GE IC693MDL940C 16-channel relay output module

Description

What This Product Solves

In Series 90-30 PLC systems for industrial automation and process control, interfacing with a wide range of AC and DC field devices often requires output modules that offer electrical isolation, flexible voltage compatibility, and the ability to switch loads without sharing common grounds. Standard solid-state outputs can limit versatility—especially when controlling mixed-voltage loads like 120/240 VAC solenoids, 24 VDC indicators, or higher-voltage contactors—leading to added isolation relays, potential ground loops, or restricted groupings that complicate wiring and increase engineering effort.

GE IC693MDL940C resolves these issues as a 16-point relay output module with normally open (NO) dry contacts, providing true galvanic isolation between channels and the PLC logic. This becomes essential in applications where loads operate at different voltages (5–30 V DC or 5–250 V AC), need independent power sources, or require safe separation from the control system—such as driving motor starters, solenoid valves, alarm horns, or lighting across diverse equipment.

GE IC693MDL940C delivers high reliability in output signal delivery by handling up to 2 A per point (with 4 A per common) and supporting mixed AC/DC loads per group, eliminating the need for external interposing relays in many cases. For engineers managing multi-vendor plants, legacy expansions, or safety-critical interlocks, this module simplifies design, reduces wiring errors, and maintains system stability in noisy or electrically diverse environments common to industrial floors.

How the Product Works & Fits into a System

GE IC693MDL940C is a 16-channel relay output module in the GE Fanuc (now Emerson) Series 90-30 PLC family, using electromechanical relays to switch user-supplied power to field devices. It mounts in any available I/O slot on a baseplate or expansion rack, with connections via a removable terminal block organized into four isolated groups of four outputs each (each group shares a common terminal).

In the automation stack, GE IC693MDL940C operates in the discrete output layer, receiving on/off commands from the PLC CPU over the backplane and closing the corresponding relay contacts. Each output features an LED indicator that lights when the relay is energized, offering clear visual feedback. The module provides full isolation (1500 V field-to-logic, 500 V group-to-group), allowing different voltages or power sources per group without cross-talk or ground issues.

Power for the relay coils comes from the 24 V DC backplane bus, while field load power is user-supplied (AC or DC) directly to the terminals. Response time is approximately 15 ms on/off, suitable for most general-purpose actuation. GE IC693MDL940C integrates smoothly with input modules, DC outputs, or communication cards in the Series 90-30 ecosystem, making it a flexible choice for distributed or centralized control where isolation and voltage versatility are key.

Technical Highlights Summary

Real-World Benefits

GE IC693MDL940C provides the isolation and versatility needed for reliable actuation across mixed-voltage environments, engineered to handle both AC and DC loads without risking PLC damage from back-EMF or ground differences. The dry-contact relays allow independent power feeds per group, simplifying integration of legacy equipment or devices from different manufacturers and reducing the need for costly external isolation components.

Maintenance personnel appreciate the bright per-point LEDs and removable terminals, which speed up fault finding and field wiring changes. In long-term service, GE IC693MDL940C supports robust system expansions within Series 90-30 racks, minimizes downtime from electrical faults, and offers a dependable interface that extends the life of installed automation hardware while keeping engineering and maintenance straightforward.

Typical Use Cases

GE IC693MDL940C is commonly deployed in Series 90-30 systems requiring isolated, multi-voltage discrete control. In manufacturing and automotive facilities, it drives contactors for motor starters, solenoid valves for hydraulic/pneumatic systems, or indicator lights across assembly lines, where different sections use 120 VAC, 24 VDC, or 240 VAC supplies.

Process industries like chemicals, food & beverage, and water treatment use GE IC693MDL940C for actuating valve positioners, alarm horns, or pump starters in panel or skid-mounted setups, ensuring safe isolation in environments with potential ground loops or mixed power sources. In material handling and packaging applications, the module controls diverters, pushers, or conveyor motors under continuous operation, maintaining critical system uptime in process control environments exposed to electrical noise, dust, and vibration.

Compatible or Alternative Products

• IC693MDL940 – Base or earlier revision version, functionally equivalent in most applications
• IC693MDL930 – 8-point relay output module for lower channel count needs
• IC693MDL740 – 16-point 12/24 V DC sourcing solid-state output for non-isolated DC loads
• IC693MDL742 – 16-point 12/24 V DC sourcing solid-state output with higher current capacity
• IC693MDL645 – Matching 16-point 24 V DC input module for complete discrete I/O pairs
• IC693MDL646 – High-speed input counterpart for time-critical input/output combinations
• IC694MDL940 – Equivalent relay output in the newer RX3i platform for migration paths
• IC695 series relay modules – Advanced RX3i options for future-proof upgrades

Setup Notes & Maintenance Insights

Before installing GE IC693MDL940C, confirm slot availability and backplane power capacity in the Series 90-30 rack, ensuring the +24 V DC bus can support the relay coil draw. Wire field loads with correct polarity and voltage per group, using suppression devices (diodes for DC, RC snubbers or MOVs for AC) across inductive loads to extend relay life. During commissioning, force %Q bits in the programmer to verify LED activation and field device response, checking for proper isolation between groups.

For maintenance, observe the front LEDs regularly—lit when the relay is closed—to identify unexpected states quickly. Inspect terminals annually for secure connections, signs of arcing, or contact wear, particularly in high-cycle or corrosive atmospheres. Test relay operation periodically during shutdowns by forcing outputs and confirming load actuation. Relay contacts have finite life; monitor cycle counts in high-duty applications and plan replacements accordingly. These practices help GE IC693MDL940C deliver consistent performance with minimal surprises.