METZ CONNECT
METZ CONNECT is a manufacturer of standard and custom signal and data connectors and I/O modules. METZ CONNECT products cover a wide range across multiple applications and industries. Products include PCB mount terminal blocks and board to board connectors, field terminated Ethernet connectors, patch panels and intelligent DIN Rail mount I/O devices. These products are used in access, lighting and HVAC controls, security and irrigation systems, industrial automation, A/V equipment, and building automation applications.
METZ CONNECT, formerly RIA CONNECT, is a medium-sized, family-run German company founded in 1976.
Featured Products
METZ CONNECT’s M12 product line offers a comprehensive range of connectors and cables designed for robust and reliable performance in industrial environments. These products are tailored to meet the demands of automation, fieldbus technology, and sensor/actuator applications
Coding Variants:
The M12 connectors are available in A-, D-, and X-coded versions, each serving specific applications:
A-coded: Typically used for sensor and actuator connections.
D-coded: Designed for Ethernet applications up to 100 Mbps (Cat.5e).
X-coded: Supports high-speed data transmission up to 10 Gbps (Cat.6A).
PC Board Jacks and Inserts M12
The M12 connector is a robust industrial solution designed for field-level applications and Industrial Ethernet networks. Featuring a circular profile with a metric 12 mm thread, it is available in multiple variants and codings to accommodate a range of protection requirements. For use in electrically sensitive environments, fully shielded, EMC-compliant versions are offered. In these designs, the contact carrier is enclosed within a metallic shield sleeve, establishing a connection both to the cable shield and the locking screw. This configuration ensures continuous shielding through to the device housing. Furthermore, M12 connectors are distinguished by their exceptional mechanical strength and resistance to vibration and external mechanical stresses.
Globally recognized, M12 connectors with a 12 mm metric thread are widely utilized in automation and sensor technologies for the reliable transmission of data, signals, and fieldbus communications.
Plugs & Jacks for Network Cabling
METZ CONNECT provides a broad selection of M12 circular connectors designed for reliable data communication in demanding environments. The lineup includes M12 D-coded connectors for two-pair twisted-pair networks and M12 X-coded connectors for four-pair twisted-pair configurations. The D-coded four-pin connector supports transmission speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s. For applications requiring higher data rates, such as Gigabit Ethernet, the X-coded eight-pin M12 connectors are ideal, enabling data transfer speeds within the gigabit range. Built for durability, these rugged M12 connectors offer exceptional mechanical and electrical resilience and, when mated, deliver protection against dirt and moisture (IP67 rating), ensuring secure connections and consistent, error-free data transmission.
Industrial Ethernet – Connection Cables
Shielded M12 Industrial Ethernet cables designed for secure, reliable data transmission in automation and fieldbus applications. METZ CONNECT offers a wide range of cable types engineered to withstand high mechanical stresses, including abrasion, bending, vibration, drag chain use, and torsion. Available in multiple performance categories — Cat.5 (100 Mbit/s) and Cat.6A (10 GBit/s) — these cables feature D-coded and X-coded M12 connectors for seamless integration into demanding industrial environments.
- Customizable Lengths and Configurations: A comprehensive configurator tool is available to tailor cable assemblies to specific application requirements, including length, connector type, and shielding options.
Sensor/Actuator Connection Cables
M12 Sensor/Actuator connection cables with molded M12 A-coded connectors meet the typical requirements of the automation industry.
Features & Benefits:
Versatile Connector Options: Available with straight or angled M12 plugs and jacks, these cables can be configured with free line ends or paired with another M12 connector, providing flexibility for diverse installation requirements.
Multiple Pole Configurations: Offered in 4-, 5-, and 8-pole versions, accommodating various signal and power transmission needs.
Shielded and Unshielded Variants: Options include both shielded (360° shielding) and unshielded cables, allowing for selection based on the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements of the application.
Durable Cable Materials: Constructed with either PUR or PVC jackets, these cables are designed to withstand mechanical stress, chemical exposure, and environmental factors commonly encountered in industrial settings.
Wide Range of Cable Types: Available in various conductor sizes and constructions, such as AWG 22/42 PUR and AWG 22/19 PVC, to suit different electrical and mechanical specifications.
Customizable Lengths and Configurations: A comprehensive configurator tool is available to tailor cable assemblies to specific application requirements, including length, connector type, and shielding options.
M12/RJ45 Cable Assemblies for Buses and Rail Vehicles
The product portfolio for bus and rail vehicle applications features M12 plugs and sockets (D- and X-coded) designed for field assembly, along with cable assemblies available in various transmission categories (Cat.5, Cat.7) and lengths. These assemblies can be paired with a wide range of connectors, including both RJ45 and M12 types. Selecting the optimal Ethernet connector for bus and rail systems depends on the unique demands of each application.
METZ CONNECT offers high-quality cable assemblies and connectors, all manufactured and tested in compliance with current industry standards and regulations. Products from this portfolio ensure a reliable connection to Ethernet networks.
Metz Connect is a trusted name in electrical connection technology, offering high-quality terminal blocks that ensure safe, reliable, and efficient wire terminations. Designed with precision German engineering, Metz Connect terminal blocks are widely used across industrial automation, building technology, control panels, and more. Their range includes PCB terminal blocks, DIN rail terminal blocks, and pluggable connectors—all tailored to meet demanding installation, safety, and performance standards.
Metz Connect places a strong emphasis on secure connectivity, compact design, and ease of installation, making their terminal blocks ideal for both OEMs and control system integrators. Whether for signal, data, or power transmission, Metz Connect provides solutions that maintain system integrity in even the most complex electrical infrastructures.
Spring Clamp
The spring clamp terminal block range includes models that utilize a spring-based clamping mechanism for electrical connections. In this type of connection, a stripped conductor is secured by a tensioned spring, ensuring a stable contact. These blocks are compatible with both solid and stranded conductors ranging from 0.08 to 2.5 mm² in cross-sectional area. They support direct clamping without prior conductor treatment, clamping with ferrules for added protection, or indirect clamping using pin lugs or end sleeves.
METZ CONNECT’s spring clamp terminal block product family consists of terminal blocks based on a spring clamp connection. This electrical connection is created by clamping an individual conductor using a spring.
Benefits:
- No more loose wires or miswiring
- No tooling required
- Color coding options
- Printing options: Inkjet, pad, and hot stamping
Key Features:
- METZ CONNECT patented cage clamp design
- Available in solderable or pluggable (1 pc and 2 pc)
- Full product range from 2.5mm to 10.16mm centerlines
- 12 to 28 AWG wide wire range
- Easy Installation and maintenance with lever design
- Consistent connection force provided from spring
- No screwdrivers or other tools needed with eccentric levers
- Customization possible including color sequencing and printing
- Meets UL 1059 pull out force
Screw Type
Metz Connect provides a broad selection of screw-type terminal blocks to meet a wide range of wire-to-board connectivity requirements. Our standard direct-solder terminal block options support conductor sizes from 28 AWG to 12 AWG, offering flexibility across various applications. Many of the pluggable terminal block models are paired with compatible THR (Through-Hole Reflow) headers, available in T&R packaging, ideal for automated production processes.
The proven screw connection technology relies on a metal clamping mechanism housed within an insulating body. The stripped wire is secured either directly or indirectly via a screw-driven clamp, ensuring a solid electrical connection. Built-in wire protection features, such as lift clamps or pressure plates, help preserve conductor integrity during connection.
These terminal blocks are designed for both solid and stranded conductors with ferrules, supporting connection cross-sections ranging from 0.08 mm² to 4 mm² depending on the model. Metz Connect’s screw terminals are capable of connecting two conductors in a single chamber, offering excellent contact reliability and minimal heat generation during operation.
METZ CONNECT offers a variety of screw type terminal blocks for your wire to board connectivity needs. Our core offering of direct solder versions can accommodate wires ranging in size from twenty-eight up to and including twelve gauge. Many of the pluggable versions have matching THR headers available in tape and reel packaging, making them well suited for automated assembly.
Features:
- Proven technology
- Available in solderable or pluggable (1 pc and 2 pc)
- With or without wire protector
- Full product range from 3.5mm to 10.16mm centerlines
- 12 to 28 AWG wide wire range
- Printing and color options available
Wire- to – Wire
Metz Connect’s wire-to-wire terminal blocks offer a reliable and secure solution for connecting two or more conductors without the need for a PCB. These terminal blocks are designed for use in industrial control systems, building automation, lighting, and field wiring applications where space-saving and dependable in-line connections are essential. Available in screw or spring clamp connection technologies, they provide a robust method for joining wires while maintaining excellent electrical performance and long-term stability.
Whether for temporary wiring, quick replacements, or permanent installations, Metz Connect’s wire-to-wire terminal blocks are engineered for quick installation, tool-free options, and reliable mechanical retention, even in demanding environments.
Key Features & Benefits:
Connection Types: Available in screw clamp and spring clamp versions for user preference and application needs.
Conductor Compatibility: Supports solid and stranded wires, with or without ferrules, typically ranging from 0.2 mm² to 4 mm² (AWG 24–12).
Poles & Configurations: Offered in 2 to 12 pole options for flexibility in multi-wire applications.
Compact & Modular: Space-saving, interlocking housings allow for modular expansion.
Insulation Material: Made from high-quality, flame-retardant and halogen-free thermoplastics for increased safety.
Voltage & Current Ratings: Designed to meet standard industrial ratings—typically up to 32 A and up to 800 V depending on type.
Mounting Options: DIN-rail and panel-mount variants available for fixed installation.
Global Compliance: Certified to international standards (UL, VDE, IEC), ensuring safety and compatibility worldwide.
Ethernet Terminal Blocks
Metz Connect now offers a versatile range of PCB-mounted Ethernet terminal blocks designed specifically for Industrial Ethernet environments. These components serve as a compelling alternative to traditional RJ45 or M12 connectors, offering a more streamlined, cost-effective solution for direct PCB integration.
One standout benefit is the reduction in assembly cost thanks to the direct board-level connection—eliminating the need for separate mating connectors. In addition, color-coded variants help simplify the identification and organization of various Ethernet protocols within the same system.
Metz Connect’s Ethernet terminal blocks are available in 4-pole versions for 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet, and 8-pole models that support data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s, meeting the performance needs of modern, high-speed industrial networks.
IDC Terminal Blocks
The IDC terminal block product line consists of terminals that function on the principle of insulation displacement, eliminating the need to strip wires prior to connection. This connection method works by piercing the insulation of the conductor as it is inserted into the terminal, allowing electrical contact to be made directly through the insulation displacement contact (IDC).
The insulation material used must be PVC or another suitable type that can be fully penetrated by the cutting edges of the IDC without harming the inner conductor. For stranded wire, the insulation should be rigid enough to hold the strands in place, preventing them from shifting or misaligning during the connection process.
Features:
- Mounting Style – Wave Solderable (THT)
- Centerline: 3.50 mm
- Direction of Connection: 90 degrees
- Connection Capacity: AWG 24-22
Resources:
IDC Connectors
Metz Connect’s IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) connectors offer a fast, reliable, and tool-friendly method for terminating conductors without stripping insulation. Designed for efficient mass termination, these connectors are ideal for applications in building automation, industrial control systems, telecommunications, and field wiring where time-saving and consistent connections are crucial.
By using insulation displacement technology, Metz Connect IDC connectors simplify the wiring process, especially for modular components, sensor/actuator interfaces, and signal wiring, reducing labor time and minimizing errors. They are optimized for use with PVC or compatible insulation types and support both solid and stranded conductors, depending on the product version.
Key Features & Benefits:
Tool-Free Termination: No wire stripping required—IDC blades cut through insulation and make contact in one step.
Fast Installation: Greatly reduces wiring time, especially in multi-channel or high-volume installations.
Consistent Contact Quality: Ensures uniform and secure electrical contact across all connections.
Supports Solid & Stranded Wires: Compatible with a variety of wire types within specific cross-sections (typically 0.2–0.8 mm²).
Compact Design: Space-saving connectors ideal for tight control panels and distributed I/O systems.
Vibration-Resistant: Maintains stable electrical contact even in mechanically demanding environments.
Reliable for Long-Term Use: IDC technology ensures minimal degradation over time, even under load.
Material Compatibility: Works with PVC or similar insulating materials suitable for displacement connection.
Color Coding & Polarity Protection: Some models include visual coding or keyed designs to avoid wiring errors.