{"product_id":"beckhoff-ep2318-0002-ethercat-box","title":"Beckhoff EP2318-0002 EtherCAT Box","description":"\u003ch3\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBeckhoff EP2318-0002\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact, robust digital I\/O module from the EtherCAT Box series, featuring \u003cstrong\u003e4 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e. Designed for decentralized automation, this module is housed in a high-quality, IP65\/66\/67-rated polyamide (PA6) enclosure, making it ideal for direct installation on machine frames in demanding industrial environments. By leveraging the EtherCAT protocol, it ensures real-time, deterministic communication for high-speed sensor and actuator tasks. The use of M12 connections for I\/O and M8 connections for bus\/power provides a secure, reliable interface that is both industry-standard and easy to maintain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Configuration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe EP2318-0002 is engineered to balance performance with ease of installation in decentralized layouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Speed Processing:\u003c\/strong\u003e With an input filter of 10 µs and fast switching times (50 µs TON \/ 100 µs TOFF), this module is optimized for applications requiring rapid response times.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eM12 I\/O Connectivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike modules using smaller M8 connectors, the M12 x 1, 5-pin, A-coded connections offer superior mechanical stability and are better suited for environments subject to high vibration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEtherCAT Performance:\u003c\/strong\u003e As an EtherCAT slave, it seamlessly integrates into the Beckhoff TwinCAT environment, supporting advanced features like Distributed Clocks and comprehensive diagnostic data.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eATEX Certification:\u003c\/strong\u003e With an \u003ccode\u003eII 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc\u003c\/code\u003e rating, this unit is authorized for use in hazardous areas (Zone 2), provided the installation complies with relevant safety standards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecification\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"2\"\u003eEP2318-0002\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI\/O Count\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"3\"\u003e4 Inputs \/ 4 Outputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"4\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBus Interface\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"4\"\u003e2 x M8 socket (EtherCAT)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI\/O Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"5\"\u003eM12 x 1, 5-pin, A-coded\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"6\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRated Load Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"6\"\u003e24 V DC (-15 %\/+20 %)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"7\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax Output Current\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"7\"\u003e0.5 A per channel (short-circuit proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProtection Rating\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"8\"\u003eIP65\/66\/67\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"9\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"9\"\u003e30 x 126 x 26.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"10\"\u003eApprox. 165 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApprovals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-row=\"11\"\u003eCE, UL, ATEX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the M12 connector benefit my installation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eM12 connectors are the industry standard for field-level industrial connectivity. They provide a more robust, vibration-resistant connection compared to M8 connectors and are often easier to secure and maintain in machinery subjected to constant motion or environmental stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this module compatible with standard EtherCAT cables?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it uses standard EtherCAT communication via M8 ports. However, since the I\/O uses M12 connectors, you will need to ensure you have the appropriate M12 cable assemblies for your sensors and actuators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes \"individually short-circuit proof\" mean the whole module shuts down on a fault?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. If a short circuit occurs on one output channel, only that channel will be disabled. The rest of the module will continue to operate normally, and the fault will be reported to the EtherCAT master, allowing you to troubleshoot the specific channel without causing total system downtime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEngineering Integration and Operational Best Practices\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Supply Logic:\u003c\/strong\u003e The module requires a 24 V DC load voltage via the M8 power interface. Ensure your power supply is sized to handle the cumulative load of all 4 outputs (up to 0.5 A each) plus the current consumption of the electronics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEMC Shielding:\u003c\/strong\u003e While the enclosure provides excellent protection, ensure the EtherCAT cables are shielded and that the shield is properly grounded at the control cabinet entry point to suppress high-frequency noise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnvironmental Sealing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The IP67 rating depends on the correct seating of M12 and M8 connectors. Always ensure cables are tightened to the recommended torque specifications; use blind plugs for any unused M12\/M8 ports to prevent moisture or dust ingress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The module uses two 3.5 mm mounting holes. When installing on a vibrating machine frame, use M3 screws with locking washers to prevent the module from loosening over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"BECKHOFF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53106608570731,"sku":"EP2318-0002","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/3227\/0443\/files\/ep2318-0002-fkzreuji4se.png?v=1776244654","url":"https:\/\/www.plcprotech.com\/products\/beckhoff-ep2318-0002-ethercat-box","provider":"PLC ProTech Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}