Technical Specifications

FAQ

1. What is the primary function of the GE IC698ACC720 Shielded Dual-Slot Faceplate?

The GE IC698ACC720 is a dual-slot shielded faceplate designed for the GE PACSystems RX7i platform. Its primary purpose is to cover and protect two rack positions while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the front of the PLC rack. In addition to providing physical protection, the shielded construction helps maintain the shielding structure of the control cabinet and can contribute to reducing the effects of electromagnetic interference. In industrial automation systems, PLC racks are often installed near power supplies, drives, contactors, and other equipment that can generate electrical noise. A properly installed shielded faceplate forms part of the overall mechanical and EMC design of the control cabinet.

2. Which PLC system is the IC698ACC720 designed for?

The IC698ACC720 is designed primarily for the GE PACSystems RX7i platform. It is an installation and rack accessory rather than a PLC processing or I/O module, so it does not perform logic processing, signal acquisition, or control functions itself. When selecting this faceplate for an existing system, the PLC platform and rack configuration should be verified first. The rack arrangement and the number of adjacent positions that need to be covered should also be checked to ensure that the dual-slot configuration matches the actual installation. This is particularly important during RX7i system maintenance, cabinet modification, or replacement of existing rack accessories.

3. Why does the IC698ACC720 use a dual-slot design?

The IC698ACC720 uses a dual-slot design to cover and protect two adjacent rack positions with a single faceplate. This arrangement helps maintain a consistent mechanical structure across the front of the RX7i rack and reduces the number of separate covers required. A properly fitted dual-slot faceplate can help prevent dust, foreign objects, and accidental contact with exposed rack areas while also maintaining a cleaner cabinet layout. When installing the faceplate, the two covered positions should be checked carefully to make sure that they correspond to the intended locations in the RX7i rack and that the faceplate does not interfere with neighboring modules or connections.

4. What is the purpose of the shielding provided by the IC698ACC720?

The shielding structure of the IC698ACC720 helps maintain the electromagnetic shielding arrangement around the PLC rack. Industrial control cabinets can contain variable-frequency drives, motors, contactors, switching power supplies, and other equipment capable of generating electromagnetic interference. A properly installed shielded faceplate can contribute to the overall EMC design by helping maintain the continuity of the rack’s shielding structure. However, the effectiveness of the complete shielding arrangement also depends on cabinet grounding, cable shielding, cable routing, equipment separation, and power-system design. The faceplate should therefore be considered one component of the overall EMC installation rather than an independent solution to electrical interference.

5. Can the IC698ACC720 be replaced with a standard non-shielded faceplate?

A standard non-shielded faceplate should not automatically be considered an equivalent replacement when the original installation requires a shielded component. Although a conventional faceplate may provide basic mechanical coverage, it may not provide the same shielding characteristics as a dedicated shielded faceplate. This can be particularly important when an RX7i system is installed near variable-frequency drives, motors, switching equipment, or other high-noise electrical devices. For maintenance and replacement work, the replacement part should match the original mechanical configuration and the EMC requirements of the control cabinet. Selection should therefore be based on system compatibility and shielding requirements rather than appearance alone.

6. What should be considered when installing the IC698ACC720?

Before installing the IC698ACC720, verify that the faceplate is compatible with the RX7i rack and that the intended location consists of two adjacent rack positions. Inspect the faceplate, rack, and mounting points for deformation, contamination, or mechanical damage before installation. The faceplate should be securely mounted and correctly aligned with the rack. If the control cabinet has specific EMC requirements, the contact between the shielding structure and the associated grounding system should also be checked. After installation, verify that the faceplate does not interfere with adjacent modules, connectors, field wiring, or routine maintenance access. Proper mechanical installation is important for maintaining both the physical integrity and shielding continuity of the rack assembly.

7. What problems can occur if the IC698ACC720 becomes loose?

A loose IC698ACC720 can compromise the mechanical integrity of the front of the RX7i rack and may allow the faceplate to move during equipment vibration or maintenance activities. If the cabinet relies on the faceplate as part of its shielding structure, poor contact between the faceplate and rack may also reduce the effectiveness of the overall shielding arrangement. A loose metal faceplate can additionally produce mechanical noise or vibration if it comes into contact with adjacent structures. If looseness is detected, the mounting points, rack structure, and faceplate should be inspected for damage or deformation. The faceplate should then be securely refitted while ensuring that it remains correctly aligned with the surrounding rack components.

8. How can I determine whether the IC698ACC720 is suitable for an existing RX7i control system?

To determine compatibility, first confirm that the existing PLC system uses the GE PACSystems RX7i platform and identify the rack type currently installed. Next, verify that the area requiring coverage consists of two adjacent rack positions and that the mechanical mounting arrangement matches the faceplate. Check that the faceplate will not interfere with neighboring modules, connectors, cables, or other rack accessories. If the control cabinet has specific EMC requirements, the shielding arrangement should also be reviewed to ensure that the faceplate is consistent with the existing grounding and shielding design. For PLC retrofit and spare-parts applications, comparing the existing faceplate model, mounting arrangement, and slot configuration is recommended rather than selecting a replacement based solely on similar appearance.