IEC 61076-3-123:2019

Overview

IEC 61076-3-123:2019 is an international standard specifying product requirements for hybrid rectangular connectors designed for industrial environments. These connectors combine power supply and fibre optic data transmission functionalities within a single, robust rectangular push-pull housing. The standard ensures reliable electrical and optical connections suitable for harsh applications, incorporating a 3-pole 16A electrical portion and a duplex LC fibre optic data transmission portion. The connectors comply with IP65/IP67 protection ratings, providing high resistance to dust and water ingress.

Key features include rewirable and non-rewirable fixed and free connector variants, adherence to IEC 61076-3-117 housing dimensions, and performance class Category I compliance per IEC 61753-1-3 for the fibre optic component, except for the defined operating temperature range (-25 °C to +70 °C). Male connectors feature three round electrical contacts with a 1.6 mm diameter that support up to 16A rated current. This standard also defines multiple coding options to prevent incorrect connector mating and cross-compatibility with other standards.

Key Topics

• Hybrid Rectangular Connectors
  Integration of power supply and duplex fibre optic data transmission ports within one connector housing.

• Push-Pull Locking Mechanism
  Secure and quick engagement/disengagement suited for industrial use, improving operational efficiency and safety.

• Electrical Characteristics

  • Rated current: 16 A for power contacts
  • Rated insulation voltages vary depending on application
  • Contact resistance and insulation requirements to guarantee safe operation.

• Fibre Optic Interface
  Utilizes LC duplex fibre optic connectors per IEC 61754-20, providing high-performance data transmission for industrial communications.

• Environmental Resistance
  IP65/IP67 rated for protection against dust and water ingress, ensuring connector durability in harsh industrial environments.

• Coding and Polarization
  Codings prevent mismatches and cross-mating with other connector systems, ensuring system integrity and reducing maintenance problems.

• Mechanical and Climatic Specifications
  Compliance with vibration, shock, and temperature ranges suitable for heavy industrial conditions.

Applications

These hybrid connectors are ideal for industrial automation, machine building, robotics, and control systems where reliable combined power delivery and high-speed fibre optic communication are essential. The robust push-pull locking and IP-rated housings enhance durability in demanding environments such as factory floors, outdoor installations, and transportation systems. Their compact, integrated design simplifies wiring, reduces connector footprint, and improves system maintainability.

Industrial sectors benefitting from IEC 61076-3-123 compliant connectors include:

• Manufacturing and assembly automation
• Process control and instrumentation
• Renewable energy systems
• Rail and transportation infrastructure
• Harsh environment communication networks

The hybrid nature supports efficient system design by minimizing cabling complexity while maintaining separate, optimized channels for power and data.

Related Standards

• IEC 61076-3-117 – Rectangular connectors with push-pull locking housing; defines housing dimensions used in this standard.
• IEC 61753-1-3 – Performance classes for fibre optic interconnecting devices, including Category I performance relevant for the fibre optic portion.
• IEC 61754-20 – Defines LC duplex fibre optic connector type specification used for the data transmission part.
• IEC 61076-1 – General compatibility levels for rectangular connectors.

By aligning with these harmonized international standards, IEC 61076-3-123:2019 ensures interoperability, reliability, and quality assurance for hybrid connectors used in industrial power and fibre optic data transmission applications.

Keywords: Rectangular Connectors, Hybrid Connectors, IEC 61076-3-123, power supply connectors, fibre optic transmission, industrial connectors, push-pull locking, IP65, IP67, LC duplex fibre optic, industrial environments, connector coding, electrical connectors.