EL9070 by Beckhoff

The EL9070 is a supply and coupling element manufactured by Beckhoff within the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. Although it contains no signal-processing electronics, it provides a mechanical and electrical interface that segments field supply lines while maintaining continuous real-time EtherCAT communication. The terminal mounts on a standard DIN rail to introduce additional power groups, decouple potential fields, or create maintenance break points inside compact automation systems. It serves as a building block for control cabinets that distribute 24 V logic and mains potentials to mixed I/O banks while meeting the wiring density requirements of modular terminal systems.

Internally, the terminal carries up to 10 A of supply current through its power jumpers, allowing adjacent output channels to receive power without extra feed modules. Its conductor spacing and creepage distances support a maximum nominal voltage of 230 V AC, enabling low-voltage sensors and higher-energy loads to occupy separate potential groups on one rail segment. The terminal tolerates up to 95% relative humidity without condensation, making it suitable for enclosed installations in humid areas. The housing snaps onto DIN 60715 hardware with a mounting rail width of 35 mm. A variable installation position allows the terminal to be mounted horizontally or vertically when cabinet space is limited.

The looped-through E-bus keeps data transmission and internal 5 V logic power continuous across the terminal, even though the unit has no additional power contact or PE contact. A conductive spring on the side wall provides the electrical rail connection, linking the common potential to the mounting metal and simplifying ground reference management. Cable shielding is handled by a terminal bar with 8 shield connections, allowing multiple shielded sensor or signal cables to be connected at the terminal assembly. The enclosure has an IP20 protection rating, so it must be installed in a closed control cabinet while remaining accessible for wiring and maintenance.