GE IC693MDL940 120/240 VAC 16-Point Output Module

Description

In high-density industrial automation projects, panel space and wiring cost often become the silent budget killers. When you need to switch dozens of 120 V or 240 V AC loads—conveyor zones, indicator towers, solenoid valves, small pumps, or lighting circuits—from a single Series 90-30 rack, stuffing the panel with individual relays or multiple 8-point modules quickly turns into a maintenance nightmare. The alternative has traditionally been to oversize the cabinet or run long home runs to a separate relay marshalling rack. The GE IC693MDL940 16-point 120/240 VAC output module eliminates that compromise by doubling the I/O density while keeping the same robust 2 A per point rating that plants have trusted for decades.

Engineers specify the GE IC693MDL940 whenever a retrofit or expansion demands maximum outputs per slot without sacrificing reliability or field wiring simplicity. It becomes essential in packaging lines, material handling systems, large HVAC installations, and water treatment plants where AC control circuits are the norm and downtime costs escalate fast. With sixteen individually isolated and fused 2 A outputs in the footprint of a standard Series 90-30 module, the GE IC693MDL940 typically cuts the required rack slots in half compared to 8-point alternatives, saves hours of interposing relay wiring, and dramatically reduces the number of potential failure points. For systems that already live on the edge of backplane current budget or physical space, this single card often makes the difference between fitting inside the existing enclosure or triggering an expensive panel upgrade.

The GE IC693MDL940 is a high-density discrete output module that installs in any I/O slot of a Series 90-30 baseplate (local or remote). It accepts standard 5 V logic from the backplane and switches sixteen separate 120/240 VAC loads at up to 2 A continuous each. Outputs are arranged in two isolated groups of eight, sharing common returns within each group but fully isolated between groups and from the backplane (1500 V isolation). Like the rest of the Series 90-30 family, it uses simple %Q addressing and reports fuse status and field power loss back to the CPU for immediate alarming.

LEDs on the faceplate show logic state for all sixteen points plus individual blown-fuse indicators—no need to pull the module to diagnose a problem. The removable 20-point terminal block accepts two wires per terminal when jumping commons, making field wiring straightforward even at higher density. Whether your rack is controlled by a 331–364 CPU, a VersaMax carrier, or a Genius/Profibus/Ethernet remote drop, the GE IC693MDL940 behaves exactly like any other Series 90-30 output card—zero learning curve.

The GE IC693MDL940 delivers genuine space and cost savings that show up immediately in panel fabrication and long after commissioning. Because every output is individually fused and optically isolated, a fault on one circuit stays contained—your remaining fifteen outputs keep running. The 2 A triac rating handles real-world inductive inrush without nuisance fuse blows, and the absence of mechanical contacts means no contact welding or pitting even after millions of cycles. Plants routinely see these modules still operating perfectly after 15–20 years in 24/7 service.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple: a quick scan of the front-panel LEDs tells you exactly which fuse (if any) needs replacing, and the swing-out door gives direct access without removing wiring. Compared to relay-based solutions, diagnostic time drops from hours to minutes, and spare-parts inventory shrinks dramatically. In short, the GE IC693MDL940 gives you higher density without trading away the legendary Series 90-30 reliability that keeps older systems profitable.

You’ll commonly see the GE IC693MDL940 controlling entire conveyor zones in automotive and logistics facilities, switching banks of solenoid valves in bottling and packaging plants, or operating large lighting and exhaust fan contactors in commercial buildings and wastewater lift stations. It shines in any process control environment that demands high I/O count, continuous uptime, and straightforward AC switching without added marshalling cabinets.

GE IC693MDL930 – 8-point isolated 4 A outputs for heavier loads

GE IC693MDL330 – 8-point version (half the density, same rating)

GE IC693MDL931 – 8-point 4 A isolated outputs, negative logic

GE IC693MDL940F – Enhanced version with faster response (rare)

GE IC694MDL940 – Direct RX3i equivalent for migration projects

GE IC693MAR590 – Mixed 8-in / 8-relay output module

GE IC693MDL390 – 5-point 2 A isolated outputs (higher isolation voltage)

Before installation, verify your baseplate can supply the additional 130 mA of 5 V backplane current and that you have 120/240 VAC field power routed to the rack area. Plan for slightly higher heat load—leave an empty slot on one side if the rack is fully populated with output modules. Use 14–22 AWG wire and consider ferrules on stranded conductors for the high-density terminal block. The module is hot-swappable in most configurations, but always remove field power first when changing fuses.

Day-to-day maintenance consists of occasional LED checks and tightening terminal screws every 18–24 months. Fuses are standard 3 A 5×20 mm fast-acting (Littelfuse 217003 or equivalent) and replaceable without tools beyond a small screwdriver. Dust buildup is rarely an issue thanks to the enclosed design, but a quick blast of dry air during annual shutdowns keeps everything pristine.