GE Fanuc Relay Output IC697MDL940 IC697MDL94O IC-697MDL940

GE Fanuc IC697MDL940 | Series 90-70 PLC 16-Point Relay Output Module — 16A / 120–240VAC / 5–125VDC

Part Number: IC697MDL940

Manufacturer: GE Fanuc (USA)

Product Type: Digital Output Module — Relay Outputs

Platform: Series 90-70 PLC

Output Points: 16

High-Current Relay Outputs for Series 90-70

The IC697MDL940 is the 16-point relay output module for the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 PLC — delivering 16A per contact across a wide voltage range. Each output is an electromechanical relay contact. The contact switches the load circuit directly — no solid-state intermediary, no on-state voltage drop, and full galvanic isolation between the PLC logic and the output load.

At 16A per point and 480 VA / 60W rating, this module steps well above typical relay output modules into the territory where direct motor starter coil switching, larger solenoid valves, and high-wattage resistive heating elements can be driven without external relay buffers. In process industries and discrete manufacturing where direct-switching capability reduces cabinet complexity, the IC697MDL940's 16A rating eliminates intermediate relay stages that would otherwise be needed for high-current loads.

The module accepts AC loads up to 240V and DC loads from 5V logic-level signals through 125V DC control circuits. This range covers virtually all industrial control circuit voltages encountered in North American and European plants — 24V DC from DC control panels, 120V AC from North American control power, 240V AC from European control circuits, and 125V DC from older battery-backed switchgear control systems.

Relay Technology in Series 90-70 Output Architecture

The Series 90-70 platform supports both solid-state (triac and transistor) and relay output modules. The IC697MDL940's relay outputs are preferred in applications where:

• Load isolation is required (separate power sources on different outputs)
• Inrush currents at load switching exceed solid-state module ratings
• Low on-state voltage drop is needed (relays have near-zero drop vs. solid-state devices)
• The control circuit voltage is not 24V DC (the relay accepts any voltage within its range)

The tradeoff is mechanical wear — relay contacts have a finite switching cycle life, typically millions of operations under rated conditions. For high-cycle applications (more than a few thousand operations per hour), solid-state output modules are preferred.

Key Specifications

FAQ

Q1: Several IC697MDL940 relay contacts have welded closed after repeatedly switching large motor loads. What caused this, and how is it prevented?

Contact welding occurs when the make current (inrush at switch-on) exceeds the contact's rated make current — which is typically several times higher than the continuous rating. Large AC motor loads draw 5–10× their run current at start-up, even at the rated 16A module. Install motor-rated surge suppressors (MOV or RC snubber) across the load terminals. For heavy-duty cycling applications, use a higher-rated intermediate relay driven by the IC697MDL940 rather than switching the motor load directly.

Q2: The IC697MDL940 is discontinued. What is the current GE / Emerson replacement?

The Series 90-70 platform has been superseded by the GE/Emerson PACSystems RX7i and the newer PACSYSTEMS RSTi-EP families. The RX7i is designed to accept Series 90-70 I/O modules including the IC697MDL940 in a compatible rack. For new designs, the IC694MDL760 or equivalent PACSystems discrete relay output modules serve similar functions. Confirm rack and bus compatibility before mixing legacy and current-generation modules.

Q3: Can output points on the IC697MDL940 switch different AC voltage levels — for example, some points at 120V AC and others at 240V AC — on the same module?

This depends on the module's internal common structure. Relay output modules with isolated per-point or per-group commons allow different voltages on different output groups. Verify the IC697MDL940's internal common wiring from its documentation before mixing voltage levels. Applying 240V AC to a group whose common is wired to a 120V AC reference is a wiring fault that could damage connected equipment.

Q4: The Series 90-70 PLC shows a fault for the IC697MDL940 slot but the module LED indicators look normal. What should be investigated?

A slot fault with normal LEDs on the module points to a backplane communication error rather than a relay output hardware fault. Remove and re-seat the module to re-establish the backplane connection. If the fault persists, test the module in an adjacent known-good slot. A persistent fault in all slots indicates a failed module CPU or backplane interface circuit; a fault in the original slot only indicates a backplane connector issue at that slot.

Q5: Where is the discontinued IC697MDL940 sourced?

GE Fanuc / Emerson Series 90-70 aftermarket specialists hold exchange stock for this module. Both tested refurbished units and new-old-stock units are available. Request a functional test confirming all 16 relay outputs were cycled and verified before shipment. Given the module's relay output nature, contact resistance measurement (milliohm level) per output point is the most useful acceptance test.