M8 circular connector is one of the most common connection solutions in industrial automation. Its name comes from the 8mm mating thread diameter, and it complies with the IEC 61076-2-104 international standard.
A rear-lock socket is a panel-mount variant within the M8 connector family. “Rear-lock” means the socket is inserted from the back of the panel and secured with a nut from the front — the opposite of a “front-lock” design.
design offers several benefits:
- Cleaner front appearance – The locking nut stays on the outside of the panel, while the socket body is hidden inside the equipment
- Adapts to different panel thicknesses – The nut can be adjusted to fit various wall thicknesses
- Anti-rotation feature – Some versions include a double-flat design on the thread to stop the connector from spinning when the nut is tightened
Both male and female ends appear in the product images, each serving a different connection need:
- Male (pin) – The side with pins, used for panel mounting on the equipment side
- Female (socket) – The side with holes, typically used for cable-end mating
male-to-female pairing ensures reliable signal transmission and consistent mating performance.
02 Product Specifications and Technical Parameters
Based on industry-standard M8 rear-lock socket products, the key specifications are as follows:
Structural Features
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mounting Type | Rear-lock panel mount (inserted from rear, secured from front) |
| Orientation | Straight / 180° vertical |
| Coding | A-coded (sensor/actuator standard) |
| Contact Positions | 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 pins available |
| Contact Type | Male pins |
Electrical Performance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rated Current | 1.5A – 3A (depends on pin count; more pins = lower current) |
| Rated Voltage | 30V – 60V AC/DC |
| Contact Resistance | <5mΩ |
| Insulation Resistance | >100MΩ |
Environmental and Mechanical Performance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Protection Rating | IP67 / IP68 (when mated with a cable) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +105°C |
| Mating Cycles | 500+ cycles |
| Housing Material | Metal (brass nickel-plated or stainless steel) |
| Contact Plating | Gold |
03 Product Advantages
① Compact Size Saves Equipment Space
M8 connectors are smaller than M12 types, with a panel cutout of only about 8.1mm. In tight equipment interiors, the rear-lock design allows for cleaner wiring and better space utilization.
② Secure Mounting Resists Loosening
The threaded locking mechanism and metal housing provide excellent vibration resistance. The rear-lock socket is clamped between the panel and the locking nut, so even in continuous vibration environments, it stays firmly in place.
③ High Environmental Protection
O-ring seals and multi-layer sealing structures deliver IP67/IP68 protection when mated with a cable. This ensures resistance to dust, water, oil, and cold — making it suitable for harsh industrial conditions.
④ Standardized Compatibility
Compliant with IEC 61076-2-104, these sockets are fully interchangeable with other standard-compliant products on the market. There is no need to worry about dimensional mismatches when sourcing from different brands.
04 About XmoST
Shenzhen XmoST Precision Industry Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer focused on the research, development, and production of circular connectors.
The company’s product range includes M8, M12, and XT series circular connectors, with A/B/D/X coding, straight/right-angle configurations, male/female contacts, and panel-mount/cable-mount options available. These products serve a wide range of industries, including factory automation, robotics, renewable energy, medical equipment, and rail transit.
XmoST operates on the principle of “reliable quality, controllable delivery.” The company offers everything from standard off-the-shelf products to custom solutions — including cable length, color, labeling, and packaging — and is committed to being a trusted partner in the industrial connection field.
Media Contact:
Email: office@xmostindustry.com
Website: https://m8circularconnector.com/
