Description

The GE RV33-1 is an 8-channel electromechanical relay output module engineered for the General Electric Mark VI turbine control system, widely deployed in gas, steam, and hydroelectric power generation facilities. Designed to interface digital logic from the Mark VI controller with field-mounted actuators, solenoids, alarms, and auxiliary equipment, the GE RV33-1 provides galvanically isolated, dry-contact switching capable of handling both AC and DC loads up to 5 amperes. Each channel features a Form C (Single Pole Double Throw, SPDT) relay configuration, enabling flexible wiring for normally open (NO), normally closed (NC), or changeover applications—making it ideal for emergency shutdown (ESD), breaker trip commands, and status indication circuits.

As part of GE’s robust I/O ecosystem, the GE RV33-1 mounts directly onto standard Mark VI terminal bases (such as the TBRC series) and communicates with the controller via the VME backplane or remote I/O links. Its rugged construction includes conformal coating for moisture resistance, optical isolation for noise immunity, and individual LED indicators for real-time channel status monitoring. The GE RV33-1 plays a vital role in bridging the gap between low-voltage control logic and high-power field devices, ensuring safe, reliable, and code-compliant actuation in safety-critical turbine control sequences.

GE RV33-1

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	RV33-1
Manufacturer	General Electric (GE)
Product Type	Relay Output I/O Module (Mark VI I/O Pack)
Number of Output Channels	8 independent channels
Contact Configuration	Form C (SPDT) – 1 NO + 1 NC per channel
Contact Rating	5 A @ 250 V AC / 30 V DC (resistive load)
Isolation	Optical isolation between logic and field sides (≥2500 V RMS)
Switching Life	>100,000 operations at rated load
LED Indicators	One green LED per channel (ON = relay energized)
Mounting	Plug-in to Mark VI TBRC-type terminal base (DIN rail compatible)
Operating Temperature	0°C to +60°C
Certifications	UL 508, CSA, CE, RoHS compliant

Main Features and Advantages

True Channel Independence with Form C Contacts:
Unlike solid-state or shared-common relay modules, the GE RV33-1 provides eight fully independent SPDT relays, each with its own isolated contact set. This allows engineers to mix NO and NC functions within the same module—critical for applications like “trip on loss of signal” versus “alarm on activation.” The dry-contact design ensures compatibility with virtually any external circuit, from 24V DC PLC inputs to 240V AC motor starters.

Robust Construction for Industrial Environments:
The GE RV33-1 features a conformal-coated PCB that resists humidity, dust, and chemical vapors common in turbine enclosures and coastal power plants. Its relays are rated for high inrush currents (e.g., solenoid coils), and internal surge suppression minimizes contact arcing during inductive load switching—extending service life and reducing maintenance.

Seamless Mark VI Integration and Diagnostics:
Designed specifically for the Mark VI architecture, the GE RV33-1 requires no external power supply—the logic voltage and coil drive are provided through the backplane. Front-panel LEDs give immediate visual feedback of relay state, aiding troubleshooting during commissioning or fault response. The module supports hot-swap in non-redundant racks and integrates with GE’s Toolbox software for forced-output testing during maintenance.

Safety and Compliance Ready:
With UL 508 industrial control certification and compliance with international EMC standards, the GE RV33-1 meets stringent requirements for use in safety instrumented systems (SIS). Its high dielectric isolation prevents ground loops and protects sensitive controller electronics from field-side transients—ensuring system integrity during lightning strikes or motor faults.

GE RV33-1

Application Field

The GE RV33-1 is predominantly used in gas turbine and steam turbine control panels where reliable, fail-safe actuation is non-negotiable. It commonly drives fuel shutoff valves, lube oil pump starters, generator breaker trip coils, and fire suppression solenoids—functions that must operate correctly even during partial system failures. In combined-cycle power plants, the GE RV33-1 interfaces with HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generator) dampers and bypass valves, translating Mark VI logic into physical motion for efficiency optimization.

Beyond power generation, the GE RV33-1 finds use in oil & gas compressor stations, where it controls emergency vent valves and lubrication system alarms. In industrial cogeneration (CHP) facilities, it manages synchronization signals to plant electrical distribution systems. Its ability to switch both AC and DC loads makes it equally suited for legacy 125V DC battery-backed trip circuits and modern 120V AC alarm panels. Because the GE RV33-1 uses mechanical contacts, it remains a preferred choice over solid-state alternatives in applications requiring zero leakage current or true electrical disconnection—such as lockout/tagout (LOTO) verification circuits or SIL-rated safety functions.

Related Products

RV32-1: 16-channel single-pole normally open (SPST-NO) relay module—higher density but less flexible than RV33-1.
TBRC: Terminal base for RV3x series—provides screw terminals, fuse options, and DIN rail mounting for RV33-1.
VCRC: Mark VI I/O controller card—interfaces with RV33-1 via VME backplane to execute output commands.
IS220PDOAH1B: Mark VIe digital output pack—solid-state successor to RV33-1 in newer GE systems (not electromechanical).
DS215TREGG1AZZ: Excitation system trip relay board—often used in conjunction with RV33-1 for generator protection.
Mark VI VME Rack: Host chassis where RV33-1 modules are installed alongside processor and communication cards.