GE IC693ACC302 | 15Ah Auxiliary Battery Module – Extended Memory Backup – Field Service Guide

Description

Hard-Numbers: Technical Specifications

• Battery Chemistry: Lithium (primary, non-rechargeable)
• Output Voltage: 3 VDC
• Battery Capacity: 15.0 Amp-hours (15 Ah)
• Physical Dimensions: 5.713″ × 2.559″ × 1.571″ (145.1 × 65.0 × 39.9 mm)
• Weight: 232 grams (0.51 lbs / 0.69 lbs per alternate source)
• Case Material: Black, flame-retardant ABS plastic
• Connection: 2.0′ (0.6 meter) twisted red/black 24 AWG lead with female 2-pin connector
• Mounting: Panel mount (four #8-32 × ½” flat head machine screws)
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +60°C (+32°F to +140°F)
• Shelf Life: 7 years at 20°C
• Protection: Built-in 1 Amp fuse (non-replaceable, sealed inside)
• Compatibility: All IC693 power supplies and IC697 CPUs; PACSystems battery connectors
• Memory Backup Life (Power-Down Conditions):
  • IC693 CPUs 311–364: 75 months (~6.25 years)
  • All existing IC697 CPUs: 75 months (~6.25 years)
  • IC693 CPU374: 15 months (~1.25 years)
• Lithium Content: 5.1 grams (3 cells @ 1.7 grams/cell)
• Status: Discontinued/Obsolete (replaced by IC695ACC302 for PACSystems)
  

  GE IC693ACC302

The Real-World Problem It Solves

• Seasonal facilities: Sugar mills, agricultural processing plants, and amusement parks that shut down for months annually.
• Backup power systems: Emergency generators and UPS systems where PLCs may remain offline for extended service intervals.
• Remote installations: Oil and gas wellheads, water treatment facilities, and solar installations where maintenance access is infrequent.
• Critical control infrastructure: Applications where program loss is unacceptable and battery replacement logistics are challenging.

Hardware Architecture & Under-the-Hood Logic

1. Battery Configuration:
   • Contains three lithium-thionyl chloride cells in series/parallel configuration to deliver 3 VDC at 15 Ah.
   • Cells are primary (non-rechargeable) and optimized for low self-discharge rate and long shelf life.
   • Total lithium content: 5.1 grams, requiring proper disposal per local regulations.
2. Connection and Installation:
   • Mounts externally to the control cabinet via four #8-32 screws.
   • 0.6-meter (24″) cable routes from the external battery pack to the CPU’s battery connector.
   • For IC693 systems: cable connects to battery connector on power supply module; routed through bottom of battery compartment.
   • For IC697 systems: cable connects directly to CPU module; routed out bottom of CPU cover.
   • Critical: Must remove the internal IC693ACC301 standard battery when using the auxiliary module to avoid back-feeding conflicts.
3. Protection Circuitry:
   • Internal 1 Amp fuse protects against short-circuit or severe overload conditions.
   • Fuse is sealed inside the battery pack and not user-serviceable—if blown, the entire unit requires replacement.
   • No active voltage regulation or low-battery monitoring; the battery provides direct 3 VDC to CPU RAM backup circuit.
4. Memory Backup Timing:
   • When main 5 VDC power is lost, CPU RAM switches to battery backup mode.
   • Backup time depends on CPU model and memory size:
     • CPU311–364 and IC697 CPUs: 75 months (due to lower standby current draw)
     • CPU374: 15 months (higher standby current due to larger memory and additional Ethernet circuitry)
   • Timing assumes 20°C ambient temperature; elevated temperatures reduce capacity proportionally.
5. No Low-Battery Indication:
   • Unlike the standard IC693ACC301, the auxiliary module does not provide reliable low-battery warnings to the CPU.
   • User logic should not rely on battery status bits when using IC693ACC302.
   • Replacement must be scheduled based on date codes and shelf-life tracking.
     

     GE IC693ACC302

Field Service Pitfalls: What Rookies Get Wrong

• Field Rule: Always remove the internal IC693ACC301 battery from the power supply compartment before connecting the IC693ACC302. Store the internal battery as a spare for other systems or dispose of properly if expired.

• Field Rule: The auxiliary battery provides no low-battery alarm. Track installation dates and replace every 5–6 years for CPU311–364, or every 12–14 months for CPU374. Use a multimeter to verify voltage (should be 3.0–3.3 VDC) during preventive maintenance.

• Field Rule: Check the date code on the product label (three digits: first digit = year in 21st century, last two = fiscal week). Do not install batteries that have exceeded 7 years from manufacture, regardless of storage conditions.

• Field Rule: Use all four #8-32 × ½” flat head screws with proper torque. Route the cable through designated slots without sharp bends. Verify cable clearance before closing compartment covers.

• Field Rule: Install the module in the coolest part of the enclosure. Maintain at least 2 inches of clearance from heat sources. Consider adding forced ventilation if enclosure temperature exceeds 50°C during operation.

• Field Rule: Turn off PLC power before connecting the battery. Verify connector polarity (red = positive, black = negative). If fuse opens (no voltage at connector pins), the entire unit must be replaced—this is not user-repairable.

• Field Rule: After installation, verify voltage at connector pins (3.0–3.3 VDC). Perform a controlled power-down test: remove AC power for 10–15 minutes, restore power, and confirm program and retentive data are intact.

• Field Rule: For CPU374 applications requiring more than 15 months of backup, consider upgrading to a PACSystems controller with IC695ACC302 Smart Battery Module, or implement Flash memory backup for long-term program retention.

Commercial Availability & Pricing Note