User Manual · Publication 280E-UM001 · Rockwell Automation

ArmorStart 280E/281E/284E EtherNet/IP Controller User Manual

This user manual covers the Allen-Bradley ArmorStart Distributed Motor Controllers with EtherNet/IP, catalog numbers 280E, 281E, and 284E. It addresses installation, wiring, commissioning, parameter programming, diagnostics, and troubleshooting for all three bulletin variants. Bulletin 280E and 281E support full-voltage and reversing starting up to 10 Hp at 480V AC. Bulletin 284E provides sensorless vector control for variable frequency applications up to 5 Hp at 480V AC.

Download PDF

10 Hp Max Horsepower (280E/281E)

5 Hp Max Horsepower (284E)

IP67 Enclosure Rating

24V DC Control Voltage

Document Preview

Open the full PDF in a new tab · Publication 280E-UM001

Specifications

General Specifications: All Bulletins

Control Voltage	24V DC (-15%, +10%)
I/O Inputs	4 fixed 24V DC inputs, software-selectable sink or source (two per M12 connector)
I/O Outputs	2 sourcing solid-state DC outputs, 0.5 A max per point, 1.0 A total (one per M12 connector)
Network	EtherNet/IP, dual-port embedded switch, 10/100 Mbps, D-coded M12 connector
Enclosure	IP67 / UL Type 4/12
Ethernet Topology	Linear and Device Level Ring (DLR)
IEEE 1588	End-to-end transparent clock supported

Bulletin 280E/281E Specifications

Horsepower Range	0.5…10 Hp (0.37…7.5 kW)
Operational Voltage	200V AC, 230V AC, 460V AC
Current Range	0.24…16 A
Frequency	50/60 Hz
Starting Method	Full-voltage start (280E); Full-voltage reversing (281E)
Overload Trip Class	Class 10, 15, or 20 (selectable)
Short Circuit Protection Options	10 A rated device or 25 A rated device (Motor Circuit Protector)

Bulletin 284E Specifications

Horsepower Range	0.5…5 Hp (0.4…3.0 kW)
Operational Voltage	380…480V AC
Starting Method	Sensorless Vector Control (SVC)
Overload Trip Class	Class 10 only
Output Current Options	1.4 A (0.5 Hp), 2.3 A (1.0 Hp), 4.0 A (2.0 Hp), 6.0 A (3.0 Hp), 7.6 A (5.0 Hp)

Power and Control Wiring

Power/Ground Wire Size	1.5…4.0 mm² (#16…#10 AWG)
Control Input Wire Size	1.0…4.0 mm² (#18…#10 AWG)
Power Terminal Torque (Primary)	10.8 lb·in (1.2 N·m)
Power Terminal Torque (Secondary)	4.5 lb·in (0.5 N·m)
Control Input Torque	6.2 lb·in (0.7 N·m)
Wire Strip Length	0.35 in. (9 mm)
Max Wires per Terminal	2

Storage Conditions

Ambient Temperature	-25…+85 °C (-13…+185 °F)
Relative Humidity	0…95%, noncondensing

Catalog Number Format

How to read an Allen-Bradley 280E catalog number. Each position encodes a specific configuration attribute.

Position

Meaning

Example

Bulletin number

Product family: 280 = Full Voltage Starter, 281 = Reversing Starter, 284 = VFD Starter

280

Communications

E = EtherNet/IP

Enclosure type

F = IP67 / UL Type 4/12

Contactor size / control voltage (280E/281E)

Contactor size with 24V DC control; e.g., 12Z, 23Z

12Z

Torque performance mode and output current (284E)

V = Sensorless Vector Control and Volts per Hertz; followed by output current code (e.g., D2P3 = 2.3 A, 0.75 kW, 1.0 Hp)

VD2P3

Short circuit protection

Motor Circuit Protector ampere rating: 10 = 10 A, 25 = 25 A

Overload selection current range (280E/281E)

A = 0.24…1.2 A; B = 0.5…2.5 A; C = 1.1…5.5 A; D = 3.2…16 A

Control voltage (284E)

Z = 24V DC

Control and 3-phase power connections / motor cable

CR = Conduit entrance / round media; DR = Conduit daisy chain / round media; RR = Round media (male receptacle) / round media. Suffix blank = 3 m unshielded cordset; W = no cable; N (284E only) = 3 m shielded cordset

Option 1 (280E/281E)

3 = Hand/Off/Auto Selector Keypad; 3FR = HOA Selector Keypad with Forward/Reverse

Option 1 (284E)

3 = Hand/Off/Auto Selector Keypad with Jog Function

Option 2 (284E)

DB = Dynamic Brake Connector (IP20); DB1 = IP67 Dynamic Brake Resistor connectivity; SB = Source Brake Contactor

DB1

Option 3 (284E)

EMI = EMI Filter; OC = Output Contactor

EMI

Communication Protocols

Supported industrial networks and field buses for the products covered by this publication.

EtherNet/IP Dual-port embedded switch supporting 10/100 Mbps. Supports Device Level Ring (DLR), linear topology, IEEE 1588 end-to-end transparent clock, QoS, and IGMP protocols. D-coded M12 (micro) style connectors. DHCP enabled by factory default; IP address configurable via rotary switches, BootP/DHCP utility, or embedded web server.

Certifications & Compliance

CE: Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC (EN 60947-4-1 for 280E/281E; EN 61800-5-1 for 284E) CE: EMC Directive 2004/108/EC (EN 61800-3 for 284E) IP67 UL Type 4/12 Rated for group motor installations

Document Contents

Full PDF covers the following topics in detail:

Chapter 1: Product Overview
Chapter 2: Installation, Wiring, and Maintenance
Chapter 3: Introduction to EtherNet/IP and Device Level Ring Technology
Chapter 4: Product Commissioning
Chapter 5: Adding an ArmorStart to RSLogix 5000
Chapter 6: Optional HOA Keypad Operation
Chapter 7: Bulletin 280E/281E/284E Programmable Parameters
Chapter 8: How to Configure an Explicit Message
Chapter 9: Diagnostics
Chapter 10: Troubleshooting
Chapter 11: Specifications
Chapter 12: Accessories
Appendix A: Applying More Than One ArmorStart in a Single Branch Circuit on Industrial Machinery
Appendix B: CIP Information
Appendix C: Using DeviceLogix
Appendix D: Renewal Parts
Appendix E: System Design Considerations When Using a Line Reactor
Appendix F: Application Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between Bulletin 280E, 281E, and 284E?

Bulletin 280E is a full-voltage starter for across-the-line applications. Bulletin 281E is a full-voltage reversing starter. Both support 0.5…10 Hp (0.37…7.5 kW) at up to 480V AC. Bulletin 284E is a variable frequency drive starter using sensorless vector control, rated for 0.5…5 Hp (0.4…3.0 kW) at 380…480V AC. The 284E also supports additional factory-installed options not available on 280E/281E, including an EMI filter, source brake contactor, dynamic brake connector, output contactor, and shielded motor cable.

What network topologies does the ArmorStart EtherNet/IP support?

The ArmorStart EtherNet/IP controller includes an embedded dual-port switch that supports both linear and Device Level Ring (DLR) topologies. It also supports IEEE 1588 end-to-end transparent clock for CIP Motion and CIP Sync applications, as well as QoS and IGMP protocols. For DLR or linear networks, individual segments should be kept to 50 nodes or less, and a minimum of 10% bandwidth should be reserved for explicit messages.

How is the IP address configured on the ArmorStart EtherNet/IP controller?

The IP address can be configured three ways. First, three rotary IP address switches on the I/O section of the device allow manual static addressing. Second, the Rockwell Automation BootP/DHCP utility can assign the address. Third, the embedded web server allows both dynamic (DHCP) and static IP address configuration. DHCP is enabled as the factory default. To avoid unintended operation, the manual recommends assigning a fixed IP address.

What overload protection does the ArmorStart provide?

All bulletins include electronic motor overload protection as standard, implemented with an I2t algorithm. For Bulletin 280E and 281E, the overload trip class is selectable as Class 10, 15, or 20. For Bulletin 284E, the overload trip class is Class 10 only. The overload protection is programmable via the communication network.

What is DeviceLogix and how does it work in the ArmorStart?

DeviceLogix is a stand-alone Boolean program that resides within the ArmorStart Distributed Motor Controller. It supports Boolean math operations including AND, OR, NOT, Timers, Counters, and Latches. DeviceLogix can run independently of the network, but 24V DC unswitched control power via A3 must be maintained. It is programmed locally using the Add-On-Profile in RSLogix 5000.

What are the standard I/O capabilities of the ArmorStart EtherNet/IP controller?

The controller provides four 24V DC inputs configurable as sinking or sourcing, using two M12 connectors (two inputs per connector), sourced from A3/A2 unswitched control power. It also provides two self-protected sourcing solid-state DC outputs, one per M12 connector, sourced from A1/A2 switched control power, with a maximum current of 0.5 A per output point and 1.0 A total. Each input and output has an LED status indicator.

What factory-installed options are available for the Bulletin 284E?

The Bulletin 284E offers the following factory-installed options: an HOA Selector Keypad with Jog Function for local forward/reverse jog control; a Source Brake Contactor and 3-meter 3-pin cordset for electromechanical motor brake switching; a Dynamic Brake Connector (DB) with 3-meter cordset for an IP20 brake module; an IP67 Dynamic Brake Resistor option (DB1) with internal resistor monitoring; an Output Contactor controlled by A1/A2 switched control power; an EMI Filter required for CE compliance; and a shielded 4-conductor motor cable when the EMI filter is selected.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: PLC Exchange is an independent reseller and is not an authorized distributor, affiliate, licensee, partner, or agent of Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation. All product information on this page is compiled from publicly-available manufacturer publications, technical data sheets, and catalog sources, each of which remains the copyright of its originating manufacturer. We make no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or fitness for any particular purpose of the specifications or descriptions shown — content may contain errors, omissions, or out-of-date information. Product images are the property of their respective manufacturers, trademark owners, and source publications, and are displayed solely for identification purposes under the nominative fair use doctrine; images are representative and may depict a different configuration or catalog variant than the exact product listed. Purchasers should independently verify specifications against the current manufacturer publication before placing an order. All product names, trademarks, service marks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and their use does not imply endorsement or affiliation.