The FX5-16ER/ES is a 16-point extension block from Mitsubishi Electric for the MELSEC iQ-F FX5 series, providing 8 DC inputs and 8 relay outputs in a compact module that connects directly to the FX5U or FX5UC CPU expansion bus. Atlantech Drives holds stock of the FX5-16ER/ES. Contact us for fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing.
What Is the Mitsubishi FX5-16ER/ES?
The FX5-16ER/ES is a mixed I/O extension block combining 8 sink/source-compatible 24 V DC inputs and 8 relay contact outputs in a single module. The /ES suffix confirms CE marking for international markets. Relay output type distinguishes this module from the transistor-output FX5-16ET/ES: relay contacts switch both AC and DC loads without polarity restriction, making the FX5-16ER/ES the correct choice when the controlled loads include 230 V AC solenoid valves, AC contactors, or mixed AC/DC output circuits on the same module. The relay contacts are volt-free (dry contact) — the load supply voltage is entirely determined by the external wiring, independent of the module’s 24 V DC logic supply.
Key Technical Specifications
- Total I/O points: 16 (8 inputs + 8 outputs)
- Input type: DC sink/source, 24 V DC
- Output type: Relay contact (volt-free)
- Output voltage range: 5–240 V AC / 5–30 V DC
- Output current per point: 2 A (resistive load)
- Relay mechanical life: 10 million operations
- Relay electrical life: 100,000 operations at rated load
- Common terminal configuration: 1 common for all 8 outputs
- Power supply: Supplied from FX5 CPU expansion bus
- Applicable CPU: FX5U, FX5UC, FX5UJ
- Certifications: CE
- Operating temperature: 0 to 55°C
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 90 × 90 × 87 mm
Compatibility & System Integration
The FX5-16ER/ES connects to the FX5U, FX5UC, and FX5UJ CPUs via the integrated side expansion connector and is recognised automatically by GX Works3 without manual parameter entry. Up to 8 extension modules can be connected to a single FX5U CPU subject to the system power budget. I/O addresses are assigned sequentially from the CPU’s last built-in I/O point. The single output common shared by all 8 relay outputs means all 8 loads must share the same supply voltage polarity — mixing AC and DC loads on the same module is technically possible only if both are referenced to the same common terminal, which in practice limits the FX5-16ER/ES to either all-AC or all-DC output circuits per module. For applications requiring mixed AC and DC outputs on the same extension module with separate commons, two lower-density modules with independent commons should be considered instead. The FX5-16ER/ES is not compatible with FX3U CPUs — for FX3U relay output expansion, use FX3U-16ER/ES.
Replacement & Upgrade Notes
- The FX5-16ER/ES is the iQ-F generation replacement for the FX3U-16ER/ES. Mechanically the modules have the same DIN rail mounting and similar terminal layout, but the expansion bus connector is electrically incompatible — the FX5 version cannot be connected to an FX3U CPU without the FX5-CNV-IF adapter, and even then relay output extension blocks are not always listed as compatible downstream of the adapter. Verify compatibility in the FX5U Hardware Manual before mixing generations.
- When upgrading a machine from FX3U to FX5U and retaining existing relay output wiring, the terminal block layout of the FX5-16ER/ES is sufficiently similar to the FX3U-16ER/ES that existing field wiring can often be transferred with minimal modification — verify terminal numbering against the FX5-16ER/ES wiring diagram before assuming direct compatibility.
- For high-cycle applications where relay electrical life (100,000 operations) is a concern, evaluate replacing the FX5-16ER/ES with the FX5-16ET/ES (transistor output, 10 million electrical operations) and interposing solid-state relays for AC load switching — this extends output service life by two orders of magnitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the FX5-16ER/ES switch 230 V AC loads directly?
A: Yes. The relay contacts are rated for up to 240 V AC at 2 A resistive load. For inductive AC loads such as contactors and solenoid valves, derate the current rating and install RC snubber circuits across the load to suppress contact arc and extend relay life.
Q: What is the difference between FX5-16ER/ES and FX5-16ET/ES?
A: The FX5-16ER/ES has relay contact outputs capable of switching AC or DC loads up to 240 V AC / 30 V DC. The FX5-16ET/ES has transistor sink outputs limited to 24 V DC loads but with much faster switching (0.2 ms vs ~10 ms for relay) and significantly longer electrical life. Choose relay for AC load switching or mixed voltage applications; choose transistor for high-cycle DC switching.
Q: Does the FX5-16ER/ES require an external power supply for the relay output circuits?
A: The module itself is powered from the FX5 CPU expansion bus. However, the load supply voltage for the relay output circuits must be provided externally — the relay contacts are volt-free and require an external supply connected to the COM terminal to energise any load.
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