Eaton launches new generation control relay easyE4

Eaton has launched a new generation of easy-steering relays. This is the easyE4 series, which, in its own words, is very suitable for installers who effortlessly want to implement control tasks in, for example, building installations.

The easySoft 7 programming software allows installers to implement simple control tasks and extensive configurations with a high degree of process efficiency themselves. It is possible to choose from four programming languages, namely function blocks (FBD), ladder diagrams (LD), structured text (ST) or Eaton’s own ‘easy’ programming language (EPD). It is also possible to transfer existing programs from previous devices to easySoft 7.

The easyE4 base unit is available in different versions. These are 12V dc/24V dc/24V ac, 24 dc and 230V ac, with or without screen. The device offers eight digital inputs that can be used as fast counter or interrupt inputs. Four inputs can also be used as analogue inputs and there are four digital transistor or relay outputs.

New features

The easyE4 series also comes with a number of new features. For example, there is an option to use a DCF77 radio signal, which allows very accurate time and date indication for each application. The information is updated automatically, which is useful for summer and winter time, for example. The time function can be used, among other things, to make the school bell ring at the right time in schools.

Each base unit can be further expanded to 188 I/O’s with expansion modules. This sets a new standard for control relays, says Eaton. These expansions may have a different supply voltage than the basic unit or other expansions. Expansion modules can be connected from the front via the new easyConnector. This simplifies installation and disassembly.

The base unit also contains an input for a microSD card. This makes it easy to implement software updates and maintenance functions, among other things. In addition, a start program can be defined in advance, which starts immediately when the control relay is switched on. It can also be used to store a startup screen that is displayed during the startup process. And finally, the extra memory space can be used for data logging.

IoT and switches

It is also possible to connect the easyE4 to IoT networks. This can be done via the integrated Ethernet interface, which allows the device to connect to any standard LAN/WLAN router, repeater or dLan system. As a user it is possible to create your own dashboard. You can access easyE4 via smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Via the Ethernet it is also possible to connect any type of screen directly, for example via the ModBus TPC protocol. An Ethernet switch makes it possible to link eight easy’s together, which makes it possible to create a maximum of ten clusters of eight easy’s. The Ethernet switch allows you to connect eight easy’s to each other, making it possible to create a maximum of ten clusters of eight easy’s. The clusters can communicate with each other again via an overhead system.