The MR-EKCBL5M-L is Mitsubishi Electric’s 5-metre standard fixed-installation encoder cable for MR-J2S series servo amplifiers and HC-KFS, HC-MFS, HC-SFS, and HC-RFS series servo motors — the fixed-installation (non-flex) «L» variant of the 5-metre MR-EKCBL series encoder cable, designed for servo motor installations where the encoder cable follows a static routing path with no repeated bending, distinguishing it from the heavy-duty flex «H» variant (MR-EKCBL5M-H) intended for moving axis energy chain applications. Atlantech Drives holds stock of the MR-EKCBL5M-L. Contact us for fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing.
What Is the MR-EKCBL5M-L?
The MR-EKCBL5M-L is a Mitsubishi Electric servo encoder cable from the MR-EKCBL series, providing the 5-metre encoder signal connection between MR-J2S series servo amplifiers and their compatible J2S-era HC-series servo motors in fixed (non-moving) installation applications. The «L» suffix designates the standard fixed-installation construction — as opposed to the «H» heavy-duty flex construction of the MR-EKCBL5M-H — using a simpler outer jacket construction that is appropriate for static cable routing in cable ducts, conduit, and fixed cable trays where the cable does not experience repeated bending during machine operation. The «L» construction is lighter and more flexible at the time of installation than the «H» variant, making it easier to route through conduit and around obstacles in fixed installations, while the «H» variant’s more robust outer jacket provides the durability needed for repeated mechanical flexing in energy chain applications. Both variants are functionally identical in signal specification — the 15-pin D-Sub amplifier-side connector mates with the MR-J2S amplifier’s CN2 encoder port, the motor-side connector mates with the J2S-era HC-series motor’s encoder connector, and both transmit the same J2S-era serial encoder signal between motor and amplifier. As a J2S-era cable, the MR-EKCBL5M-L is a discontinued product available from aftermarket inventory for maintenance replacement in operational MR-J2S servo systems.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: MR-EKCBL5M-L
- Cable Length: 5 metres
- Amplifier-Side Connector: 15-pin D-Sub (MR-J2S CN2 encoder port)
- Motor-Side Connector: J2S-era HC-series motor encoder connector
- Construction: Standard fixed installation (L) — NOT rated for energy chain / moving axis
- Signal Type: J2S-era serial encoder (HC-series motor encoder protocol)
- Compatible Amplifiers: MR-J2S-A and MR-J2S-B series (all power ratings)
- Compatible Motors: HC-KFS, HC-MFS, HC-SFS, HC-RFS series (J2S-era motors)
- Shielding: Overall braid shield
- Operating Temperature: -20°C to 70°C (fixed installation)
- Series: MR-EKCBL (J2S era — distinct from MR-J3ENCBL used for J3/J4)
Series Comparison & Selection Guide
Within the MR-EKCBL 5-metre encoder cable range, the selection between the MR-EKCBL5M-L (standard/fixed) and the MR-EKCBL5M-H (heavy-duty flex) is determined exclusively by the installation type — whether the cable moves during machine operation or remains stationary. The «L» (standard) variant is the correct selection when the motor is fixed to the machine structure and the encoder cable follows a static routing path from motor to amplifier panel without bending or flexing during machine cycles. Typical «L» installation scenarios include: conveyor drive motors bolted to fixed motor mounting plates, pump motors on fixed bases, HVAC fan motors in static positions, and vertical press axis motors where the motor does not move but the axis ram does (with the motor mounted above the ram on the fixed press frame). The «H» (heavy-duty flex) variant is required when the motor moves with the machine axis — gantry motors traversing the machine bed, robot axis motors on moving arm segments, and any motor installed in or feeding through an energy chain. Using an «L» (standard) cable in a moving axis application will cause premature jacket fatigue and conductor failure — always specify the «H» variant for any application involving repeated cable bending. Both the L and H variants are discontinued from Mitsubishi production and available from aftermarket inventory only — the MR-EKCBL5M-L is subject to the same increasing scarcity and procurement risk as all MR-J2S-era accessories.
Replacement & Upgrade Notes
The MR-EKCBL5M-L is available from aftermarket inventory as a direct replacement for a damaged or aged MR-EKCBL5M-L in an active MR-J2S servo installation. For MR-J2S systems where the encoder cable has failed and neither the MR-EKCBL5M-L nor the MR-EKCBL5M-H can be sourced, a custom encoder cable fabricated to the MR-J2S encoder cable specification (15-pin D-Sub amplifier connector wiring, J2S motor encoder connector pinout, equivalent shielded twisted-pair construction) by a qualified cable assembly house can provide a functional replacement — the critical requirement is correct pin-to-pin wiring continuity and shielding integrity, as the J2S encoder protocol is sensitive to signal crosstalk and common-mode interference. For MR-J2S systems where the complete servo system (amplifier, motor, and cabling) is to be upgraded to current Mitsubishi technology, the MR-EKCBL5M-L is replaced as part of the J2S-to-J4 migration — the new motor (HG-SR or HG-RR series) and amplifier (MR-J4 series) use the MR-J3ENCBL series encoder cables with completely different connector types on both ends, making the MR-EKCBL5M-L’s J2S-specific connectors irrelevant to the post-migration cable selection. For facilities planning J2S-to-J4 migration, the encoder cable replacement budget should include MR-J3ENCBL (or MR-J4ENCBL) cables of appropriate length for each axis, in addition to the amplifier, motor, and motor power cable budget items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the MR-EKCBL5M-L be used in a moving axis application if the cable is protected by conduit throughout the moving section?
A: Even with conduit protection, repeated flexing of an «L» (standard) rated cable within a conduit causes jacket and insulation fatigue at the conduit’s bend points, eventually leading to conductor damage. The conduit does not eliminate the mechanical bending stress on the cable interior — it only provides physical protection from external damage and contamination. For moving axis applications, the MR-EKCBL5M-H (heavy-duty flex) variant is required regardless of whether the cable is routed in conduit. Using an «L» cable in conduit on a moving axis may extend the time before failure compared to unprotected routing, but does not provide the rated flex cycle life of the «H» construction.
Q: Is the MR-EKCBL5M-L suitable for use in environments with cutting fluid or coolant splash?
A: The MR-EKCBL5M-L’s outer jacket provides resistance against incidental cutting fluid splash in machine tool environments when the cable is routed away from direct coolant streams and protected by cable ducts or conduit. For installations where the cable is directly exposed to cutting fluid streams or submersion, additional conduit or cable protection is required. The 15-pin D-Sub amplifier-side connector on the MR-EKCBL5M-L is not rated for coolant exposure — ensure the D-Sub connector is installed inside the servo panel away from coolant spray, with the cable entering the panel through a sealed cable gland.
Q: Can the MR-EKCBL5M-L be spliced to extend its length if the 5-metre reach is insufficient?
A: Splicing encoder cables is not recommended for J2S serial encoder signal transmission — the splice connection introduces additional contact resistance, potential signal reflection from impedance discontinuity, and reduced shield continuity that can degrade encoder signal quality. If 5 metres is insufficient, the MR-EKCBL10M-L (10 metre fixed installation variant) should be specified instead of splicing the 5-metre cable. Spliced encoder cables may operate initially but often develop intermittent AL.16 encoder errors months after installation as the splice connection degrades from vibration, thermal cycling, or oxidation.
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