EL2809

Product information

Product Overview

The EL2809 is the high-density version of Beckhoff’s 0.5 A digital output terminal: 16 channels for 24 V DC loads, short-circuit proof and reverse polarity protected, using 1-wire connection.

It is the terminal for machines with a large number of similar outputs — valve islands, lamp panels, signal towers, solenoid banks — where rail space and wiring time dominate.

Why Buyers Specify This Model

16 outputs where the EL2008 gives 8

The electrical behaviour is the same as the rest of the 0.5 A family: 60 µs typical turn-on, 300 µs typical turn-off, short-circuit current below 2 A, reverse polarity protection and a < 150 mJ per channel switching-off energy limit. What the EL2809 adds is density — 16 channels in one terminal.

The trade-off is E-bus current: typically 140 mA against 110 mA for the 8-channel EL2008, and 35 mA plus load on the power contacts against 15 mA. Weight is approximately 70 g.

Where 16 channels go wrong in the field

A 16-channel output terminal concentrates a lot of field wiring in one place. Two practical consequences: first, label every channel — the BZxxxx marking system exists for this and tracing an unlabelled fault across 16 outputs is slow; second, think about fusing, because all 16 channels share the same power contact supply.

If your installation needs per-channel isolation or independent supply groups, that should be decided before the panel is built.

Still 0.5 A, still not a relay

It is worth repeating because 16 channels of 0.5 A is 8 A of potential load in one module: the rating is per channel, not per terminal, and the power contacts are rated 10 A total. Larger coils, heaters and motors still need an interposing relay or a relay output terminal.

Beckhoff lists the load types as resistive, inductive and lamp load, which covers the usual machine actuators.

Technical Specifications (Official Beckhoff Data)

Parameter	Official value
Connection technology	1-wire
Number of outputs	16
Nominal voltage	24 V DC (-15%/+20%)
Load type	resistive, inductive, lamp load
Distributed clocks	–
Max. output current	0.5 A (short-circuit proof) per channel
Short-circuit current	typ. < 2 A
Reverse polarity protection	yes
Switching-off energy	< 150 mJ/channel
Switching times	typ. T ON : 60 µs, typ. T OFF : 300 µs
Current consumption E-bus	typ. 140 mA
Current consumption power contacts	typ. 35 mA + load
Bit width in the process image	16 outputs
Configuration	no address or configuration setting
Electrical isolation	500 V (E-bus/field potential)
Weight	approx. 70 g
Operating temperature	-25…+60°C
Storage temperature	-40…+85°C
Relative humidity	95%, no condensation
Vibration/shock resistance	conforms to EN 60068-2-6/EN 60068-2-27
EMC immunity/emission	conforms to EN 61000-6-2/EN 61000-6-4
Protect. rating/installation pos.	IP20/variable
Approvals/markings	CE, CCC, UL, ATEX, IECEx, DNV, cFMus
Ex marking	ATEX: / II 3G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc / IECEx: / Ex ec IIC T4 Gc / cFMus: / Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D / Class I, Zone 2, AEx ec IIC T4 Gc

Specifications are Beckhoff’s official product data for the EL2809. Beckhoff lists the connection technology as 1-wire.

Housing, Installation and Wiring

Data	Official value
Design form	HD (High Density) housing with signal LEDs
Material	polycarbonate
Installation	on 35 mm DIN rail, conforming to EN 60715 with lock
Side by side mounting by means of	double slot and key connection
Marking	labeling of the BZxxxx series
Wiring	solid conductors (s): direct plug-in technology; fine-stranded conductors (st) and ferrule (f): spring actuation by screwdriver
Connection cross-section	s*: 0.08…1.5 mm², / st*: 0.25…1.5 mm², / f*: 0.14…0.75 mm²
Connection cross-section AWG	s*: AWG28…16, / st*: AWG22…16, / f*: AWG26…19
Stripping length	8…9 mm
Current load power contacts	I max : 10 A
Dimensions (W x H x D)	12 mm x 100 mm x 68 mm

Material Compliance

The following is Beckhoff’s published material compliance data for this product, reproduced unchanged. Beckhoff notes that absence of a substance is not verified by analytical tests.

Item	Official statement
REACH SVHC	no
POP	compliant
RoHS	compliant with exemption
RoHS exemption	7c-I: Lead-containing electrical and electronic components in glass and ceramic materials, excluding dielectric ceramics in capacitors
China-RoHS	www.beckhoff.com/china-rohs-io
CA Prop65	www.beckhoff.com/prop65

Official Documentation

Every figure in the table above is published by Beckhoff. We reproduce it rather than paraphrase it, so that you can check it against the manufacturer’s own documentation:

• Beckhoff official product page — EL2809 — the source of every specification on this page.
• Beckhoff official documentation for EL2809 — downloadable PDF from Beckhoff’s documentation server.
• Canonical Beckhoff documentation link for EL2809.

Ordering This Part

Tell us the model and, where an order code exists, the complete code — Beckhoff variants differ in ways that matter, as set out above. For discontinued models, a nameplate photograph is the fastest way to confirm exactly what you have.

• Exact model or order code (including any suffix such as -0111 or -ES variants)
• Quantity required
• Whether you need the terminal alone or a complete station with coupler and power supply
• For replacements: a photo of the existing nameplate or the old order code

We confirm availability and condition before quoting. We do not publish stock levels or lead times on this page because they change; ask and we will answer specifically for your requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

EL2809 or two EL2008 modules?

The EL2809 gives 16 channels in one terminal; two EL2008 modules give the same count across two terminals. The EL2809 saves rail and part count, but concentrates field wiring and shares one power contact supply. For a panel that may be expanded in groups, two EL2008s can be easier to live with.

What is the maximum current per channel and per terminal?

0.5 A per channel, short-circuit proof. The power contacts are rated up to 10 A, so the per-channel rating is usually the binding limit — do not treat 16 channels as a 16 × 0.5 A budget without checking the supply.

Can I drive solenoid valves directly?

Yes, within 0.5 A per channel and the 150 mJ per channel switching-off energy limit, which covers typical pilot valves. Confirm the coil’s inrush and stored energy for larger valves.

How much E-bus current does it use?

Typically 140 mA, with 35 mA plus load on the power contacts. In a station near a coupler’s 2000 mA E-bus limit, this terminal is worth counting carefully.

Is there a pluggable-wiring version?

Beckhoff’s EL28xx range is listed with 1-wire connection technology. For a pluggable wiring level, look at the ESxxxx equivalents in the corresponding channel count — tell us what you need and we will identify the correct code.