M12 Cable Material Selection Guide: PUR vs. PVC vs. TPE
May 13, 2025
M12 Cables have become the industry standard for sensor/actuator connectivity in industrial automation environments. When selecting the right M12 cable for your application, the jacket material is one of the most critical factors that will determine performance, durability, and reliability. This guide compares the three most common M12 cable jacket materials: PUR (Polyurethane), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer).
Why Material Selection Matters
The right cable jacket material can mean the difference between a reliable connection that lasts for years and frequent cable failures resulting in costly downtime. In fact, according to industry research, up to 70% of field failures in industrial networks are related to cabling issues. By understanding the properties of different materials and making informed selections, you can significantly improve your system’s reliability.
Quick Comparison: PUR vs. PVC vs. TPE
| Property | PVC | PUR | TPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Chemical Resistance | Good (acids/alkalis) | Excellent (oils/chemicals) | Excellent |
| Oil Resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
| UV/Weather Resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
| Temperature Range (°C) | -25 to 70 | -40 to 80 | -50 to 125 |
| Flame Retardancy | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Flex Life | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Environmental Impact | Contains halogens | Halogen-free, recyclable | Non-toxic, recyclable |
| Relative Cost | Low | Moderate to High | High |
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Best for: General-purpose, static, and cost-sensitive applications
Advantages:
- Economical solution for basic industrial applications
- Good resistance to common cleaning chemicals and moisture
- Rigid sheathing provides protection in washdown environments
- Ideal for fixed installations with minimal movement
Limitations:
- Less flexible than alternatives, especially in cold temperatures
- Lower resistance to oils and abrasion compared to PUR or TPE
- Contains halogens that can release toxic fumes when burned
Typical Applications:
- General factory automation
- Fixed sensor installations
- Indoor control panels
- Budget-conscious projects
Phoenix Contact PVC M12 Cables
| Part Number | Cable Length | Connector Type | Connector Orientation | Sheath Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1415675 | 1.5 m | Female | Straight | PVC, black RAL 9005 |
| 1544976 | 1.5 m | Female | Straight | PVC, black RAL 9005 |
| 1693539 | 1.5 m | Female | Angled | PVC, black RAL 9005 |
| 1446333 | 10 m | Female | Straight | PVC, black RAL 9005 |
| 1415727 | 1.5 m | Female | Straight | PVC, black RAL 9005 |
| 1414452 | 10 m | Female | Straight | PVC, black RAL 9005 |
| 1554872 | 1.5 m | Female | Straight | PVC, black RAL 9005 |
PVC M12 Cable Features
All Phoenix Contact PVC M12 cables feature:
- Black RAL 9005 PVC sheath
- A-coded M12 connectors
- Available in both straight and angled orientations
- Multiple length options including 1.5m and 10m
- Standard protection rating of IP65/IP67
- Suitable for applications where flexibility and chemical resistance requirements are moderate
- Economical choice for standard industrial environments
- Operating temperature range: -25°C to 70°C
PUR (Polyurethane)
Best for: Dynamic, abrasive, oily, and outdoor environments
Advantages:
- Outstanding flexibility with small bend radius, perfect for M12 Cables in robotic applications
- Superior resistance to abrasion, tearing, oils, and chemicals
- Excellent weather and UV resistance for outdoor installations
- Halogen-free composition for environmentally conscious applications
Limitations:
- Higher cost compared to PVC options
- Slightly lower heat resistance than some specialized materials
Typical Applications:
- Robotic arm connections
- Machine tools with exposure to cutting fluids
- Outdoor installations
- Mobile equipment
- Applications with continuous movement
Phoenix Contact PUR Halogen-Free M12 Cables
Browse some of our Phoenix Contact PUR halogen-free M12 cables, designed for maximum durability and reliability in demanding industrial environments.
| Part Number | Positions | Cable Length | Connector Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1668124 | 4 | 5M | Straight Female |
| 1683002 | 4 | 10M | Straight Female |
| 1669848 | 5 | 5M | Straight Female |
| 1683374 | 5 | 10M | Straight Female |
| 1520369 | 8 | 5M | Straight Female |
| 1520372 | 8 | 10M | Straight Female |
| 1668247 | 4 | 5M | Angled Female |
| 1681389 | 4 | 10M | Angled Female |
| 1669877 | 5 | 5M | Angled Female |
| 1694541 | 5 | 10M | Angled Female |
| 1522642 | 8 | 5M | Angled Female |
| 1522655 | 8 | 10M | Angled Female |
All cables feature:
- 100% electrically tested reliability
- PUR halogen-free construction for industrial durability
- Next-day shipping on in-stock items
- Full compatibility with industry-standard M12 connectors
Key Benefits of Our PUR Halogen-Free M12 Cables
- Extended Lifespan: Highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, oils, and UV radiation
- Operational Versatility: Maintains flexibility in temperatures from -40°C to 80°C
- Environmental Responsibility: Halogen-free composition eliminates toxic emissions during fires
- Cost Efficiency: Reduced replacement frequency and downtime compared to standard cables
- Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with all major industrial automation systems
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
Best for: High-flex, extreme temperature, and environmentally sensitive applications
Advantages:
- Exceptional flexibility with outstanding flex life (up to 10 million cycles)
- Superior performance in extreme cold environments (down to -50°C)
- Excellent resistance to UV radiation, ozone, chemicals, and flame
- Non-toxic formula ideal for food and pharmaceutical applications
Limitations:
- Premium price point
- May be over-specified for basic applications
Typical Applications:
- Continuous flexing applications
- Cold storage and freezer environments
- Food and beverage processing
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Applications requiring extended temperature ranges
- High-pressure washdown areas requiring IP69K-rated cordsets
Conclusion
Selecting the right M12 cable jacket material ensures your installation meets performance, durability, and safety requirements:
- PVC is best for static, indoor, and budget-conscious applications where standard cables are appropriate
- PUR excels in harsh, dynamic, and oily environments requiring premium cables for reliability
- TPE is unmatched for flexibility, cold resistance, and eco-friendliness, especially in IP69K applications
Need help choosing the right M12 cable for your application?
Contact Proax today — their automation specialists are here to guide you toward the perfect solution for your environment, budget, and performance needs.
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