FIELD GUIDESource-led reference

P251 / Network / Connector

M12 A-coded 5-position connector

The five-position A-coded M12 form is widely encountered in sensor/actuator cabling and is mechanically distinct from other M12 codings.

Also called M12 A-coded M12 A code 5-pin M12 A-coded M12 sensor connector

An M12 threaded shell is only the outer family; coding and position pattern must be verified before any signal or power assumption.

Look for

Confirm A-coding and the five-position insert from product documentation, then separately verify the system signal assignment.

Claim inspection dates: 2026-10-06, 2026-10-11, 2026-10-15 · Independent review pending

Image inspection / P251

See the view. Check its scope.

1 registered view for this reference. Different part examples are not automatically mates; all remain not to scale and independently unapproved.

Qualitative oblique exterior study of Phoenix Contact 1836717, M12 A-coded male sensor-cable end. Named component role only; not to scale and not a wiring diagram. (private workspace)

P251 / Source-observed physical study

Phoenix Contact 1836717

Phoenix Contact 1836717

Oblique exterior, connection end at left; simplified contact features · Cable plug / cable end

Not to scale. Technical and rights review pending.

Inspect view & provenance (private workspace)

Network notes / Industrial / P251

Can cable color distinguish an A-coded sensor cable?

FIELD NOTES 05

Not reliably. Phoenix Contact lists 1836717 as an unshielded five-position A-coded sensor/actuator cable and offers several grip-body colors. The pictured yellow cable is a named example, not a color key for all M12 products.

Identify first

Read the part and the device.

Read A coding, five-position designation and male/female end roles. The outer thread and jacket color do not establish signal assignments.

Still unresolved

Keep this requirement open.

Unknown sensor wiring, Ethernet operation, power supply requirements and a compatible mating part are not resolved by the exterior study.

Explicit source exclusion · named example only

Is one grip color a unique identifier for cable 1836717?

No; the configurable product listing offers multiple grip-body colors.

Boundary. This rejects a color-only identification, not the documented A-coded designation.

Next check. Read the complete configuration and connector designation.

S503 · C251C (private workspace)

Before choosing the cable or component

  1. Read the sensor or actuator manual and the full cable configuration.
  2. Confirm coding, position count, endpoint gender and shielding requirement.
  3. Use documented circuit and approved cable details; do not infer functions from colors.
Read the evidence and its scope · 2 observations

C251A (private workspace) — Phoenix Contact identifies part 1836717 as a five-position sensor/actuator cable using A-coded M12 connectors.

V43 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof.

S271

C251C (private workspace) — Phoenix Contact 1836717 is a configurable unshielded five-position M12 A-coded male-to-female sensor/actuator cable. The listing offers multiple grip-body colors, so the shown color is not a unique coding identifier.

V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee.

S503

Source interpretation is not independent engineering review, hardware testing, wiring advice or a public-release approval.

Inspect the named exterior · Phoenix Contact 1836717
Qualitative oblique exterior study of Phoenix Contact 1836717, M12 A-coded male sensor-cable end. Named component role only; not to scale and not a wiring diagram.
Not to scale. Simplified exterior and contact features; no pin numbering, wire assignments, tolerances, mating clearance or manufacturing dimensions. Qualitative exterior; not to scale.

M12 A-coded male sensor-cable end; Oblique exterior, connection end at left; simplified contact features. Manufacturer product photograph 115698 inspected 11 October 2026. Original interpretation of the named exterior; not a measured drawing or a copied photograph.

Original source-scoped paraphrase and qualitative vector interpretation; no manufacturer raster artwork republished. Independent technical and rights review remains pending.

S503 · Read the network notes →

The useful distinction

Recognize it. Then verify it.

The five-position A-coded M12 form is widely encountered in sensor/actuator cabling and is mechanically distinct from other M12 codings. [C251A]

Phoenix Contact 1836717 is a configurable unshielded five-position M12 A-coded male-to-female sensor/actuator cable. The listing offers multiple grip-body colors, so the shown color is not a unique coding identifier. [C251C]

HARTING describes A-coded circular connectors mainly in sensor/actuator signal and field-device power applications, whereas D-coded M12 is an industrial Ethernet form. A five-position A-coded product is not interchangeable solely because both have an M12 outer thread. [C251D]

Source-scoped identification facts

Each value retains its exact example, role and measurement axis. Facts from different parts must not be combined into an invented component.

Documented examples; not a mating drawing or compatibility approval
Nominal contacts5S271Source-backed nominal position/contact count: 5.
Positions / cavity span5 (Claim C251A); 5 (Claim C251B); 5 (Claim C251C); 5 (Claim C251D); 5 (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1); 5 (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2)S271 · S289 · S503 · S647 · S503Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. V43 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof. V44 contact-designation/orientation reference only; no universal signal assignment, wire color, voltage/current rating or device compatibility is inferred. V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee. V178 Coding-class and application distinction only; electrical and mechanical mating of actual parts unverified. Original bounded manufacturer paraphrase; publication and technical review pending. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Connector roleStraight M12 cable plug (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1); Straight M12 cable socket (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2)S503Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Contact gender / arrangementmale (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1); female (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2)S503Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Mountingcable (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1); cable (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2)S503Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Keying / polarizationA coding (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1); A coding (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2)S503Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
ManufacturerPhoenix Contact (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1); Phoenix Contact (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2)S503Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Exact part / implementationPhoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1 (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1); Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2 (Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2)S503Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1836717 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.

Not recorded: Populated contacts, Contact rows, Contact pitch, Dimensions / axis, Coupling / latch, Shell / form, Series, Recorded markings, View convention. Unknown fields stay unknown; illustrations supply no measurements or pin assignments.

Recorded variant and source limits
  • A-coding and contact numbering do not establish a universal sensor/actuator protocol, wire color or electrical rating.
  • No fabrication dimensions or mating tolerances are published in this profile.
  • ifm RM907S CAN-in: p.5 CAN-in as drawn:2 upper left,1 upper right,3 lower left,4 lower right,5 center.
  • ifm RM907S CAN-out: p.5 CAN-out as drawn:1 upper left,2 upper right,4 lower left,3 lower right,5 center.
  • Balluff BNI EIP-508-005-Z015-013 ports 0–7, female M12 A-coded: Numbered contacts of Balluff’s female I/O/IO-Link equipment ports 0–7. The contact map is device-specific; no rear-side view inferred.
Report a correction to these facts →

Bounded facts, visible unknowns

Specifications and limits

M12 A-coded 5-position connector facts and limitations
Documented identification5-position/contact recognition fact in the cited implementation. [C251A]
Mechanical dimensionsNo independently reviewed mechanical drawing in V43; do not use this page for fabrication, fit testing or tolerance work.
Engineering pinoutSource-checked engineering profile available; independent review pending. Open engineering profile →
Verified device listNot included. Check exact device and accessory documentation.
A boundary, not an omission to guess around.

Use the source-backed form or position count only for identification. Resolve ratings, protocol, direction, wiring, cable construction and exact device support from the relevant equipment and component documentation.

Before you connect

What to check

  1. Identify the exact connector family and variant from the equipment or cable documentation.
  2. Keep shape, contact count, protocol, electrical rating and device support as separate facts.
  3. Do not force, rewire or adapt a connector from this recognition record; resolve the remaining requirements first.
Trace a supported connection class →

Pins & wiring

Pinout

Choose the exact wiring. Pin numbers follow its stated view; a schematic does not establish physical positions. Check your exact device before wiring.

What the status labels mean
Confirmed
Recorded research passes agree within this variant; this is not independent human review or hardware validation.
Single source
Only one underlying document, or one pass, supports this assignment.
Device-specific
Supported for the named equipment or wiring only. Check your device’s manual.
Unverified
Missing or conflicting evidence. Do not wire from this row.
Not connected
The source explicitly says NC, no contact or no pin for this wiring.
Wiring variant

ifm RM907S CAN-in

Device-specific wiring. Check your device’s manual before connecting or applying power.

View and evidence limits

p.5 CAN-in as drawn:2 upper left,1 upper right,3 lower left,4 lower right,5 center.

  • P251 M12 A-coded 5-position — **Partial**: different applications — A's ifm RM907S CAN-in/out uses 1 screen, 2 supply, 3 ground, 4 CAN_H, 5 CAN_L. B's Balluff I/O ports use 1 +24 V, 2 I/O, 3 ground, 4 I/O/IO-Link, 5 NC. These are deliberately separate CAN and sensor/I/O variants; there is no family-wide pinout to reconcile.
  • Other sensor/actuator, IO-Link, DeviceNet or proprietary five-position wiring is not established.
M12 A-coded 5-position contact-designation referencep.5 CAN-in as drawn:2 upper left,1 upper right,3 lower left,4 lower right,5 center.SCHEMATIC · physical positions unconfirmedNot to scale · check the named wiring and device manual1: CAN Screen (device_specific)12: VBB (device_specific)23: GND (device_specific)34: CAN_H (device_specific)45: CAN_L (device_specific)5powergrounddataConfigshieldNCUnknown
Schematic only · physical contact positions unconfirmed. Original drawing · not to scale. Scroll sideways if needed.
ifm RM907S CAN-in — source-scoped contact map
PinSignalWhat it doesStatus
1CAN ScreenCable screen or shield connection; check the named equipment.Device-specific
Sources
2VBBControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
3GNDGround reference and return.Device-specific
Sources
4CAN_HControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
5CAN_LControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
Sources (1)

ifm RM907S CAN-out

Device-specific wiring. Check your device’s manual before connecting or applying power.

View and evidence limits

p.5 CAN-out as drawn:1 upper left,2 upper right,4 lower left,3 lower right,5 center.

  • P251 M12 A-coded 5-position — **Partial**: different applications — A's ifm RM907S CAN-in/out uses 1 screen, 2 supply, 3 ground, 4 CAN_H, 5 CAN_L. B's Balluff I/O ports use 1 +24 V, 2 I/O, 3 ground, 4 I/O/IO-Link, 5 NC. These are deliberately separate CAN and sensor/I/O variants; there is no family-wide pinout to reconcile.
  • Other sensor/actuator, IO-Link, DeviceNet or proprietary five-position wiring is not established.
M12 A-coded 5-position contact-designation referencep.5 CAN-out as drawn:1 upper left,2 upper right,4 lower left,3 lower right,5 center.SCHEMATIC · physical positions unconfirmedNot to scale · check the named wiring and device manual1: CAN Screen (device_specific)12: VBB (device_specific)23: GND (device_specific)34: CAN_H (device_specific)45: CAN_L (device_specific)5powergrounddataConfigshieldNCUnknown
Schematic only · physical contact positions unconfirmed. Original drawing · not to scale. Scroll sideways if needed.
ifm RM907S CAN-out — source-scoped contact map
PinSignalWhat it doesStatus
1CAN ScreenCable screen or shield connection; check the named equipment.Device-specific
Sources
2VBBControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
3GNDGround reference and return.Device-specific
Sources
4CAN_HControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
5CAN_LControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
Sources (1)

Balluff BNI EIP-508-005-Z015-013 ports 0–7, female M12 A-coded

Device-specific wiring. Check your device’s manual before connecting or applying power.

View and evidence limits

Numbered contacts of Balluff’s female I/O/IO-Link equipment ports 0–7. The contact map is device-specific; no rear-side view inferred.

  • P251 M12 A-coded 5-position — **Partial**: different applications — A's ifm RM907S CAN-in/out uses 1 screen, 2 supply, 3 ground, 4 CAN_H, 5 CAN_L. B's Balluff I/O ports use 1 +24 V, 2 I/O, 3 ground, 4 I/O/IO-Link, 5 NC. These are deliberately separate CAN and sensor/I/O variants; there is no family-wide pinout to reconcile.
  • CANopen, DeviceNet, other sensor wiring and IO-Link Class B auxiliary-power assignments are not interchangeable with this Balluff port and are not generalized from it.
  • The page labels the female connector but does not explicitly call the numbered figure a mating-face or termination-side view.
M12 A-coded 5-position contact-designation referenceNumbered contacts of Balluff’s female I/O/IO-Link equipment ports 0–7. The contact map is device-specific; no rear-side view inferred.SCHEMATIC · physical positions unconfirmedNot to scale · check the named wiring and device manual1: +24 V, 1.6 A (device_specific)12: Input / output (device_specific)23: GND (device_specific)34: Input / output / IO-Link (device_specific)45: n.c. (not_connected)5powergrounddataConfigshieldNCUnknown
Schematic only · physical contact positions unconfirmed. Original drawing · not to scale. Scroll sideways if needed.
Balluff BNI EIP-508-005-Z015-013 ports 0–7, female M12 A-coded — source-scoped contact map
PinSignalWhat it doesStatus
1+24 V, 1.6 APower connection (+24 V, 1.6 A). Check the specified supply.Device-specific
Sources
2Input / outputControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
3GNDGround reference and return.Device-specific
Sources
4Input / output / IO-LinkControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
5n.c.Not connected or absent in this named wiring.Not connected
Sources
Sources (1)

What is not established

This field note does not approve a connection, adapter, cable assembly, rewiring scheme or fabricated part. It intentionally omits unsupported pin assignments and mechanical tolerances.

Your next step

Move from the form to the requirement.

The source trail

Evidence for this page

AI-assisted inspection is not independent engineering review. Source scope and access limitations are disclosed below. Procedural checklists are editorial requirements, not hardware measurements.

Back to first citation ↑
C251ASource checked · pending review

Phoenix Contact identifies part 1836717 as a five-position sensor/actuator cable using A-coded M12 connectors.

Phoenix Contact · M12 A-coded 5-position sensor/actuator cable ↗

Locator: Product properties
Access: public page. Identification/reference scope only. V43 does not convert this source into a universal pinout, fabrication drawing, electrical approval, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility verdict.

S271: full source recordInspect review dependencies → (private workspace)

Claim scope: V43 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof.. Next review due 2027-01-04.

Back to first citation ↑
C251CSource checked · pending review

Phoenix Contact 1836717 is a configurable unshielded five-position M12 A-coded male-to-female sensor/actuator cable. The listing offers multiple grip-body colors, so the shown color is not a unique coding identifier.

Phoenix Contact · Phoenix Contact 1836717 — configurable M12 sensor cable ↗

Locator: Product description; product properties; grip-body color choices; connector ends; photograph 115698
Access: public page. Named five-position A-coded unshielded cable example. Photograph colors are not a coding or protocol standard. No raw HTML or manufacturer image archive is represented as retained.

S503: full source recordInspect review dependencies → (private workspace)

Claim scope: V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee.. Next review due 2027-01-09.

Back to first citation ↑
C251DSource checked · pending review

HARTING describes A-coded circular connectors mainly in sensor/actuator signal and field-device power applications, whereas D-coded M12 is an industrial Ethernet form. A five-position A-coded product is not interchangeable solely because both have an M12 outer thread.

HARTING Technology Group · HARTING circular connector coding and application distinctions ↗

Locator: Circular coding: A-coded, D-coded, K-coded, S-coded, X-coded, Y-coded sections
Access: public page. Visible manufacturer facts are source-scoped and may change; confirm the exact component/revision and documented applicability; no independent technical certification is claimed.

S647: full source recordInspect review dependencies → (private workspace)

Claim scope: V178 Coding-class and application distinction only; electrical and mechanical mating of actual parts unverified. Original bounded manufacturer paraphrase; publication and technical review pending.. Next review due 2027-01-13.

Suggest a correction to this field note →

Put this field note to work.

Add to discovery trayRecord an unsaved candidate (private workspace)

Compare look-alikes: M12 A-coded versus B-coded versus L-coded · M8, M12 and M23 circular families

Candidate selection does not confirm the identity or capabilities of your physical item.

Evidence behind this page

Scope first. Source second. Approval separate.

3 linked sources · 3 scoped claims · 0 sources with inspection/access flags.

Page scope: catalogue_expansion_v43

Assessment 2026-10-22 · earliest scheduled source review 2027-01-04. This is a recorded-date assessment, not a live source check. Page-level independent review is not established by this panel.

Inspect 3 source scopes, access limits and dates

S271 · M12 A-coded 5-position sensor/actuator cable

Phoenix Contact · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-06 · due 2027-01-04

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Identifies five-position M12 plug/socket connectors with A-coding in a sensor/actuator cable.

Not established / limitations: Identification/reference scope only. V43 does not convert this source into a universal pinout, fabrication drawing, electrical approval, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility verdict.

Locator: Product properties

S503 · Phoenix Contact 1836717 — configurable M12 sensor cable

Phoenix Contact · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-11 · due 2027-01-09

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Named five-position A-coded unshielded cable example. Photograph colors are not a coding or protocol standard.

Not established / limitations: Named five-position A-coded unshielded cable example. Photograph colors are not a coding or protocol standard. No raw HTML or manufacturer image archive is represented as retained.

Locator: Product description; product properties; grip-body color choices; connector ends; photograph 115698

S647 · HARTING circular connector coding and application distinctions

HARTING Technology Group · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-15 · due 2027-01-13

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Manufacturer-authored class-level application/coding comparisons; not exact mating, terminal assignments or power ratings for arbitrary parts

Not established / limitations: Visible manufacturer facts are source-scoped and may change; confirm the exact component/revision and documented applicability; no independent technical certification is claimed.

Locator: Circular coding: A-coded, D-coded, K-coded, S-coded, X-coded, Y-coded sections

Trace 3 claims to their source records

C251A · P251

Phoenix Contact identifies part 1836717 as a five-position sensor/actuator cable using A-coded M12 connectors.

Claim scope: V43 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof.

Source links: S271 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C251C · P251

Phoenix Contact 1836717 is a configurable unshielded five-position M12 A-coded male-to-female sensor/actuator cable. The listing offers multiple grip-body colors, so the shown color is not a unique coding identifier.

Claim scope: V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee.

Source links: S503 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C251D · P251

HARTING describes A-coded circular connectors mainly in sensor/actuator signal and field-device power applications, whereas D-coded M12 is an industrial Ethernet form. A five-position A-coded product is not interchangeable solely because both have an M12 outer thread.

Claim scope: V178 Coding-class and application distinction only; electrical and mechanical mating of actual parts unverified. Original bounded manufacturer paraphrase; publication and technical review pending.

Source links: S647 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

Prepare this page for review → (private workspace)Read the evidence method →

Recorded evidence only. An inspection date, publisher label, source link or generated packet is not independent technical review, hardware testing, fabrication approval or a compatibility verdict.

Industrial coding field check · M12 A · sensor

Can I use M12 A-coded sensor cabling for D-coded Ethernet?

Short answer Do not assume so. A-coded sensor/actuator connectors have a different coding and intended application from D-coded Ethernet.

Verify next

Identify A or D coding on the exact port and cable; verify the control-system wiring before any connection.

Not yet established

Neither matching outer thread nor the same nominal contact count establishes an approved mate.

Show source-checked observations (not independently approved)
  • C251D — HARTING describes A-coded circular connectors mainly in sensor/actuator signal and field-device power applications, whereas D-coded M12 is an industrial Ethernet form. A five-position A-coded product is not interchangeable solely because both have an M12 outer thread. S647 · HARTING Technology Group

Symbolic reference, not connector gauging, manufacturing dimensions, wiring, approved mating, hardware test or publication approval.

Compare all eight industrial coding questions →