In sourcing discussions, EL1252 is often placed next to Beckhoff El9410, El9550 Beckhoff and Beckhoff El2809 so procurement teams can align budgets and technical requirements effectively.
EL1252 - Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminal
The Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminal EL1252 is a high-speed digital input module built for precision, enabling accurate 24 V DC signal processing in industrial automation systems.

| Brand | Beckhoff |
| Product Type | EtherCAT Terminal |
| Product | EL1252 |
EL1252 Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminal Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Connection technology | 4-wire |
| Specification | similar to EN 61131-2, type 3, â0â: -3â¦5 V DC, â1â: 11â¦30 V DC, typ. 3 mA input current |
| Number of inputs | 2 |
| Nominal voltage | 24 V DC (-15%/+20%) |
| “0” signal voltage | -3..+5 V (EN 61131-2, type 3) |
| “1” signal voltage | 11...30 V (EN 61131-2, type 3) |
| Input current | typ. 3 mA (similar to EN 61131-2, type 3) |
| Input filter | typ. < 1 µs |
| Distributed clocks | yes |
| Current consumption power contacts | typ. 6 mA + load |
| Current consumption E-bus | typ. 110 mA |
| Electrical isolation | 500 V (E-bus/field potential) |
| Configuration | no address or configuration setting |
| Special features | timestamping, latch last edge |
| Weight | approx. 55 g |
| Operating temperature | -25…+60°C |
| Storage temperature | -40…+85°C |
| Relative humidity | 95%, no condensation |
| Vibration/shock resistance | conforms to EN 60068-2-6/EN 60068-2-27 |
| EMC immunity/emission | conforms to EN 61000-6-2/EN 61000-6-4 |
| Protect. rating/installation pos. | IP20/variable |
| Pluggable wiring | for all ESxxxx terminals |
| Approvals/markings | CE, CCC, UL, ATEX, IECEx |
| Ex marking | ATEX:II 3 G Ex ec IIC T4 GcIECEx:Ex ec IIC T4 Gc |
| Housing - Design form | compact terminal housing with signal LEDs |
| Housing - Material | polycarbonate |
| Housing - Dimensions (W x H x D) | 12Â mm x 100Â mm x 68 mm |
| Housing - Installation | on 35 mm DIN rail, conforming to EN 60715 with lock |
| Housing - Side by side mounting by means of | double slot and key connection |
| Housing - Marking | labeling of the BZxxxx series |
| Housing - Wiring | solid conductor (s), flexible conductor (st) and ferrule (f): spring actuation by screwdriver |
| Housing - Connection cross-section | s*: 0.08â¦2.5 mm²,st*: 0.08â¦2.5 mm²,f*: 0.14â¦1.5 mm² |
| Housing - Connection cross-section AWG | s*: AWG28...14,st*: AWG28...14,f*: AWG26...16 |
| Housing - Stripping length | 8…9 mm |
| Housing - Current load power contacts | Imax: 10 A |
| Bit width in the process image | 2 x input + 2 x 16 byte timestamp |
| Precision of timestamp in the terminal | 10 ns (+ input delay) |
| Input delay TON/TOFF | < 1 µs |
| Distributed clock precision | << 1 µs |
| Resolution timestamp | 1 ns |
| Time resolution signal | 1 ns |
The Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminal EL1252 is built for precision input handling in automation. With 2 digital inputs supporting 4-wire connection technology, it complies with EN 61131-2 type 3 standards. Operating at 24 V DC with a typical 3 mA input current, this module ensures reliable and accurate signal detection.
Engineered by Beckhoff, the EL1252 EtherCAT Terminal offers exceptional speed with an input filter of less than 1 µs and a timestamp resolution of 1 ns. Its distributed clock synchronization achieves precision below 1 µs, making the module ideal for high-speed automation and time-critical applications in industrial networks.
The Beckhoff EL1252 EtherCAT Terminal also prioritizes safety and durability with 500 V electrical isolation between E-bus and field potential. Consuming only 110 mA via the E-bus, it is both efficient and stable. Housed in a compact polycarbonate enclosure with IP20 protection, and certified by CE, UL, ATEX, IECEx, and CCC, it ensures global compliance and long-term reliability in demanding automation environments.
The Beckhoff EL1252 EtherCAT Terminal is widely used in automation systems where high-speed and precise digital input measurement is critical. Its ability to capture signals with nanosecond-level resolution makes it valuable in motion control, robotics, machine tools, and packaging machinery. Maintenance engineers appreciate its simple wiring and reliable operation, reducing downtime in busy industrial plants. For system integrators, the built-in timestamping and edge detection features provide real-time data accuracy, enabling better diagnostics and process control. Engineering students and professionals can also benefit from this module by understanding how high-speed digital acquisition works in practical automation scenarios. Industries such as automotive, electronics, and precision manufacturing rely on the EL1252 to ensure exact timing, synchronization, and safe operation of connected devices, reinforcing its position as a trusted component in modern EtherCAT-based networks.







