EL2004

Product information

Product Overview

The EL2004 is a 4-channel digital output terminal for 24 V DC loads up to 0.5 A per channel, short-circuit proof, with reverse polarity protection. It is the compact choice where only a few outputs are needed and rail width is not the constraint — four channels in a 12 mm housing.

Outputs are 2-wire, referenced to the terminal’s 0 V. Switching times are typically 60 µs on and 300 µs off.

Why Buyers Specify This Model

0.5 A per channel, short-circuit proof

Each channel delivers up to 0.5 A and is short-circuit proof, with a typical short-circuit current below 2 A. Reverse polarity protection is included. That is enough for the majority of pilot valves, small contactors, indicator lamps and signal relays.

It is not enough for a large contactor coil or a heater. If the load draws more than 0.5 A continuous, you need a relay output terminal or an external interposing relay — and sizing that wrongly is one of the more common commissioning failures.

Switching-off energy and inductive loads

Beckhoff publishes a switching-off energy limit of < 150 mJ per channel. That figure exists because of inductive loads: when a valve or contactor coil is switched off, the stored energy has to go somewhere, and beyond the limit it goes through the output transistor.

The load type is specified as resistive, inductive and lamp load. In practice, if you are switching anything with a coil, check the coil’s stored energy — and consider a freewheeling diode where the application allows it.

Four channels, or more per rail

The EL2004 gives 4 channels in a 12 mm housing. Where the application has a bank of similar outputs — a row of valve solenoids, a set of lamps — the EL2008 gives 8 channels and the EL2809 gives 16 in comparable form factor, which reduces both rail usage and the number of terminals to wire.

The EL2004 draws typically 100 mA from the E-bus and 15 mA plus load from the power contacts. Bit width in the process image is 4 outputs.

Technical Specifications (Official Beckhoff Data)

Parameter	Official value
Connection technology	2-wire
Number of outputs	4
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. 100 mA
Current consumption power contacts	typ. 15 mA + load
Bit width in the process image	4 outputs
Configuration	no address or configuration setting
Electrical isolation	500 V (E-bus/field potential)
Weight	approx. 55 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
Pluggable wiring level	for all ESxxxx terminals
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 EL2004. The ES2004 variant is identical but with a pluggable wiring level.

Housing, Installation and Wiring

Data	Official value
Design form	compact terminal 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 conductor (s), flexible conductor (st) and ferrule (f): spring actuation by screwdriver
Connection cross-section	s*: 0.08…2.5 mm², / st*: 0.08…2.5 mm², / f*: 0.14…1.5 mm²
Connection cross-section AWG	s*: AWG28…14, / st*: AWG28…14, / f*: AWG26…16
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

Ordering Information and Variants

Beckhoff’s own ordering information for this product:

Order code	Official description
EL2004	EtherCAT Terminal, 4-channel digital output, 24 V DC, 0.5 A
ES2004	EtherCAT Terminal, 4-channel digital output, 24 V DC, 0.5 A, pluggable wiring level

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 — EL2004 — the source of every specification on this page.
• Beckhoff official documentation for EL2004 — downloadable PDF from Beckhoff’s documentation server.
• Canonical Beckhoff documentation link for EL2004.

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

EL2004, EL2008 or EL2809 — which one?

All three are 24 V DC, 0.5 A, short-circuit proof digital outputs with the same switching behaviour. They differ in channel count: EL2004 has 4, EL2008 has 8, EL2809 has 16. Choose by how many outputs you need and how much rail you want to use.

Can I drive a contactor coil or a solenoid valve directly?

Up to 0.5 A per channel and within the 150 mJ per channel switching-off energy limit, yes. Beyond that use an interposing relay. Check the coil’s stored energy for inductive loads — the energy limit is the figure that catches people out, not the current rating.

What are the switching times?

Typically 60 µs turn-on and 300 µs turn-off. If your application needs faster edges or PWM, this is not the right terminal.

Is it short-circuit proof?

Yes, per channel, with a typical short-circuit current below 2 A, and it has reverse polarity protection. Beckhoff also specifies a switching-off energy limit of less than 150 mJ per channel.

What is the difference between EL2004 and ES2004?

Only the wiring level. Beckhoff lists both in the ordering information for this product.