The Emerson IC200CHS003 is a connector-style I/O carrier base for the VersaMax modular I/O system. It serves as the physical and electrical interface between one VersaMax I/O module and the field wiring, providing backplane communication, DIN-rail mounting, and a 36-pin vertical connector for I/O cable attachment.

What role does a carrier base play in VersaMax?

VersaMax I/O modules snap onto carrier bases rather than plugging directly into a rack. The carrier provides the DIN-rail anchor, the backplane bus connection that links the module to the network interface, and the field-wiring terminals. The IC200CHS003 uses a 36-pin connector — field wiring lands on a mating cable (IC200CBL1xxx series) rather than on the carrier itself, making it suited for pre-wired harnesses and high-density panel builds where individual screw-terminal wiring would be impractical.

What are the electrical limits?

Each I/O point on the carrier handles up to 2A, and each power or ground connection carries up to 8A. The housing is rated for voltages up to 264VAC with 300VAC non-damaging transient tolerance. The thermoplastic body is UL 94 V-0 flame-rated and carries IP20 protection. Operating range is 0°C to 60°C with UL, CE, CSA, and ATEX Zone 2 certifications. Note: the IC200CHS003 is not compatible with isolated modules IC200MDL144, IC200MDL244, and IC200MDD850 due to their higher isolation requirements — use the interposing-style IC200CHS011/012 carriers for those modules.