National Instruments FieldPoint cFP-RLY-425 User manual

FieldPoint Operating Instructions
cFP-RLY-425
Eight-Channel SPST Relay Module
These operating instructions describe how to install and use the
National Instruments cFP-RLY-425 relay module. For information
about configuring and accessing the cFP-RLY-425 over a network,
refer to the user manual for the FieldPoint network module you are
using.
Features
The cFP-RLY-425 is a Compact FieldPoint relay output module
with the following features:
• Eight single-pole single-throw (SPST) relay channels
• Switches up to 5 A at 18 VDC or 150 VAC, 0.2 A at 125 VDC,
or 3 A at 250 VAC
• –40 to 70 °C operation
• 250 Vrms CAT II continuous channel-to-channel and
channel-to-ground isolation, verified by 2,300 Vrms 1 minute
dielectric withstand test
• Hot swappable
Power Requirement
The cFP-RLY-425 is powered by the FieldPoint network module
through the backplane bus. The cFP-RLY-425 requires up to
1.45 W of power,1which may limit the number of I/O modules that
you can connect to a single network module.
Before you configure a FieldPoint system that uses a cFP-RLY-425
module, calculate the total power consumption of the I/O modules
on the FieldPoint bank. Power requirements are listed in the
Specifications sections of the operating instructions for each
I/O module. The network module user manual lists the maximum
1 1.45 W is the maximum power requirement. Most applications require less power.

cFP-RLY-425 2 ni.com
power that the network module can supply. Make sure the total
power requirement for all of the I/O modules in the bank is less
than the maximum power available from the network module.
Suppose you have a bank with a cFP-2000 network module,
three cFP-RLY-425 modules, and five cFP-DI-300 modules. The
cFP-2000 can supply up to 9 W. The cFP-RLY-425 requires
up to 1.45 W, and the cFP-DI-300 requires 0.185 W. Three
cFP-RLY-425 modules and five cFP-DI-300 modules require a
total of 5.28 W:
3(1.45 W) +5(0.185 W) = 5.28 W
This power requirement is less than the 9 W maximum.
Installing the cFP-RLY-425
The cFP-RLY-425 mounts on a Compact FieldPoint backplane
(cFP-BP-x), which provides operating power to the module.
Installing the cFP-RLY-425 onto a powered backplane does not
disrupt the operation of the bank.
To install the cFP-RLY-425, refer to Figure 1 and complete the
following steps:
1. Align the captive screws on the cFP-RLY-425 with the holes
on the backplane. The alignment keys on the cFP-RLY-425
prevent backward insertion.
2. Press firmly to seat the cFP-RLY-425 on the backplane.
3. Using a number 2 Phillips screwdriver with a shank of at least
64 mm (2.5 in.) length, tighten the captive screws to 1.1 N ⋅m
(10 lb ⋅in.) of torque. The nylon coating on the screws
prevents them from loosening.

© National Instruments Corp. 3 cFP-RLY-425
Figure 1. Installing the cFP-RLY-425
Mounting the System Upright
To ensure maximum cooling efficiency, mount the Compact
FieldPoint system so that the I/O module vents are at the top and
bottom as shown in Figure 2.
1 cFP-RLY-425
2 Captive Screws
3 cFP Controller Module
4 Screw Holes
5 cFP Backplane
2
2
1
3 5
4
4

cFP-RLY-425 4 ni.com
Figure 2. Mounting the System Upright
Wiring the cFP-RLY-425
Each relay channel of the cFP-RLY-425 has two terminals, CHx
and COMx.
Caution Ensure that hazardous voltage wiring is
performed only by qualified personnel adhering to local
electrical standards. A hazardous voltage is a voltage
greater than 42.4 Vpeak or 60 VDC.
The screw terminals for the CHxand COMxpins are on two
detachable screw-terminal connectors. Table 1 lists the terminal
assignments for the signals of each channel.
Table 1. Terminal Assignments
Channel
Terminal Numbers
CHxCOMx
0L1 L3
1L5 L7
2L9 L11
3L13 L15
4R15 R13
5R11 R9
6R7 R5
7R3 R1
Up

© National Instruments Corp. 5 cFP-RLY-425
Note that screw terminals 1–15 on the left connector are for
channels 0–4, and screw terminals 15–1 on the right connector are
for channels 4–7. Figure 3 shows how to orient the two connectors
with respect to the cFP-RLY-425.
Figure 3. cFP-RLY-425 Screw-Terminal Connectors
78563412 1513 1411 12910
78563412 1513 1411 12910
Compact FieldPoint
POWER
READY
CH0
COM0
CH1
COM1
CH2
COM2
CH3
COM3
CH4
COM4
CH5
COM5
CH6
COM6
CH7
COM7
cFP-RLY-425

cFP-RLY-425 6 ni.com
Wire the screw terminals and place the connector in the shell as
shown in Figure 4. Make sure that you use the half of the shell with
the strain-relief screw holes.
Figure 4. Placing the Screw-Terminal Connector in the Shell
Install the strain-relief bar as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Installing the Strain-Relief Bar on the Connector Shell

© National Instruments Corp. 7 cFP-RLY-425
Close the shell as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Closing the Connector Shell
Install the labels and label covers as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Installing the Label Covers on the Connector

cFP-RLY-425 8 ni.com
Insert the connector into the cFP-RLY-425 as shown in Figure 8,
then tighten both flange screws on the connector.
Figure 8. Installing One Assembled Screw-Terminal Connector
Connecting Loads to the cFP-RLY-425
Wire a load to a channel of the cFP-RLY-425 as shown in Figure 9.
Install a 5 A, 250 V maximum, fast-acting fuse (F 5 A L 250V) at
the COMxterminal to protect the module and the load from
damage.
Figure 9. Connecting a Load to One Channel of the cFP-RLY-425
Compact FieldPoint
POWER
READY
CH0
COM0
CH1
COM1
CH2
COM2
CH3
COM3
CH4
COM4
CH5
COM5
CH6
COM6
CH7
COM7
cFP-RL
Y-425
+
–
cFP-RLY-425
COM
x
CH x
or
AC
Load
5 A,
250 V max

© National Instruments Corp. 9 cFP-RLY-425
The cFP-RLY-425 has eight SPST (single-pole single-throw)
electromechanical relays. The power-up state is OFF (open) to
ensure safe installation. In the ON state, the CHxand COMxrelay
contacts connect to form a short circuit. In the ON state, there is an
effective resistance of up to 50 mΩbetween the CHxand COMx
terminals, which causes a voltage drop.1For example, if the current
is 5 A, the voltage drop across the CHxand COMxterminals can
be as high as 0.25 V.
The amount of current the relay can switch depends on the voltage,
the type of load, and the ambient temperature. Refer to the
Specifications section for more information.
Protecting Contacts for Inductive Loads
When inductive loads are connected to the relays, a large
counter-electromotive force may occur at relay switching time
because of the energy stored in the inductive load. These flyback
voltages can severely damage the relay contacts and greatly
shorten the life of the relay.
It is best to limit flyback voltages by installing a flyback diode
across an inductive DC load or a metal oxide varistor (MOV)
across an inductive AC load.
In addition, the cFP-RLY-425 has internal protection MOVs to
prevent excessively high voltage from being applied across the
contacts. The MOVs are located between the CHxand COMx
contacts of each relay. However, National Instruments
recommends the use of a protection circuit across each inductive
load. The flyback protection causes a small leakage current, which
is detailed in the Specifications section.
Refer to the NI Switches Help for information about selecting and
installing contact protection circuits. Go to ni.com/manuals and
select Current Manual Revisions»Switches»Software»
NI Switches Help.
Status Indicators
After you install the cFP-RLY-425 onto a backplane and apply
power to the network module, the green POWER indicator lights
and the cFP-RLY-425 informs the network module of its presence.
When the network module recognizes the cFP-RLY-425, it sends
1 At the end of relay life, the path resistance rises rapidly above 1 Ω.

cFP-RLY-425 10 ni.com
initial configuration information to the cFP-RLY-425. After the
cFP-RLY-425 receives this initial information, the green READY
indicator lights and the module is in normal operating mode.
Isolation and Safety Guidelines
Caution Read the following information before
attempting to connect the cFP-RLY-425 to any circuits
that may contain hazardous voltages.
This section describes the isolation of the cFP-RLY-425 and its
compliance with international safety standards. The field wiring
connections are isolated from the backplane and the inter-module
communication bus. The isolation barriers in the module provide
250 Vrms Measurement Category II continuous isolation, verified
by 2,300 Vrms, 1 minute dielectric withstand test. The
cFP-RLY-425 provides double insulation (compliant with
IEC 61010-1) for working voltages of 250 Vrms1. Safety standards
(such as those published by UL and IEC) require the use of double
insulation between hazardous voltages and any human-accessible
parts or circuits.
Never try to use any isolation product between human-accessible
parts (such as DIN rails or monitoring stations) and circuits that
can be at hazardous potentials under normal conditions, unless the
product is specifically designed for such an application, as is the
cFP-RLY-425.
Even though the cFP-RLY-425 is designed to handle applications
with hazardous potentials, follow these guidelines to ensure a safe
system:
• You must connect the protective earth (PE) ground terminal on
the cFP-BP-xbackplane to the system safety ground. The
backplane PE ground terminal has the following symbol
stamped beside it: . Connect the backplane PE ground
terminal to the system safety ground using 14 AWG (1.6 mm)
wire with a ring lug. Use the 5/16 in. panhead screw shipped
with the backplane to secure the ring lug to the backplane PE
ground terminal.
1 Working voltage is defined as the signal voltage plus the common-mode voltage.
Common-mode voltage is the voltage of the module with respect to ground.

© National Instruments Corp. 11 cFP-RLY-425
• The cFP-RLY-425 is a UL Recognized component. The entire
Compact FieldPoint system must be installed in a UL Listed,
suitably rated NEMA or IP enclosure for safe use.
Figure 10. Installing the Compact FieldPoint System in an Enclosure
• As with any hazardous voltage wiring, make sure that all
wiring and connections meet applicable electrical codes and
commonsense practices. Mount terminal bases and backplanes
in an area, position, or cabinet that prevents accidental or
unauthorized access to wiring that carries hazardous voltages.
•Donot use the cFP-RLY-425 as the only isolating barrier
between human contact and working voltages higher than
250 Vrms .
• Operate the cFP-RLY-425 only at or below Pollution Degree 2.
Pollution Degree 2 means that only nonconductive pollution
occurs in most cases. Occasionally, however, condensation can
cause temporary conductivity.
•Donot operate FieldPoint products in an explosive atmosphere
or where there may be flammable gases or fumes. If you need
to operate FieldPoint products in such an environment, the
FieldPoint products must be in a suitably rated enclosure.
• Operate the cFP-RLY-425 at or below Measurement
Category II. Measurement Category II is for measurements
performed on circuits directly connected to the low-voltage
installation. This category refers to local-level distribution,
such as that provided by a standard wall outlet. Do not use this
module with voltages in Measurement Categories III or IV.

cFP-RLY-425 12 ni.com
Specifications
The following specifications are typical for a range of –40 to 70 °C
unless otherwise noted. All specifications are subject to change
without notice.
Relay Characteristics
Number of channels .......................... 8
Relay type ......................................... SPST, nonlatching,
normally open
Maximum switching capacity (resistive load)
At 250 VAC ................................ 3 A
At 150 VAC ................................ 5 A
At 0 to 18 VDC .......................... 5 A
At 125 VDC ............................... 0.2 A
Maximum switching power
on each channel................................. 750 VA, 90 W
Minimum switching load.................. 1 mA at 5 VDC
Maximum current
through all channels.......................... 200 A2
Figure 11. Maximum Current on All Channels by Ambient Temperature
Ambient Temperature (˚C)
80706050403020100
250
200
150
100
50
0
Current Load
(Sum of A2on All Channels)
All Orientations Upright Orientation Only

© National Instruments Corp. 13 cFP-RLY-425
Calculate the maximum current as
Example 1. If eight channels carry 5 A each, the total current is
8(5 A)2=200 A2. As shown in Figure 11, the module can output
this total current with an ambient temperature up to 60 °C.
Example 2. If two channels carry 5 A each and six channels carry
2 A each, the total current is 2(5 A)2+6(2 A)2=74 A2. The module
can output this total current with an ambient temperature up to
70 °C.
Initial path resistance ........................ <50 mΩ
Note DC path resistance typically remains low for
the life of the relay. At the end of relay life, the path
resistance rises rapidly above 1 Ω. Load ratings apply
to relays used within the specification before the end of
relay life.
Off-state leakage current
At 125 VDC ............................... 0.03 µA
At 250 VAC ................................ 2 µA
Expected relay life
Mechanical ................................. 2 ×107operations
Electrical
At 5 A, 30 VDC ................... 1.5 ×105operations
At 3 A, 120 VAC.................. 1.5 ×105operations
At 5 A, 250 VAC.................. 3 ×104operations
Recommended cycle rate
With up to 3 A load .................... 1 s ON, 1 s OFF
With 3 A or greater load............. 3 s ON, 3 s OFF
Relay operate time ............................ <10 ms
Relay release time............................. <7 ms
Contact bounce time ......................... <1 ms
Contact material................................ Gold-plated silver alloy
In
()
2
n0=
7
∑

cFP-RLY-425 14 ni.com
Physical
Indicators .......................................... Green POWER and
READY indicators
Weight............................................... 201 g (7.1 oz)
Power Requirements
Power from network module ............ 1.45 W at –40 to 70 °C
Isolation Voltage
Channel-to-ground and channel-to-channel isolation
Continuous ................................. 250 Vrms, Measurement
Category II
Dielectric withstand.................... 2,300 Vrms, 1 minute
Environmental
FieldPoint modules are intended for indoor use only. For outdoor
use, they must be mounted inside a sealed enclosure.
Operating temperature1..................... –40 to 70 °C
Storage temperature .......................... –55 to 85 °C
Humidity ........................................... 10 to 85% RH,
noncondensing
Maximum altitude............................. 2,000 m; at higher altitudes
the isolation voltage ratings
must be lowered
Pollution Degree ............................... 2
Safety
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following
standards of safety for electrical equipment for measurement,
control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1
• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1
For UL, hazardous location, and other safety certifications, refer to
the product label or visit ni.com/certification, search by
1 Refer to Figure 11 for maximum current on all channels.

© National Instruments Corp. 15 cFP-RLY-425
model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the
Certification column.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Emissions.......................................... EN 55011 Class A at 10 m
FCC Part 15A above 1 GHz
Immunity........................................... EN 61326:1997 +A2:2001,
Table 1
CE, C-Tick, and FCC Part 15 (Class A) Compliant
CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable
European Directives, as amended for CE marking, as follows:
Low-Voltage Directive (safety)......... 73/23/EEC
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Directive (EMC) ............................... 89/336/EEC
Note Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for
this product for any additional regulatory compliance
information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit
ni.com/certification, search by model number or
product line, and click the appropriate link in the
Certification column.
Where to Go for Support
For more information about setting up the FieldPoint system, refer
to these National Instruments documents:
• FieldPoint network module user manual
• Other FieldPoint I/O module operating instructions
• FieldPoint terminal base and connector block operating
instructions
Go to ni.com/support for the most current manuals, examples,
and troubleshooting information.
National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at 11500
North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504. National
Instruments also has offices located around the world to help
address your support needs. For telephone support in the United
States, create your service request at ni.com/support and follow

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