SPECIFICATIONS
Part No.: IC693ACC301
Manufacturer: General Electric
Series: Mark I and II
Product type: Lithium backup battery
Storage Temperature: -40 to 185 oF
Operating Temperature: 32 to 77 oF
Mounting Mechanism: Plastic Clip
Repair: 3-5 Days
Availability: In Stock
Country of Manufacture: United States (USA)
Functional Description
IC693ACC301 is a Lithium backup battery developed by GE. It is a part of Fanuc for the 90-70 Series PLC systems. It is a long-life lithium backup battery designed to maintain the memory contents of the CMOS RAM located beneath the cover plate at the bottom of the power supply plate. This battery is crucial for preserving system data and configuration settings when the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is powered off.
Features
- The battery connects to the power supply’s printed circuit board (PCB) via a pair of wires attached to a small Berg female connector. This connector plugs into a corresponding mating connector on the PCB. The battery itself is mounted on a plastic clip affixed to the inside of the cover plate, ensuring stable placement and connection within the PLC system.
- While the battery can be replaced with the power applied to the PLC, it is essential to exercise extreme caution due to the presence of potentially lethal voltages within the enclosure. The replacement process should only be conducted by qualified electrical personnel who are well-versed in electrical safety procedures and standards.
Battery Low Warnings
The PLC system provides multiple indicators to alert users when the battery is running low:
- Red BATT LED: The power supply module features a red BATT LED that illuminates when the battery level is low. However, in cases where the PLC is housed within an enclosure, this visual indicator may not be easily visible.
- PLC Fault Table: The PLC Fault Table is updated with a battery-low message. This requires a programmer to be connected to the PLC to review and address the alert.
- System Reference Bits: Certain system reference bits are set to logic 1 when the battery is low. These bits can be monitored, and if the condition is detected, a warning light on an operator panel can be activated, or a warning can be communicated to an operator interface terminal.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Process
- Prepare for Replacement: Locate the battery cover removal slot beneath the battery cover. Gather a small pocket-size screwdriver and ensure you have a replacement battery ready.
- Loosen the Battery Cover: Insert the tip of the screwdriver approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) into the removal slot. Gently rotate the screwdriver about 45 degrees to loosen the cover without applying excessive force.
- Remove the Battery Cover: Use your fingers to remove the cover completely. Notice the battery mounted in a clip on the back of the cover. It will have a pair of leads connected to a circuit board inside the power supply.
- Disconnect the Old Battery: Carefully reach into the battery cavity using your fingers (never use metal tools to avoid damage or short circuits).Unplug the battery connector from the circuit board.
- Remove the Old Battery: Take the battery out of the clip on the battery cover. Set it aside in a safe place, ensuring it does not get mixed up with the new battery.
- Install the New Battery: Plug the connector of the new battery into the circuit board. Handle it gently to avoid damaging the connector or surrounding components. Securely clip the new battery into the clip on the back of the battery cover.
- Reattach the Battery Cover: Snap the battery cover back into place over the power supply. Ensure it is secured properly to protect the battery and connectors.
Battery Replacement and Memory Protection Factors
- When planning battery replacement and memory protection in a PLC system, it is essential to consider the criticality of the application. In high-stakes operations, even brief downtime can lead to significant losses. Frequent battery replacement is advisable in such scenarios to minimize risks. The cost of a battery is relatively low compared to the potential impact of a shutdown.
- Another key factor is the ease of accessing and loading a backup program. Ensure the backup program is readily available to maintenance personnel and that they are trained to load it. Having a computer or device equipped with GE Fanuc programming software on-site is essential for seamless recovery in case of failure.
- A preventive maintenance program is also crucial. Regularly scheduled maintenance helps ensure batteries are replaced on time, reducing the risk of unexpected disruptions. Many users align battery replacements with annual shutdowns, maintaining a log to track battery life and replacement schedules.
- The physical accessibility of the PLC is another important consideration. If the PLC is located in a remote or hard-to-reach area, additional planning is required to manage battery replacements effectively. These factors should be taken into account during system design or maintenance planning.
- Compliance with safety codes is mandatory, as some regulations may not permit battery replacement while the system is powered. Adhering to safety standards and ensuring personnel follow proper procedures are vital to prevent accidents during maintenance.
Importance of Backing Up Your Program
It is essential to always maintain an up-to-date backup of your application program, regardless of the memory management strategy you use for your PLC. The effort required to create and manage a backup is minimal compared to the time and work it would take to reprogram your entire application or re-key it from hardcopy if it were to be lost.
To help minimize downtime, consider the following recommendations:
- Ensure Easy Access to the Backup: Make sure that the backup copy is easily accessible to the people who may need it. This ensures that you can recover the program quickly if needed.
- Cross-Train Multiple People: Train more than one person on how to load the backup program. This will ensure that someone is available to restore the program, even if the primary person is not around when the situation arises.
- Ensure Equipment Readiness: Have a suitable computer (typically a laptop) available that is equipped with the necessary GE Fanuc PLC programming software to load the backup program to the PLC without delays.
- Document the Backup Procedure: Create a written procedure for backing up your program. While restoring the program from a backup may not happen frequently, it’s easy to forget some of the steps involved. A documented procedure ensures that the process runs smoothly whenever it is needed.
Factors Affecting Battery Life
While replacing your battery once a year is generally a good practice, the actual lifespan of a backup battery depends on several factors. These factors include the type of CPU used, the temperature the battery is exposed to, and the way the system is used. Understanding the following key elements will help you determine how often you should replace the battery in your application:
- Shelf Life: A battery that is not in use has an estimated shelf life of 5 years when stored at room temperature (25oC or 77oF).
- Continuous Use: A battery that is continuously supplying current to memory circuits (when the PLC is powered off) has an average lifespan of about 1 year for CPU models 331 and above, and around 2 years for models 311, 313, and 323, when used at room temperature.
- PLC Powering: The frequency with which you power down your PLC directly impacts the battery’s lifespan. If your PLC is powered on continuously, the battery is not in use, potentially extending its life. Conversely, systems that are powered down frequently may see their batteries deplete faster.
- Temperature: Temperature plays a significant role in battery life. Exposure to temperatures significantly above room temperature (25oC or 77oF) or below freezing (0oC or 32oF) can noticeably shorten the battery's lifespan.
- CPU Type: The type of CPU used can also affect battery life, albeit to a lesser extent. CPUs with larger memory capacities will require more battery power to maintain the stored data, and CPUs with a built-in clock will consume battery power to keep the clock running.
Low Battery Warning Methods
- BATT LED Indicator: The red BATT LED on the Power Supply module lights up when the battery is low. However, this method may not be ideal because the PLC is often housed in an enclosure, making the LED indicator difficult to see.
- PLC Fault Table Update: When the battery is low, the PLC Fault Table is updated with a low battery message. To view this message, a programmer must be connected to the PLC.
- System Reference Bits: Several system reference bits are set to logic 1 when the battery is low. These include SA011 (LOW_BAT), SC009 (ANY_FLT), S010 (SY_FLT), SC012 (SY_PRES). The most specific reference bit for a low battery condition is SA011 (LOW_BAT). This bit can be utilized in your ladder logic program to activate an output, such as a warning light on the operator panel, or to send a warning to an operator interface terminal. For example, in the following rung, the SA011 contact will close when the PLC detects a low battery. This will trigger the %Q output coil, which controls an output module that turns on a warning light. Alternatively, you could communicate the status of the coil (usually a M coil) to a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) terminal, such as a GE Fanuc CIMPLICITY HMI unit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is IC693ACC301?
It is a Lithium backup battery developed by GE
How often should the battery be replaced?
It is recommended to replace approximately once a year to ensure it consistently provides reliable power to the device.
How is the battery mounted?
The battery is mounted using a plastic clip within the battery compartment of the Series 90-30 power supply module where it is installed.
How can the operating life of the battery be extended?
To extend the battery's operating life, it is advisable to power down the PLC module whenever it will not be used for an extended period.