2 to 17 contacts with different codings.
Signal and sensors
In connections to sensors, actuators or modules, the coding, number of poles, pin-out and cable characteristics must match the interface defined for the device.
Data and communication
In data or industrial communication connections, the interface, cable performance, shielding where applicable and terminations suited to the equipment and the system must be defined.
Field power supply and power
Voltage, current, number of conductors, cross-section and connection configuration must match the application defined by the responsible manufacturer or integrator.
Related information
More about automation cable assemblies
How we work for this industry
How we coordinate automation cable assemblies
The better the interface is defined, the fewer variables remain open when the assembly reaches the field.
You pass us the specification
Which equipment must be connected, with which interface or protocol, with which coding and pin-out, and in which environment it works.
We compare alternatives
We compare cable, connector and termination alternatives that meet the interface and requirements defined for the project.
Manufacture of the assembly
The manufacturer makes the assembly; Justicia Marin coordinates its manufacturing and supply with the length, termination and identification agreed. The checks needed are agreed with that manufacturer.
Supply and replacement
The agreed configuration is used as a reference for later supplies for as long as the part numbers remain available. If one becomes obsolete, a potentially compatible alternative can be studied: the differences are compared and, where appropriate, the customer validates the change. Substitutions are not automatic.
What we actually do in this industry
Justicia Marin is a distributor: we understand the requirement, compare alternatives and coordinate the supply through a network of manufacturers. We have no factory, warehouse or laboratory of our own, and we issue no certifications: certificates are always those of the relevant manufacturer or supplier. The checks needed are agreed with the manufacturer that makes the assembly and, when the project requires documentation of those checks, we coordinate its availability. The specific capabilities of each project are confirmed in writing in the quote before the order. We do not carry out programming, automation engineering, field installation or commissioning: our scope is the supply of the material and the assemblies you define.
The IP rating declared for a connector or assembly does not by itself determine the protection of the machine or the final system: the required condition must be defined and validated within the corresponding application. When the interface or the environment requires shielding or certain transmission characteristics, these must be defined in the specification of the assembly. If the assembly works with flexing, torsion or repeated movement, that condition must form part of the cabling specification and of the manufacturer selection.
Questions from integrators
Automation cable assemblies: frequently asked questions
- Which cable assemblies do you supply for automation?
- M8 and M12 assemblies for sensors and actuators, interconnecting cables between control cabinet and field, assemblies for fieldbuses and industrial Ethernet, and harnesses for distributed I/O. They are made to your interface and specification by a manufacturer that we select, and delivered per part number.
- Why is “M12” not a complete specification?
- Because M12 connectors exist in different codings and with 2 to 17 contacts, as described in IEC 61076-2-101. Coding, number of poles, pin-out, cable type and shielding must match the interface of the device. A connector with the right format but the wrong coding does not work.
- Can the assemblies be suitable for drag chains and robots?
- Yes, if the specification states it. Movement, flexing or torsion call for a cable designed for it, with the right bend radius and number of cycles. We include those conditions in the specification and in the choice of manufacturer; validation in the machine remains with the machine builder or integrator.
- What is the difference from cable assemblies for machine building?
- In machine building it is about the complete cabling of a machine according to the builder’s bill of materials, including harnesses and cabinet material. In automation the emphasis is on field connections: sensors, actuators, communication and I/O, where interface, coding and pin-out are decisive.
- Do you also provide programming or commissioning?
- No. We do not provide PLC programming, automation engineering, field installation or commissioning. Our scope is the supply of cable assemblies and material according to the interface that you or your integrator define, with the agreed checks at the manufacturer that makes the assemblies.
- What do you need to prepare a quote?
- Which devices are to be connected, with which interface or protocol, the coding and pin-out, the cable type, lengths, marking, movement and environmental conditions, the IP rating required, the quantity and expected repeat orders. A schematic or a list of devices is a good starting point.
- How do you handle connectors that are no longer available?
- If a part number is no longer available, we study a potentially compatible alternative and document the differences in coding, pin-out, cable and sealing. The customer or integrator validates the change before it is recorded in the configuration; substitutions never happen automatically.
Do you build machinery or integrate automation?
Tell us which interface has to be connected.
With the schematic or the list of equipment we compare manufacturers that can meet the defined interface. Cost, target lead time, availability and documentation are compared afterwards, among those that meet the technical requirements. If you want to prepare your enquiry, in how to request a quote we explain what information is needed.
What you can send us
- Bill of materials or part numbers (Excel, PDF or text)
- Drawing or schematic for custom assemblies (PDF, DXF or similar)
- Estimated quantity and expected repeat orders
- Technical requirements the assembly must meet
- Required standards or documentation
- Target delivery date
Tell us what you need to buy
Initial commercial response with a technical contact.