44 Rockwell Automation Publication 2080-UM002N-EN-E - November 2022
Chapter 4          Wire Your Controller
Use Surge Suppressors Because of the potentially high current surges that occur when switching inductive load 
devices, such as motor starters and solenoids, the use of some type of surge suppression to 
protect and extend the operating life of the controllers output contacts is required. Switching 
inductive loads without surge suppression can significantly reduce the life expectancy of relay 
contacts. By adding a suppression device directly across the coil of an inductive device, you 
prolong the life of the output or relay contacts. You also reduce the effects of voltage 
transients and electrical noise from radiating into adjacent systems.
Figure 3
 shows an output with a suppression device. We recommend that you locate the 
suppression device as close as possible to the load device.
Figure 3 - Output with Suppression Device
If the outputs are DC, we recommend that you use an 1N4004 diode for surge suppression, as 
shown in Figure 4. For inductive DC load devices, a diode is suitable. A 1N4004 diode is 
acceptable for most applications. A surge suppressor can also be used. See Recommended 
Surge Suppressors on page 45. These surge suppression circuits connect directly across the 
load device.
Figure 4 - DC Outputs with Surge Suppression
Suitable surge suppression methods for inductive AC load devices include a varistor, an RC 
network, or an Allen-Bradley surge suppressor, shown in Figure 5
. These components must be 
appropriately rated to suppress the switching transient characteristic of the particular 
inductive device. See Recommended Surge Suppressors
 on page 45 for recommended 
suppressors.
Wire Requirements
Wire Size
Type Min Max
Micro830/
Micro850/
Micro870 
Controllers
Solid
0.2 mm
2
 (24 AWG) 2.5 mm
2
 (12 AWG)
rated @ 90 °C (194 °F) 
insulation max
Stranded
0.2 mm
2
 (24 AWG) 2.5 mm
2
 (12 AWG)
+DC or L1
Suppression 
device
DC COM or L2
AC or DC 
outputs
Load
VAC/DC
Out 0
Out 1
Out 2
Out 3
Out 4
Out 5
Out 6
Out 7
COM
+24V DC
IN4004 diode
Relay or solid-
state DC outputs
24V DC common
VAC/DC
Out 0
Out 1
Out 2
Out 3
Out 4
Out 5
Out 6
Out 7
COM
A surge suppressor can 
also be used.