Cables & connectors
NEW SPACE- SAVING METAL HOUSING FOR ODU-MAC RAPID
R ODU-UK
www.odu-connectors.com/uk 16
esponding to customer feed-back, a new metal housing has been introduced to the ODU-MAC RAPID connector range. Using metal instead of plastic allows for a thinner wall thickness, making the housing ideal for systems with limited space, particularly in the medical, industrial and test & measurement sectors. Both ODU-MAC Blue-Line frames and ODU-MAC White-Line frames in size 4 can be installed.
The connector is now available in standard black or orange housing options. Using space-saving spindle-locking instead of side or end clamps, together with the half- shell design ensure easy assembly, component replacement, and proper cable routing. To ensure even greater stability, optional perforated metal strain reliefs are available. Key features include not only robust and space-saving design, but also high contact density, a flexibly adjustable cable outlet, and flush mounting of the receptacle. For proven ease of use, the built-in ODU-MAC Blue-Line modules are easily installed and removed without tools. In addition, the connector is available complete with cable assembly, in a one-stop- shop option, directly from ODU. Thanks to ODU’s decades of expertise in connector solutions and its global locations, ODU is able to guide customers through design, manufacturing, and inspection. With 80 per cent in-house integration, we guarantee the fastest possible crisis-proof delivery.
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BROWNFIELD NETWORKING: SHIELDING ETHERNET UPGRADES
lant engineers upgrading older production lines with modern networking face a constraint that new facilities rarely encounter: limited cable pathways. In many existing plants, new Ethernet lines must run close to heavy motor power cables, variable frequency drives, and other equipment that was never designed with data transmission in mind. This proximity creates electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can degrade signal integrity and contribute to communication errors or packet loss on industrial networks.
WHAT EMI MEANS FOR BROWNFIELD PROJECTS
EMI is unwanted electromagnetic energy that produces noise or signal distortion, disrupting normal device operation. Industrial machinery, power lines, and wireless signals are common sources. A related concept, electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS), describes how resistant a device or cable is to these disturbances. EMI and EMS both fall under electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — the discipline of keeping devices from interfering with, or being disrupted by, their surroundings.
In a retrofit, where communication and power cables may be forced into nearby trays, panels, or constrained routing paths, EMC stops being an abstract concept and becomes a practical wiring decision.
SHIELDED M12 ETHERNET CORDSETS One way to manage this risk is with shielded M12 D-coded Ethernet connectors. These use a keyed M12 connector on the field side and terminate in an RJ45 connection for switch or controller-side
equipment. Shielded variants are available with the cable shield terminated at both connector ends, or at the RJ45 end only, depending on the grounding scheme required. Cable jackets are offered in PVC, PUR, and TPE, with housings in nickel-plated brass. The M12 mating interface carries an IP69 rating for protection against dust and high-pressure washdown. The RJ45 interface itself is rated IP20, reflecting its typical use inside an enclosure rather than direct field exposure.
EMI SHIELDING CABLE GLANDS Where a cable shield needs to be grounded at a panel or enclosure wall, EMI shielding cable glands provide a mechanical connection between the cable shield and the enclosure body. These nickel-plated brass glands carry an IP68 rating and are available in PG and metric thread sizes, allowing them to be matched to existing panel cutouts during a retrofit rather than requiring new enclosure modifications.
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS A reliable brownfield Ethernet upgrade starts with thoughtful cable routing. Whenever possible, communication and power cabling should be physically separated to minimise EMI exposure. When existing infrastructure limits routing options, shielded M12 Ethernet cordsets and properly grounded EMI shielding cable glands can provide an added layer of protection. When incorporated into a well-designed grounding and bonding strategy, these components help support stable network communication and long-term reliability in demanding industrial environments.
Mencom Corporation
www.mencom.com September 2026 Instrumentation Monthly
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