GE DS3820EVCC

Key Parameters

• Channels: 8 digital outputs (high-side – positive switching)

• Output Voltage: 24 V DC nominal (18–32 V DC)

• Output Current: 2 A per channel (continuous), 4 A peak (short duration)

• Total Current: 16 A per module (all channels combined)

• Protection: Per-channel electronic overcurrent protection (auto-restart after fault clears), short-circuit protection, thermal protection (overtemperature shutdown)

• Diagnostics: Open-wire detection, short-circuit detection, overcurrent detection, over-temperature alarm, per-channel LED status

• Fail-Safe States: Software-configurable per channel (hold last state, go to ON, go to OFF) on communication loss

• Isolation: 1500 V RMS (field-to-backplane); 500 V RMS between channels

• Power: 24 V DC backplane power, ≤3 W (logic); external 24 V field supply required for outputs

• Operating Temperature: –40°C to +70°C (derate above 60°C)

• Terminals: Screw-type (suffix-dependent)

Advantages

• High current capacity – 2 A per channel; drives solenoids, contactors, motors, and heaters directly – no external relays needed.

• Electronic overcurrent protection – auto-restart per channel; eliminates external fuses and reduces downtime.

• Open-wire detection – detects broken output wiring or disconnected loads; alerts operators for proactive maintenance.

• Per-channel diagnostics – each output provides feedback on status (ON/OFF, short-circuit, open-wire, overcurrent, overtemperature) via the backplane.

• Software-configurable fail-safe – define output behavior (hold, ON, OFF) on communication loss for safe system shutdown.

• High channel density – 8 high-current outputs in a single slot; saves rack space.

• LED status indicators – per-channel visual indication for quick troubleshooting.

• Hot-swappable – replace without rack power-down.

Applications

• Solenoid control – actuating high-power pneumatic and hydraulic valves

• Contactor control – driving motor starters and contactors directly

• Valve control – actuating large process valves and dampers

• Heater control – switching electric heaters and heating elements

• Motor control – direct control of small DC motors and gearmotors

• Lighting control – switching high-power industrial lighting

• Alarm annunciation – driving horns, beacons, and strobe lights

• Packaging machinery – high-power actuators and ejectors

Competitor Comparison

The DS3820EVCC is the high-current variant of the protected output family, delivering 2 A per channel – four times the capacity of the standard DS3820EMMA. Compared to competitor high-current modules, it offers superior diagnostics (open-wire detection), software-configurable fail-safe states, and electronic auto-restart protection (vs. manual fuse replacement). For applications with high-power loads, the DS3820EVCC eliminates the need for external relays and fuses, saving panel space and reducing installed cost.

Selection Tips

• Choose DS3820EVCC when you need to drive high-current loads (up to 2 A per channel) directly – solenoids, contactors, motors, heaters.

• Ideal for applications where external interposing relays would otherwise be required.

• Verify the load current does not exceed 2 A per channel and total current does not exceed 16 A per module.

• Consider thermal derating – at ambient temperatures above 60°C, reduce total current to maintain thermal protection margin.

• Not suitable for AC loads – use dedicated AC output modules.

• Ensure your PLC/DCS can read and process diagnostic data from the DS3820EVCC.

Precautions

• Output current: Do not exceed 2 A per channel continuously. The auto-restart protection will trip on overload – repeated trips may reduce module lifespan.

• Total current: Do not exceed 16 A total per module. Distribute loads across channels to stay within the module’s thermal limits.

• Thermal derating: At ambient temperatures >60°C, the DS3820EVCC requires current derating – consult the module’s thermal derating curve.

• Inductive loads: Use external flyback diodes or surge suppressors for inductive loads (solenoids, relays, contactors) to prevent back-EMF damage. The DS3820EVCC includes built-in clamping diodes, but external suppression is recommended for high-inductance loads.

• Wiring: Use appropriately sized wiring for 2 A output current (minimum 0.75 mm² / 18 AWG). Keep output wiring separate from sensitive input signals.

• Power: Requires external 24 V field supply – ensure supply capacity meets total current demand (up to 16 A per module).

• Fail-safe testing: Test fail-safe behavior during commissioning – confirm outputs go to the desired state on communication loss.

• Open-wire detection: Requires a minimum load current – very high-impedance loads may not trigger open-wire detection.

• Spare: Keep one spare DS3820EVCC for critical high-power applications – the high-current feature set may have longer lead times.