EL9185 by Beckhoff

The EL9185 is a power-distribution EtherCAT terminal manufactured by Beckhoff for the EL EtherCAT Terminals series. Acting as a compact supply coupler, it routes positive and negative potentials through the bus rail so that downstream I/O modules receive power without separate trunk cables. Inside automation cabinets, it sits beside signal terminals, maintaining a continuous supply backbone while preserving the network topology required by EtherCAT fieldbus systems.

Eight feed-through points are arranged as 2 × 4 channels, and each path carries up to 10 A of continuous current for typical relays, valves, and sensor clusters. The terminal accepts supply potentials up to 230 V AC/DC, so a single part number can distribute either mains voltage or extra-low-voltage DC without derating. The terminal mounts on a 35 mm DIN rail, matching the mounting arrangement of neighboring EL modules. Beyond the primary pair, the block contains 4 additional contacts that can be wired as auxiliary feeders or isolated potentials for adjacent terminal groups. Because no internal electronics are present, the component introduces negligible thermal rise even at maximum load and contributes no signal delay to the EtherCAT ring.

Power enters and exits through 2 power contacts, and the device maps no variables to the controller, reserving 0 bits in the EtherCAT process image. Output polarity is organized as 4 positive and 4 negative connections, keeping wiring symmetrical when loads share a common return. The enclosure has an IP20 rating, making the unit suitable for dry, closed control enclosures. No PE contact is fitted because protective earth can be taken directly from the mounting rail. Its variable installation position allows it to be mounted horizontally or vertically, keeping its markings visible in different cabinet layouts while its electrical limits remain unchanged.