GE IC693APU300K

Description

Product Overview and Description

The GE IC693APU300K is a redundant, hot-swappable AC Power Supply Unit specifically engineered for the GE Fanuc Series 90-30 PLC system. This module is a critical system component, not just a simple spare part, as it provides conditioned and regulated 5V DC logic power and 24V DC I/O sensor power to the entire PLC rack. Designed for maximum system availability, the GE IC693APU300K operates in a 1:1 redundant configuration where a second, identical power supply shares the load and automatically takes over if the primary unit fails, preventing a control system shutdown. Its robust design ensures reliable operation in industrial environments with unstable mains power. The implementation of the GE IC693APU300K is a strategic choice for applications where process continuity is paramount, making it a foundational element for building fault-tolerant automation control panels.

Key Parameters and Specifications

• Manufacturer & Series: General Electric (GE), for the Series 90-30 PLC system.
• Module Type: Redundant AC Power Supply.
• Input Voltage: 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (switch-selectable).
• Output Voltages:
  • +5.1 VDC (±5%) for CPU and module logic (up to 7.5A).
  • +24 VDC (±10%) for I/O sensor loops and external devices (up to 1.5A).
• Redundancy: Supports 1:1 parallel redundant operation with automatic load sharing and bumpless transfer.
• Hot Swap Capable: Either power supply can be removed and replaced while the other maintains system operation without interruption.
• Status Indicators: LEDs for AC Power OK, DC Power OK, and Fault conditions on each unit.
• Mounting: Mounts on the left side of the Series 90-30 rack, occupying zero slot space.
• Protections: Includes overvoltage and short-circuit protection on outputs.

Advantages and Distinctive Features

The primary advantage of the GE IC693APU300K is the high system availability it provides through built-in N+1 power redundancy. This eliminates the power supply as a single point of failure, which is one of the most common causes of unscheduled downtime. A key feature is its hot-swap capability, allowing for preventive maintenance or replacement of a faulty unit without shutting down the controlled process. The dual output voltages (+5V and +24V) simplify cabinet design by providing a clean, regulated source for both the rack and field sensors from a single, reliable device. The rugged construction and wide input voltage range of the GE IC693APU300K ensure stable operation despite fluctuations in plant AC power. Its integrated diagnostics via status LEDs enable quick identification of a failing unit, allowing for proactive replacement.

Application Cases in Key Fields

• Water & Wastewater Treatment: Powering the PLC controlling chemical dosing pumps and filter backwash sequences, where a power interruption could lead to environmental non-compliance or process upsets.
• Critical Conveyor Systems in Distribution Centers: Ensuring the control system for a high-speed sortation conveyor never loses power, preventing massive jams and logistical delays.
• Food & Beverage Processing: Maintaining uninterrupted control of continuous cooking, pasteurization, or filling lines where a shutdown would result in significant product loss and cleanup.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Providing fault-tolerant power to PLCs managing critical utilities like purified water systems or HVAC controls in cleanrooms, where availability is tied to product quality regulations.

Comparison with Competing Products

Compared to standard, single-output power supplies, the GE IC693APU300K is a specialized, high-availability solution. Competing redundant power systems from other PLC manufacturers (e.g., Siemens SITOP PSU8600 or Allen-Bradley 1606-XLSRED) offer similar redundancy concepts but are not directly compatible with the GE Series 90-30 backplane and mounting system. Within the GE 90-30 family, the GE IC693APU300K is distinct from the non-redundant IC693PWR321 or DC-input power supplies. Its main differentiator is the integrated redundant architecture; achieving a similar level of availability with two separate, non-coordinated power supplies would require additional external redundancy modules and more complex wiring.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selection Suggestions:

1. Select the GE IC693APU300K for new Series 90-30 systems or upgrades where high availability and fault tolerance are critical design requirements.
2. It is the ideal choice for retrofitting an existing critical Series 90-30 system to improve its Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) by adding power supply redundancy.
3. Always procure and install this module as a matched pair to realize the redundant functionality. Using a single unit negates its core advantage.

Important Precautions:

1. Input Voltage Setting: Crucially, the input voltage selector switch (120V/240V) on each power supply unit must be manually set to match the incoming AC line voltage before installation. An incorrect setting will damage the unit.
2. Load Calculation: Ensure the total current draw of all modules in the rack (CPU, I/O, communication) on both the +5V and +24V buses does not exceed the rated output of a single GE IC693APU300K, as the redundant system relies on one unit being able to carry the full load.
3. Firm Ground Connection: A solid, low-impedance safety ground connection to the unit’s chassis terminal is mandatory for proper operation and safety.
4. Redundancy Wiring: Follow the specific wiring diagrams in the manual for connecting the two units in parallel for redundancy. Incorrect paralleling can cause units to fight each other.
5. Monitoring: While the system will transfer on a fault, it is best practice to wire the “Fault” relay contact from each GE IC693APU300K into a PLC input or alarm panel to alert personnel of a supply failure, enabling timely maintenance of the redundant unit.

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