Cabling & Connectivity
Industrial fieldbus and Ethernet infrastructure: communication modules, hardened cabling, wireless gateways and connectors.
Overview
Modern factories are quietly networked. A typical line runs Profinet or EtherNet/IP between the PLC and remote I/O, EtherCAT or Mechatrolink between motion controllers and drives, and Profibus / DeviceNet on older brownfield sections that haven't been retrofitted. The choice of protocol is rarely up to you — it's set by the controller and drives already on site — but the cables, connectors, and conversion modules to keep it all talking are where most replacement orders come in.
Industrial Ethernet cabling is Cat5e / Cat6 in form factor but PUR-jacketed and shielded for drag-chain abuse and EMI immunity around drives and welders. M12 connectors (4-pin D-coded for Ethernet, A-coded for IO sensor/actuator, X-coded for 10G Ethernet) are the de-facto field connector, replacing the RJ45 used in office wiring. Communication modules (Profibus DP, Profinet, EtherCAT slaves, DeviceNet adapters) bolt onto PLCs and drives to expose them on the relevant fieldbus.
We supply industrial-rated patch cables, bulk cable, M12 / M8 / M23 connectors, fieldbus tap modules and gateways. For drag-chain or robot applications, please note the bend radius and number of flex cycles required so we can recommend the right cable construction.
Brands we supply
What to consider
- Protocol: Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Profibus, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/RTU, DeviceNet
- Cable construction — fixed install, flex, or continuous-flex / drag-chain
- Connector type: M12 A/D/X-coded, M8, RJ45, sub-D
- Length, shielding, and IP rating
- Number of flex cycles expected (for robotic / cable-track applications)