The QY80 is a 16-point relay contact output module from Mitsubishi Electric for the MELSEC-Q series, providing volt-free relay switching for AC and DC loads up to 240 V AC or 30 V DC in a standard Q series base slot. Atlantech Drives holds stock of the QY80. Contact us for fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing.
What Is the Mitsubishi QY80?
The QY80 is the standard relay output module in the MELSEC-Q I/O range, offering 16 independent relay contact output points with screw terminal block wiring. Unlike transistor output modules which are limited to DC loads at logic-compatible voltages, the QY80’s relay contacts switch both AC and DC loads at voltages up to 240 V AC and 30 V DC, making it the correct selection when the controlled loads include AC solenoid valves, AC contactors, signal lamps on 230 V AC supply, or mixed-voltage output circuits. Each relay is an independent SPST (normally open) contact — there is no normally closed contact available on this module. The QY80 uses a single 16-point common terminal configuration, meaning all 16 output loads must share the same supply reference.
Key Technical Specifications
- Number of output points: 16
- Output type: Relay contact (SPST-NO, volt-free)
- Maximum switching voltage: 240 V AC / 30 V DC
- Maximum load current per point: 2 A (resistive), 80 VA (AC inductive), 30 W (DC inductive)
- Minimum switching load: 10 mA at 5 V DC
- Relay mechanical life: 10 million operations
- Relay electrical life: 100,000 operations at rated resistive load
- Output response time (OFF→ON): Approx. 10 ms
- Output response time (ON→OFF): Approx. 10 ms
- Common terminal configuration: 16-point common (1 COM for all outputs)
- Wiring: Screw terminal block (18-point, removable)
- Number of occupied I/O points: 16
- Power consumption: 5 V DC, 0.17 A (internal bus)
- Operating temperature: 0 to 55°C
Typical Industrial Applications
The QY80 is specified wherever Q series PLC outputs must directly switch AC mains-voltage loads without interposing intermediate relay panels. Representative applications include: direct switching of 230 V AC solenoid valve coils on pneumatic and hydraulic manifolds in machine tool and assembly equipment; control of AC contactors for motor starter circuits where the PLC output drives the contactor coil directly; switching of 24 V DC or 48 V DC indicator lamps and audible alarms on operator panels; and activation of heating elements, fans, and pumps through their control relay coils in process and HVAC applications. The QY80 is also the standard choice for retrofit projects replacing legacy relay logic panels, where existing field wiring is at AC mains voltage and rewiring to 24 V DC transistor-compatible wiring is impractical. The 10 ms output response time is suitable for all these applications — for switching speeds below 10 ms, a transistor output module (QY10, QY40P) with an interposed solid-state relay is the appropriate architecture.
Maintenance Tips
- Relay electrical life of 100,000 operations at rated load is the key wear parameter for the QY80. For outputs switching loads at the full 2 A rating, 100,000 operations equates to approximately 27 hours of continuous 1-second on/off cycling — high-cycle applications will exhaust relay life within months. Monitor high-cycle outputs using the GX Works2 device monitor to track Y-device activation counts, and plan proactive module replacement before contact degradation causes intermittent output failures.
- For AC inductive loads (solenoid valves, contactors), install RC snubber circuits across each load coil — a 0.1 µF capacitor in series with a 100 Ω resistor connected in parallel with the load is the standard suppressor for 230 V AC inductive loads on relay contacts. Without suppression, contact arcing on each switching event progressively erodes the contact surface and reduces electrical life by 50–80%.
- The removable screw terminal block allows field wiring to remain connected while the QY80 module body is replaced — this significantly reduces downtime during module swap. After replacement, verify all output points are functional by forcing each Y-device ON/OFF in GX Works2 test mode before returning the machine to production.
- Inspect relay contacts annually on outputs switching inductive loads by checking contact resistance with a milliohmmeter — rising contact resistance (above 100 mΩ) is an early indicator of contact surface oxidation or pitting that will progress to intermittent switching failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the QY80 switch 415 V AC three-phase loads directly?
A: No. The QY80 is rated for a maximum of 240 V AC. For three-phase motor control, the PLC output should drive the coil of a suitably rated three-phase contactor (24 V DC coil), and the contactor switches the 415 V AC motor supply — never connect three-phase supply voltage directly to QY80 output terminals.
Q: What is the difference between QY80 and QY81P?
A: The QY80 has a single 16-point common shared by all outputs, requiring all loads to reference the same supply. The QY81P provides 8-point commons (2 independent commons for 8 points each), allowing different load supply voltages on the upper and lower output groups within the same module. Specify QY81P when AC and DC loads, or loads at different AC voltages, must be mixed on the same output module.
Q: Is the QY80 suitable for switching 24 V DC pilot light circuits?
A: Yes, provided the load current is above the minimum switching current of 10 mA at 5 V DC (most 24 V DC pilot lights draw 20–50 mA). The QY80 is fully suitable for 24 V DC indicator lamps. For LED indicator lamps with very low current draw (below 10 mA), verify the lamp current against the minimum switching specification to ensure reliable contact operation.
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