Siemens es7136-6ra00-0bf0

By Abdullah Zahid
13 min read
Siemens 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 digital fail-safe relay output module for ET 200SP distributed I/O machine safety applications

Siemens 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 Digital F-Output Module: Specs, Safety Ratings and Selection Guide

Controls engineers specifying safety-rated distributed I/O for machine guarding, emergency stop circuits, or solenoid valve control are often evaluating whether an integrated fail-safe output module eliminates the need for a separate safety relay. The Siemens 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 — officially the Digital output module F-RQ 1x24VDC/24..230VAC/5A ST — is a single-channel fail-safe relay output module for the SIMATIC ET 200SP platform, rated to PL E per ISO 13849-1 and SIL 3 per IEC 61508, with a 5 A continuous output and support for both 24 VDC and 24–230 VAC loads. If you are at specification stage and need to confirm this is the correct SKU before committing to a build, the details below will settle it.

If you have already confirmed this is the right part, check current pricing and availability at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Who Should Buy the 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 — and Who Shouldn't

This module is the correct choice when all of the following apply to your application:

  • Your machine safety specification mandates PL E (Category 4, ISO 13849-1) or SIL 3 (IEC 61508) compliance on the output circuit
  • Your load voltage is 24 VDC coil supply with a 24–230 VAC load, or a 24 VDC load circuit
  • Maximum continuous output current does not exceed 5 A at ambient temperatures up to 40°C (derating applies above 40°C — drops to 3 A at 50–60°C horizontal)
  • Your system already uses or is being designed around the SIMATIC ET 200SP distributed I/O platform with a 20 mm slot available
  • Two normally-open (NO) relay contacts are sufficient — no normally-closed (NC) contacts are available on this model
  • A paired F-series control input module (such as 6ES7136-6DB00-0CA0) is included in your system scope

If your application requires NC contacts, output current above 5 A, or a non-safety-rated output to reduce cost, a different ET 200SP relay variant is the correct choice. See the variant comparison table below for specific alternatives.

On this page:

What the 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 Actually Does in a Safety System

The 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 provides one safety-rated relay output channel with two normally-open contacts for controlling external loads in distributed automation systems. Its role is to serve as the final switching element in a safety function — physically interrupting power to a load (solenoid valve coil, motor brake, contactor) when the safety controller issues a de-energize command, and doing so with integrated diagnostics that the SIMATIC ET 200SP CPU can monitor. The fail-safe designation means the module has internal circuitry and firmware that detect internal faults and report them to the safety controller rather than silently failing into an unsafe state.

The module mounts directly onto an ET 200SP base unit via flat cable connector. It occupies a 20 mm slot, making it one of the most space-efficient certified safety relay outputs available for distributed I/O. The relay coil is supplied at 24 VDC from the backplane (20.4–28.8 VDC range), while the load contacts can switch 24 VDC or 24–230 VAC at up to 5 A continuous. The switching current range spans 1 mA to 5 A, which covers both signal-level pilot loads and full inductive contactor coils. Typical power loss is 1 W per module. The 2 NO contacts allow the engineer to simultaneously control a load and a feedback or pilot circuit within a single ET 200SP slot, which reduces wiring complexity and slot count on multi-zone machines.

Typical System Architecture for ET 200SP Fail-Safe Outputs

The 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 sits at the output end of a safety I/O chain, between the ET 200SP safety controller and the physical load being controlled. Understanding the component sequence is essential before specifying the module.

  • SIMATIC S7-1500F or ET 200SP CPU with F-runtime (safety program) at the top of the chain issues the safe output command
  • PROFINET or PROFIBUS DP communication carries the safety-rated data frame to the ET 200SP distributed I/O station
  • ET 200SP F-series control input module (e.g., 6ES7136-6DB00-0CA0) receives the safety command and drives the relay coil via flat cable backplane
  • 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 relay module switches its 2 NO contacts in response, with internal diagnostics reporting relay status back through the safety frame
  • External load (solenoid valve coil, motor brake, safety contactor) connected to relay output contacts via shielded cable up to 500 m; 6 A external protection device required in the output circuit

Industries and Applications Where This Module Is Specified

Machine safety interlock circuits are the most common use case — a door or gate position sensor confirms guarding is closed, the F-output module enables the spindle or press circuit, and the two NO contacts provide both the load-switching path and a monitored feedback signal within a single slot. This is a direct replacement for a discrete safety relay in distributed panel architectures where panel space is constrained.

Pneumatic and hydraulic brake or clutch solenoid control is another high-frequency application. The module's ability to switch a 24 VDC coil while the load circuit carries 230 VAC makes it well-suited to industrial pneumatic systems where the solenoid pilot is DC but the feedback or interlocked load is AC. Pharmaceutical and food-grade processing lines use this pattern for sterile process isolation valves, where SIL 3 certification is required by the process safety specification.

On assembly lines with modular segments, the 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 is used for remote distributed motor brake circuit control — placing the safety output physically close to the drive reduces cable run lengths and improves diagnostic visibility at the segment level. The dual-contact configuration also allows engineers to combine a pilot lamp energize circuit and a contactor control circuit in a single module, which matters on machines where ET 200SP slot count is a design constraint.

Application Typical Deployment
Machine guarding (door/gate) Relay enables/disables press or spindle based on verified gate position; 2 NO contacts provide load switch and monitored feedback
Emergency stop circuit Redundant shutdown path in Category 4 safety architecture; F-output de-energizes on E-stop event with diagnostic logging
Pneumatic brake solenoid 24 VDC coil switching with 230 VAC load feedback; single ET 200SP slot controls brake and monitors circuit continuity
Collaborative robot guarding Presence sensor input to F-CPU; 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 disables robot motion output on personnel proximity detection
Pharmaceutical process isolation SIL 3-rated valve control for sterile process lines; function test interval 1x/month documented for compliance records
Motor brake circuit (distributed line) F-output placed at drive segment; reduces safety-rated cable run; brake released only on confirmed safe state from F-CPU

Key Electrical and Physical Specifications

Parameter Value
Relay contact type 2 NO (normally open) contacts
Coil supply voltage 24 VDC (backplane, 20.4–28.8 VDC range)
Load voltage rating 24 VDC or 24–230 VAC
Maximum continuous current 5 A (horizontal, 0–40°C); 4 A (40–50°C); 3 A (50–60°C)
Switching current range 1 mA to 5 A
Safety certification PL E / Category 4 (ISO 13849-1), SIL 3 (IEC 61508)
External protection required Yes — 6 A fuse or circuit breaker on relay output circuit
Physical dimensions (H × W × D) 73 mm × 20 mm × 58 mm
Ambient operating temperature 0–60°C horizontal; 0–50°C vertical
Mechanical coding Type C (prevents physical mismatch with incompatible base slots)

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 vs. ET 200SP Relay Output Alternatives

Model Contact Configuration Max Current Safety Rating Best For
6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 (this module) 1x 2 NO 5 A PL E / SIL 3 Single-channel safety output, machine guarding, solenoid control
6ES7136-6RB00-0BF0 2x 2 NO Per channel (see datasheet) F-series variant Two independent safety relay outputs in one module; higher slot density
6ES7136-6RC00-0BF0 Different contact config Per datasheet F-series variant Applications requiring alternative contact arrangement or current rating
Standard ET 200SP relay output (non-F) Various Various None Non-safety circuits where cost reduction is the priority and no safety interlock is required

If your architecture requires a single-channel PL E / SIL 3 relay output with 24–230 VAC load capability and 5 A continuous current, the 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 is the correct choice — check current availability at LeadTime.ca.

Expert Verdict: When This Module Earns Its Premium

The 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 earns its place in safety-critical distributed I/O architectures because it eliminates a separate safety relay component while delivering PL E / Category 4 certification directly on the ET 200SP backplane. For machine builders with three or more safety output zones distributed across a line, integrating this module at each segment is typically more cost-effective and diagnostically superior to running safety-rated wiring back to a central safety relay panel. The integrated diagnostics — relay status LED, fault reporting via PROFINET/PROFIBUS safety frame, and I&M identification data — reduce commissioning and fault-finding time on first installation and during maintenance cycles. The 20 mm form factor means it adds almost no panel depth or width overhead compared to a dedicated safety relay.

Where this module has genuine limits: it provides NO contacts only. If your risk assessment requires normally-closed contacts for de-energize-to-safe operation with positive-opening verification, you need a different variant. The 5 A current rating is also a hard ceiling — applications driving larger contactors or high-inrush loads will need an external contactor between this relay output and the final load, which partially offsets the panel-space savings. And critically, the module alone does not achieve PL E. The F-series control input module — specifically a compatible part such as 6ES7136-6DB00-0CA0 — must also be in the system scope, and the safety CPU must be running an F-rated runtime. Omitting any element of this chain means the PL E claim cannot be validated during your risk assessment.

From a procurement standpoint, the 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 is an active product on the Siemens SiePortal with no end-of-life announcement as of February 2026. Typical market lead times run 2–6 weeks depending on supply chain conditions, so confirming stock before locking a project timeline is advisable. Volume pricing is available for OEM and multi-unit orders. If this matches your system requirements, view current stock and pricing at LeadTime.ca.

For volume pricing or to confirm lead time before committing to a build, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

Wiring and Installation Overview

  • Mount the module onto the ET 200SP base unit with power off (24 VDC backplane supply disconnected); Type C mechanical coding prevents insertion into an incompatible slot — do not force the module if resistance is felt
  • Shielded load cable maximum length is 500 m; unshielded load cable maximum is 300 m; shield must be grounded at one end only to avoid ground loops in the output circuit
  • A 6 A external protection device (fuse or circuit breaker) is required between the relay output terminals and the load — the module manual explicitly mandates this and it is not optional for warranty or compliance
  • Control input cable from the paired F-series control module to this output module has a maximum length of 10 m; SELV/PELV signal levels apply on this segment
  • After physical installation, verify relay coil supply is within 20.4–28.8 VDC, confirm the RUN LED state, and validate output state via PLC diagnostic buffer before applying load voltage

Thermal Derating: The Spec Engineers Most Often Miss

The 5 A continuous current rating applies only up to 40°C ambient in horizontal installation. Above that threshold the module must be derated, and the limits are tighter than many engineers assume when sizing the application at the datasheet maximum.

Ambient Temperature (Horizontal) Maximum Continuous Current
0–40°C 5 A
40–50°C 4 A
50–60°C 3 A
Vertical installation above 50°C 3 A (vertical max operating temp is 50°C)

In a machine tool or automotive body shop environment where panel ambient regularly reaches 50–55°C, an application sized at 5 A is operating outside the rated envelope. The correct design practice is to measure or conservatively estimate actual enclosure ambient — including heat contribution from adjacent modules — and size the load current to the derated limit. The Siemens ET 200SP manual contains the full derating curve and must be consulted for intermediate temperatures not shown in this table.

PL E and SIL 3 Explained for This Module

PL E is the highest Performance Level defined in ISO 13849-1 for machinery safety functions. Category 4 architecture (which this module supports when properly paired) requires that a single fault does not cause loss of the safety function and that faults are detected before or at the next demand. The 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 achieves this through its internal diagnostic circuitry that monitors relay contact state and coil drive integrity, reporting faults back to the safety CPU over the safety communication frame.

SIL 3 per IEC 61508 (high-demand mode) is the corresponding functional safety integrity level. The documented probability of failure for SIL 3 operation is less than 6.00E-09 per hour, which requires a function test interval of 1x per month. For SIL 2 operation with a function test interval of 1x per year, the probability of failure is less than 1.00E-08 per hour. The system integrator is responsible for documenting function test intervals and retaining test records as part of the safety lifecycle documentation — these requirements do not disappear because the module is certified; they transfer to the integrator's maintenance procedure obligation.

The module carries UL 508 approval (Pilot Duty B300, R300) and is qualified under Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for CE mark eligibility. Regional standards such as CSA may apply depending on the installation site and customer specification — confirm applicable certifications with your local authority having jurisdiction before finalizing the safety documentation package.

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist Before You Order

Confirm each of the following before placing an order for the 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0. These checks are drawn directly from the module manual and field experience with this platform:

  1. Verify load voltage is within 24–230 VAC range or 24 VDC DC only (not single-phase AC or DC >30V outside range)
  2. Confirm total output current does not exceed 5 A at ambient temperatures up to 40 degrees C (derating applies above 40 C)
  3. Check that relay coil supply is 24 VDC (not 24 VAC); confirm backplane power is correct
  4. Verify PLC/controller supports F-I/O module type and has corresponding F-input control module (e.g., 6ES7136-6DB00-0CA0)
  5. Ensure mechanical coding (Type C) matches base unit slot type to prevent physical mismatch
  6. Confirm shielded cable length for load <=500 m and control cable <=10 m to avoid signal degradation
  7. Check that external 6 A protection (fuse or relay) is in place on relay output circuit per manual
  8. Verify ambient operating temperature is 0-60 C (horizontal) or 0-50 C (vertical); thermal derating table in manual must be consulted

If any item on this checklist cannot be confirmed, contact the LeadTime.ca team before ordering — we can help identify the correct alternative within the ET 200SP F-series family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 achieve PL E on its own, or does it require a paired module?

The module does not achieve PL E in isolation. A compatible F-series control input module — such as the 6ES7136-6DB00-0CA0 — must be in the system, and the controlling CPU must be running an F-rated safety runtime. The relay output module contributes the final switching element and diagnostics, but the full safety function includes the entire chain from sensor through CPU through F-I/O to the load.

What happens to the 5 A rating in a hot factory environment above 50°C?

The maximum continuous current drops to 3 A in horizontal installation between 50–60°C. For vertical installation, the maximum operating temperature is 50°C and the current limit above 50°C is also 3 A. Engineers specifying this module for high-ambient environments must apply the derating table from the ET 200SP manual and size load current to the derated value — not the datasheet headline figure.

Can this module switch normally-closed contacts for a de-energize-to-safe output circuit?

No. The 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 provides 2 NO (normally open) contacts only. There is no normally-closed contact option on this specific model. If your risk assessment requires NC contacts, a different ET 200SP F-output variant must be selected.

What external protection is required on the relay output circuit?

The module manual explicitly requires a 6 A external protection device — either a fuse, circuit breaker, or protection relay — installed in the relay output circuit between the module terminals and the load. This is a mandatory installation requirement and is not optional for compliance or warranty purposes. Connecting an inductive load directly without this protection risks relay contact damage on a sustained fault.

How long a cable can I run from the relay output to my load?

Shielded cable up to 500 m is supported for the load circuit. Unshielded cable is limited to 300 m. The shield must be grounded at one end only to prevent ground loops. For the control input cable between the F-control module and this output module, the limit is 10 m.

Is the 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 still an active product, and what is the typical lead time?

As of February 2026, the module is listed as an active product on the Siemens SiePortal with no end-of-life announcement. Typical market lead time is 2–6 weeks depending on distributor stock levels and supply chain conditions. Confirming stock availability before finalizing a project schedule is always recommended for safety I/O modules.

Why Order From LeadTime.ca

  • Ships worldwide — no geographic restriction on orders, including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific
  • Specializes in sourcing hard-to-find and long-lead Siemens SIMATIC components, including ET 200SP F-series modules
  • Volume and project pricing available — contact the team directly for multi-unit builds or OEM orders
  • Fast response on lead time inquiries — confirm availability before locking a project schedule
  • View the 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0 product page for current pricing and stock status
  • Contact LeadTime.ca for a quote or to confirm delivery timeline

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Official product name: Digital output module F-RQ 1x24VDC/24..230VAC/5A ST; catalog number 6ES7136-6RA00-0BF0
  • Single-channel fail-safe relay output with 2 NO contacts; no NC contact option on this model
  • Safety certifications: PL E / Category 4 per ISO 13849-1; SIL 3 per IEC 61508 (high-demand mode, function test 1x/month)
  • Probability of dangerous failure: less than 6.00E-09 per hour at SIL 3; less than 1.00E-08 per hour at SIL 2
  • Maximum continuous current: 5 A up to 40°C; 4 A at 40–50°C; 3 A at 50–60°C (horizontal); 3 A above 50°C vertical
  • Load voltage: 24 VDC or 24–230 VAC; coil supply: 24 VDC (backplane, 20.4–28.8 VDC)
  • Physical dimensions: 73 mm × 20 mm × 58 mm; Type C mechanical coding; 20 mm ET 200SP slot
  • External 6 A protection device mandatory on relay output circuit; shielded load cable up to 500 m; control cable up to 10 m
  • Paired F-series control input module (e.g., 6ES7136-6DB00-0CA0) required to achieve PL E system-level certification
  • Active product as of February 2026; typical lead time 2–6 weeks; available worldwide through LeadTime.ca