Beckhoff EL2911 – TwinSAFE EtherCAT Terminal with 4 Safe Inputs and 1 Safe Output (10A)

The Beckhoff EL2911 is a TwinSAFE EtherCAT terminal. Specifically, this component serves as a potential supply terminal. It enables the setup of TwinSAFE groups with a safe power supply of 24 V DC up to 10 A. Furthermore, it features four safe inputs and one safe output. In addition, it integrates TwinSAFE Logic functionality similar to the EL6910. Consequently, this terminal realizes complete safety loops directly on the component.

Ordering Configuration and Product Identification

• Product Type: EtherCAT Terminal, 4-channel digital input + 1-channel digital output.

• Voltage: 24 V DC.

• Output Current: 10 A maximum.

• TwinSAFE Features: TwinSAFE Logic integrated.

• Protocol: TwinSAFE / Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE).

• Connection Technology: 1-wire, 2-wire, or via power contacts.

• Specification: Link unit between safe input and output signals.

• Safety Standard: EN ISO 13849-1:2015 (Cat. 4, PL e).

• Safety Standard: EN 61508:2010 (SIL 3).

• Weight: Approximately 98 grams.

• IP Protection Rating: IP20.

• Housing Material: Polycarbonate.

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 24 mm x 100 mm x 68 mm.

• Product Status: Regular delivery.

• Therefore, the Beckhoff EL2911 provides comprehensive safety functionality in a compact form factor.

Safe Inputs and Output Specifications

• Number of Safe Inputs: 4 channels total.

• Number of Safe Outputs: 1 channel.

• Maximum Output Current: 10 A at 24 V DC.

• Fault Response Time: ≤ watchdog time (parameterizable).

• Test Pulses: Fine granular configuration per input channel.

• Safe Potential Groups: Created within terminal segments.

• Standard Terminals: Interference-free standard terminals can be safely switched off.

• Integration: Standard outputs can be activated with integrated ANDing with a safe output signal.

• Safe State: If the terminal detects an error, it switches to the safe state (fail-safe).

• Thus, the EL2911 safely shuts down standard components in safety applications.

TwinSAFE Logic Integration

• Integrated Logic: TwinSAFE Logic (functionality similar to the EL6910).

• Safe Connections: Up to 128 safe connections supported.

• Safety Controller: Can be used as a safety controller at any time.

• Complete Safety Loop: Realized directly on the component.

• Benefits: Includes EL6910 customizing, incremental download, and analog value processing.

• Difference: Limitation to 128 safe connections (versus higher on EL6910).

• Application: No additional safety controller is required for small to medium systems.

• Flexibility: A complete safety application can thus be realized directly on the terminal.

• Consequently, the Beckhoff EL2911 reduces system cost and complexity significantly.

Parameter Storage and Replacement

• Parameter Storage: Not stored directly on the component.

• Parameter Transmission: Transmitted via a TwinSAFE Logic-capable component.

• Transmission Timing: When the safety application is started.

• Service Benefit: The component can therefore be simply replaced.

• Parameter Transfer: Safety-relevant parameters transfer automatically on restart.

• Downtime: Minimal during component replacement procedures.

• Maintenance: Simplified service procedures for end users.

• Consistency: The same safety parameters are applied to the new component.

• Safety Application: Parameters are transmitted to the input terminal via a TwinSAFE Logic-capable component.

• Therefore, the EL2911 simplifies maintenance and reduces replacement downtime.

Current Consumption and Power

• Current Consumption (Power Contacts): Load-dependent.

• Current Consumption (E-bus): 180 mA typical.

• Current Load (Power Contacts): 10 A maximum (Imax).

• Installation Position: Horizontal recommended.

• Potential Groups: Safe potential groups for safe shutdown.

• Interference-free Standard Components: Can be safely switched off.

• Power Supply: 24 V DC via power contacts.

• EtherCAT Communication: Standard E-bus interface.

• Power Distribution: Safe power supply for TwinSAFE groups.

• Thus, the EL2911 provides robust power distribution with safety monitoring.

Housing and Mounting Specifications

• Design Form: Compact terminal housing with signal LEDs.

• Housing Material: Polycarbonate.

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 24 mm x 100 mm x 68 mm.

• Installation: On 35 mm DIN rail conforming to EN 60715.

• Locking: Lock mechanism included for secure mounting.

• Side by Side Mounting: Double slot and key connection.

• Marking: Labeling of the BZxxx series.

• IP Protection Rating: IP20 (requires control cabinet installation).

• Wiring Method: Spring actuation by screwdriver.

• Conductor Types: Solid (s), stranded (st), and with ferrule (f).

• Connection Cross-Section (s/st): 0.08 to 2.5 mm².

• Connection Cross-Section (f): 0.14 to 1.5 mm².

• AWG (s/st): AWG 28 to 14.

• AWG (f): AWG 26 to 16.

• Stripping Length: 8 to 9 mm.

• Consequently, the EL2911 mounts easily in standard control cabinets.

LED Indicators and Diagnostics

• Signal LEDs: Present on the terminal front panel.

• Input Status: Indicates safe input states clearly.

• Output Status: Indicates safe output state.

• Power Indication: Shows supply voltage status.

• EtherCAT Communication: Link and activity indicators.

• Fault Indication: Error states are visually displayed.

• TwinSAFE Status: Safety function status indicators.

• Troubleshooting: Quick visual diagnosis without software.

• Channel Monitoring: Individual status per input channel.

• Thus, operators can quickly identify terminal and channel status.

Installation Guide

First, verify that all system power sources are completely disconnected. Then, mount the Beckhoff EL2911 on a 35 mm DIN rail conforming to EN 60715. Use the lock mechanism to secure the terminal firmly in place. For side by side mounting, use the double slot and key connection for adjacent terminals. After that, connect the 24 V DC power supply to the power contacts. The power contacts will then provide daisy-chained power to adjacent terminals. Next, wire your safe inputs (4 channels) using 1-wire or 2-wire connection technology. Configure test pulses per input channel for fine granular diagnostics. Then, wire your safe output (1 channel) rated for up to 10 A. After that, connect the EtherCAT bus coupler to the E-bus interface. The EL2911 communicates via Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) protocol. Then, apply power to the system. Subsequently, configure the safety parameters in your TwinSAFE Logic-capable component. Parameters are transmitted at safety application start, not stored locally. For standard outputs requiring safe shutdown, activate integrated ANDing with the safe output signal. Finally, test all safety functions thoroughly before operation. As a result, the Beckhoff EL2911 will provide reliable safety control.

Packaging List

• One Beckhoff EL2911 TwinSAFE EtherCAT terminal

• One set of spring actuation wiring connectors (integrated)

• One product identification label

• One installation and configuration guide

• One TwinSAFE documentation reference card

Common FAQs

Q1: What safety standards does the Beckhoff EL2911 meet?
A: This terminal meets EN ISO 13849-1:2015 (Category 4, PL e). It also meets EN 61508:2010 (SIL 3). Therefore, it suits high-risk safety applications in demanding environments.

Q2: How many safe inputs and outputs does the EL2911 provide?
A: This terminal provides 4 safe inputs and 1 safe output. Specifically, the output is rated for 10 A at 24 V DC. Consequently, it directly powers loads without external contactors or relays.

Q3: Does the Beckhoff EL2911 integrate TwinSAFE Logic?
A: Yes, it integrates TwinSAFE Logic that is similar to the EL6910. Up to 128 safe connections are supported. Therefore, a complete safety loop can be realized directly on the component without additional controllers.

Q4: Where are safety parameters stored on the EL2911?
A: Safety parameters are not stored directly on the component. Instead, they transmit via a TwinSAFE Logic-capable component at application start. Therefore, simple component replacement is possible without reconfiguration or reprogramming.

Q5: What is the fault response time of the Beckhoff EL2911?
A: The fault response time is ≤ watchdog time (parameterizable). Standard outputs can be activated with integrated ANDing with a safe output signal. Thus, safe potential groups can be created within a terminal segment for reliable shutdown.