IS420ESWAH3A 3 IS420ESWAH3A 2 IS420ESWAH3A 4

The GE IS420ESWAH3A is an industrial‑grade IONet Ethernet switch module engineered by General Electric (GE) for mission‑critical automation networks, especially within Mark VIe and Mark VIeS turbine and process control systems. Designed to deliver reliable, deterministic Ethernet communication in harsh industrial environments, this unmanaged switch establishes seamless data flow between controllers, I/O modules, HMIs, and supervisory devices. With a compact form factor and robust connectivity features, it supports high availability communication infrastructure where network reliability directly impacts operational performance.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	GE (General Electric)
Model	IS420ESWAH3A
Module Type	IONet Ethernet Switch Module
Compatible Systems	GE Mark VIe & Mark VIeS
Ethernet Ports	8 × 10/100 Base‑TX RJ45
Auto‑Negotiation	Full/half duplex, HP‑MDIX support
Buffer Memory	≥256 KB buffer
MAC Address Capacity	Up to 4 K entries
Power Supply	24–28 VDC (redundant inputs supported)
Operating Temp.	‑40 °C to +70 °C
Storage Temp.	‑40 °C to +85 °C
Mounting	DIN‑rail or panel mount (clip sold separately)
Dimensions (approx.)	138 mm × 86 mm × 56 mm
Weight (approx.)	0.155 kg
Protection & Compliance	Industrial‑grade rugged design
These specifications reflect documented industrial switch characteristics and typical Mark VIe platform configurations.

Recommended Related Models

To build out a complete industrial network backbone within GE automation platforms, consider these companion modules:

GE IS420ESWAH1A – Base IONet Ethernet switch with standard fiber uplink
GE IS420ESWAH2A – Dual‑fiber uplink variant for extended network reach
GE IS420ESWAH4A – Mixed copper/fiber configuration for hybrid networks
GE IS420ESWBH3A – High‑density unmanaged Ethernet switch for broader LAN requirements

These modules provide scalable network connectivity options across GE control system architectures.

Popular Allen Bradley Models (For Reference)

For users familiar with Allen‑Bradley systems and seeking counterparts in their control networks:

Allen‑Bradley 1783‑ETAPND8 – 8‑port unmanaged Ethernet switch
Allen‑Bradley 1783‑AW6T – Managed Ethernet switch
Allen‑Bradley 1756‑EN2T – PLC communication interface
Allen‑Bradley 1756‑RLY – Remote I/O link module

These models support industrial communication and networking in Rockwell automation environments.

Applications

The GE IS420ESWAH3A is optimized for:

Ethernet IONet communication backbone in turbine control systems
Real‑time data exchange among GE Mark VIe controllers and I/O modules
Control network expansion in process automation and power plants
Distributed Ethernet connectivity for mission‑critical systems
Industrial cabinet network distribution with reliable status diagnostics
Harsh environmental installations requiring wide‑temperature support

Its robust design ensures dependable performance where uptime and deterministic networking are fundamental operational requirements.

Advantages

Industrial Reliability: Designed to withstand extreme temperatures and continuous operation.
Deterministic Data Flow: Supports auto‑negotiation and HP‑MDIX for flexible cabling environments.
Compact & Lightweight: At ~0.155 kg and small form factor, ideal for space‑constrained control panels.
Redundant Power Capability: Supports dual power inputs for enhanced system resilience.
Seamless Integration: Tailored to GE Mark VIe architectures for stable network interconnect.
Intuitive Status Indicators: Per‑port LEDs for link, activity, speed, and duplex state to simplify diagnostics.

Together, these features make the IS420ESWAH3A a dependable choice for industrial network layers across energy, manufacturing, and process automation.

Technical FAQs

What type of device is the GE IS420ESWAH3A?
It’s an industrial Ethernet switch module designed for real‑time IONet networks.
How many Ethernet ports does it provide?
It includes 8 × 10/100 Base‑TX RJ45 ports.
Does this model include fiber ports?
No — the H3A variant does not include fiber uplink ports.
What power supply range does it accept?
Typically 24–28 VDC with support for redundant inputs.
Can it operate in harsh environments?
Yes — it supports industrial temperature ranges down to ‑40 °C.
What is the approximate device weight?
Around 0.155 kg.
How is this switch typically mounted?
Via DIN‑rail or panel mounting with an optional clip.
What protocols does it support?
Conforms to IEEE 802.3 standards with auto‑negotiation and HP‑MDIX.
Is this switch managed or unmanaged?
The IS420ESWAH3A is typically an unmanaged Ethernet switch module.
Where is this module most commonly used?
In GE Mark VIe/VIeS process and turbine control network systems.