Description
GE IC698ETM001: Your Factory Floor’s Ethernet Backbone That Won’t Quit on You
Look, I’ve seen too many plants lose hours to flaky network switches that choke under factory vibration or temperature swings. The GE IC698ETM001 isn’t one of them. It’s the industrial Ethernet module that actually stays online when your injection molding machines are humming at full tilt. One thing I appreciate is how it handles those sudden PLC data bursts during shift changes—no more dropped packets when your SCADA system is pulling production reports. You might notice it’s not flashy, but in 15 years of troubleshooting control networks, I’ve learned that’s exactly what you want in a switch.
Why This Module Stays in Your Cabinet (Not Your Toolbox)
- 8-port gigabit switching – Handles simultaneous I/O traffic from multiple PLCs without blinking. Typically keeps your HMI responsive even during firmware updates.
- -25°C to 70°C operating range – Survives near ovens or outdoor enclosures where commercial switches fail. From my experience, it shrugs off the heat from adjacent VFDs.
- DIN-rail mounted with tool-less clips – Swaps in under 90 seconds during downtime. No more wrestling with screws when production’s bleeding money.
- Profinet & Modbus TCP support – Talks to legacy GE Fanuc 90-30 systems while bridging to modern IIoT sensors. Seems to be the go-to for brownfield upgrades.
Real Numbers You’ll Actually Use
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand/Model | GE IC698ETM001 |
| HS Code | 8535.30.9000 (Industrial Ethernet Switching Equipment) |
| Power Requirements | 24V DC ±10% (1.2A max) – Runs off standard control power |
| Dimensions & Weight | 120 x 100 x 75mm / 420g – Fits tight cabinets |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to 70°C (no derating) |
| Signal I/O | 8x 10/100/1000BASE-T(X) ports with LED status |
| Installation Method | Top-hat DIN rail (35mm) – No additional brackets needed |
Where It Earns Its Keep
This isn’t for your office network. You’ll find it in the thick of things: automotive paint shops where humidity hits 90%, food processing lines getting hosed down daily, or mining conveyors shaking like a washing machine on spin cycle. One customer in a Wisconsin dairy plant told me it replaced three failed commercial switches in their bottling line—they’ve had zero issues since 2021. In many cases, it’s the silent middleman between legacy machinery and new analytics platforms.
Why Your Procurement Team Should Care
Forget “unmatched performance” jargon. Here’s what matters: it cuts downtime costs by avoiding those $20k/hour line stoppages when networks hiccup. Compatibility with GE’s 90-30/90-70 PLCs means no costly gateway add-ons. And the 365-day warranty? Covers real-world wear—not just bench-test failures. One plant manager admitted they bought spares after seeing how fast we shipped replacements during a flood event.
Keep It Running Like Clockwork
Install it on standard TS-35 DIN rail with at least 25mm clearance on sides for airflow—don’t cram it next to 480V drives. Ventilation matters: ambient temps above 60°C need forced cooling. Check port LEDs monthly; if you see amber flickering, it’s time for a firmware update (we’ll email the patch). Clean dust from vents during quarterly maintenance—compressed air works, but skip the shop vac (static risk). Oh, and never power-cycle during PLC logic execution; wait for idle periods.
Built Tough, Certified Tougher
CE, UL 61010-1, and RoHS certified out the gate. The conformal coating on circuit boards handles condensation better than most competitors—I’ve seen units run flawlessly in steam-filled boiler rooms. Warranty’s straightforward: 365 days from install date covering defects (not lightning strikes or forklift accidents). If you need it yesterday, 95% of in-stock orders ship within a week; everything else clears customs in under 30 days. Payment’s simple: 50% to lock it in, balance before we FedEx/UPS/DHL it out.
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