ZK7A26-3031-0020 by Beckhoff

The ZK7A26-3031-0020 is a preterminated motor connection cable manufactured by Beckhoff for its ZK Motor Cables series. The product combines four power conductors and a differential data pair inside a single PUR sheath, allowing one cable to power the actuator and carry position feedback through an EtherCAT P network. This combined design simplifies wiring runs in conveyor cells, gantry robots, and compact machine modules that use distributed servo drives. The PUR sheath also provides the flexibility and abrasion resistance needed where the cable moves with automated equipment.

The assembly has a fixed length of 2.00 m, making it suitable for short point-to-point links between a control cabinet and an adjacent motor without leaving excess cable inside the machine frame. The twisted pair meets Cat.5 performance requirements, providing sufficient bandwidth for communication cycle times as short as 1 ms. Conductors for the real-time data link have a cross-sectional area of 0.34 mm² (AWG22), balancing voltage drop and flexibility so the cable can move through a drag chain without stressing its terminations. Power and signal conductors share a molded M23 interface, reducing the number of separate connections required at the motor. The pin block reserves four contacts for the network supply rails. A keyed insert with mechanical code 3 allows only a compatible male connector to align with the female socket, helping prevent incorrect connection and polarity errors.

The overmold conforms to installation size B23, allowing it to pass through standard metric cutouts used for servo cabling. When the connection is tightened, the metal coupling and molded strain relief establish a seal rated at IP65/IP67, protecting the interface against dust, washdown fluids, and temporary water immersion. The standardized outer dimensions support consistent clamp placement and cable routing throughout the machine. Its single-cable arrangement also reduces the number of separate cable paths required between the control equipment and motor.