Description
GE IC695CRU320-EN – Industrial-Grade PLC Rack Unit
Product Description
The GE IC695CRU320-EN is a high-reliability rack unit specifically engineered for GE’s RX3i series programmable logic controllers (PLCs), serving as the foundational hardware platform for industrial automation systems. As a critical component in modular PLC architectures, the GE IC695CRU320-EN provides stable mounting, power distribution, and signal transmission for CPU modules, I/O modules, and communication cards in demanding industrial environments. Designed with ruggedness and scalability in mind, the GE IC695CRU320-EN supports seamless expansion of automation systems, allowing users to add or replace modules without disrupting overall operations. What distinguishes the GE IC695CRU320-EN from standard rack units is its compliance with global industrial standards and its optimized design for compatibility with the entire RX3i module ecosystem. Whether deployed in manufacturing plants, power stations, or process control facilities, the GE IC695CRU320-EN ensures consistent performance and long-term durability, making it an essential choice for engineers building robust PLC systems.
Product Parameters
- Rack Type: 10-slot rack unit, compatible with GE RX3i series PLC modules (CPU, I/O, communication, and specialty modules)
- Power Distribution: Integrated power bus supporting 24 VDC input, with overcurrent and overvoltage protection
- Signal Transmission: Backplane bandwidth of 1 Gbps, enabling high-speed data transfer between modules with minimal latency
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F), suitable for extreme industrial conditions
- Physical Dimensions: 350 mm × 120 mm × 85 mm (13.78 in × 4.72 in × 3.35 in), DIN rail mountable (EN 50022 standard)
- Weight: 1.8 kg (3.97 lbs), lightweight yet robust for easy installation and maintenance
- Certifications: UL 508, CE, IEC 61131-2, and ATEX certified, meeting global safety and performance standards
- Module Compatibility: Fully compatible with GE IC695CPU, IC695I/O, IC695COMM, and IC695 specialty modules
- Environmental Protection: IP20 rating for dust protection, with a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy chassis
- Operating Humidity Range: 5% to 95% (non-condensing), adapting to humid industrial settings
Advantages and Features
- Stable Module Integration: The 10-slot design of the GE IC695CRU320-EN provides secure and precise positioning for modules, preventing loose connections and signal interference in high-vibration environments.
- High-Speed Backplane: The 1 Gbps backplane ensures rapid data exchange between the CPU and I/O modules, critical for time-sensitive applications such as real-time process monitoring and motion control.
- Rugged Industrial Design: The corrosion-resistant chassis and wide operating temperature range make the GE IC695CRU320-EN durable in harsh conditions, including oil refineries, mining sites, and outdoor installations.
- Plug-and-Play Expansion: Modules can be hot-swapped (when configured with redundant power) without shutting down the entire system, reducing downtime during maintenance or upgrades.
- Comprehensive Protection: Built-in overcurrent, overvoltage, and short-circuit protection safeguards both the rack unit and connected modules, extending the lifespan of the entire PLC system.
- Global Standard Compliance: Certifications from major industrial authorities ensure the GE IC695CRU320-EN can be deployed in global projects without compatibility or safety concerns.
Application Cases in Application Fields
- Automotive Assembly Plants: A European automotive manufacturer installed the GE IC695CRU320-EN in its robotic assembly lines, using the 10-slot rack to integrate CPU modules, digital I/O modules, and motion control modules. The rack’s high-speed backplane enabled synchronized operation of 30+ robots, reducing production cycle time by 20%.
- Chemical Processing Facilities: A large petrochemical plant adopted the GE IC695CRU320-EN for its process control systems, leveraging the rack’s rugged design to withstand corrosive gases and temperature fluctuations. The rack’s compatibility with GE’s analog I/O modules allowed precise monitoring of pressure, temperature, and chemical levels in reaction vessels.
- Renewable Energy Farms: A solar power farm deployed the GE IC695CRU320-EN to manage its inverter control systems, using the rack to house CPU modules and communication modules for data transmission to a central SCADA system. The rack’s wide temperature range ensured reliable operation in extreme outdoor temperatures, from freezing winters to scorching summers.
- Water Treatment Plants: A municipal water treatment facility used the GE IC695CRU320-EN to integrate PLC modules for pump control, filtration monitoring, and chemical dosing systems. The rack’s plug-and-play design allowed the plant to expand its system by adding additional I/O modules as the facility scaled up.
Comparisons with Competing Products
| Feature | GE IC695CRU320-EN | Competitor X (10-Slot PLC Rack) | Competitor Y (Industrial Rack Unit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backplane Bandwidth | 1 Gbps | 500 Mbps | 800 Mbps |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to 70°C | 0°C to 60°C | -20°C to 65°C |
| Module Compatibility | Full compatibility with GE RX3i series | Limited to proprietary modules | Partial compatibility with third-party modules |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, overvoltage, short-circuit protection | Only overcurrent protection | Overcurrent and overvoltage protection |
| Certifications | UL, CE, IEC, ATEX | Only CE and UL | CE and IEC |
| Hot-Swap Support | Yes (with redundant power) | No | Yes (limited to specific modules) |
The GE IC695CRU320-EN outperforms competitors in backplane speed, environmental resilience, and certification coverage, making it ideal for high-demand applications. While Competitor X and Y offer lower price points, they lack the versatility and ruggedness required for complex industrial automation systems.
Selection Suggestions and Precautions
Selection Suggestions
- Match System Scale: Choose the GE IC695CRU320-EN for medium to large-scale RX3i PLC systems requiring up to 10 modules; for smaller systems, consider GE’s 4-slot or 6-slot rack units to optimize cost.
- Evaluate Environmental Conditions: Prioritize the GE IC695CRU320-EN for applications in extreme temperatures, corrosive environments, or high-vibration settings, as competitors often have narrower operating ranges.
- Check Module Ecosystem: Select this rack if your system uses GE RX3i modules, as it ensures seamless integration and maximum performance compared to generic racks.
- Consider Expansion Needs: Opt for the GE IC695CRU320-EN if future system expansion is planned, as its 10-slot design provides ample room for additional modules.
Precautions
- Proper Installation: Ensure the rack is mounted on a stable DIN rail and secured tightly to prevent movement during operation, especially in high-vibration environments.
- Power Supply Compatibility: Use only GE-recommended 24 VDC power supplies to avoid damaging the rack’s power bus and connected modules.
- Module Insertion: Insert and remove modules gently to avoid bending the backplane pins; always power off the system before adding non-hot-swappable modules.
- Regular Maintenance: Inspect the rack’s connectors and chassis periodically for dust, corrosion, or damage, and clean them with a dry, lint-free cloth to maintain signal integrity.
- Static Protection: Use anti-static wristbands when handling the GE IC695CRU320-EN and connected modules to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.


IC695CRU320-EN
| UR8HH |
| 3500/50 |
| 9907-014 |
| DDLS 200/200.1-60 |
| FII-4-14-300/24VDC |
| 3805H |
| A06B-6114-H104 |
| MVI46-MCM |
| ESVP-1502-NWB-5 |
| 80VD100PD.C022-01 |


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