Aircore EC+: CIM-CIO Terminal Block Update
Summary
Based on customer feedback, Infinitum is updating the J5 terminal block on the CIM-CIO board for Aircore EC+ (non-AFE) motors from a 16-pin to an 18-pin version, beginning with November 2026 shipments. The updated design provides separate RS 485 IN and OUT terminals to simplify Modbus RTU and BACnet MS/TP wiring and troubleshooting, and uses high-temperature components for improved reliability. To support the transition, Infinitum is offering a CIM Hardware Kit to adapt existing wiring harnesses and adding identification labels to affected motors and cartons.
This change applies to Aircore EC+ (non-AFE) motors only. Aircore EC+ (AFE) motors already use an 18-pin CIM-CIO board.
ACTION REQUIRED: Before installing an updated motor, verify existing wiring harness compatibility. The new 18-pin terminal block accepts 24–20 AWG conductors; the previous 16-pin version accepted 24–16 AWG. Harnesses with larger conductors may need adaptation using the separately ordered CIM Hardware Kit. See Compatibility and Ordering below.
Key Updates
| Change | Description |
|
18-pin terminal block
|
Replaces the 16-pin J5 terminal block on the CIM-CIO board with an 18-pin version that accepts wire 24-20 AWG
|
| RS 485 wiring terminals | Provides separate IN and OUT terminals for Modbus RTU and BACnet MS/TP wiring to simplify installation and troubleshooting |
| High-temperature components | Uses high-temperature components for improved reliability. |
| Silkscreen terminology | Updates the CIM board silkscreen to use consistent terminal terminology. GND has been updated to COM. |
|
Figure 1: CIM Hardware Kit |
Adapts existing wiring harnesses to the 18-pin terminal block. |
| Motor & Carton Labeling | Adds labels to motors and cartons to identify units with 18-pin CIM-CIO boards. |
Comparison: CIM 16-pin versus 18-pin versions
| Attribute | CIM 16-pin | CIM 18-pin |
| Applicable products | Aircore EC+ (non-AFE), AE SKU |
Aircore EC+ (non-AFE), AE SKU Aircore EC+ (AFE), AM SKU |
| Availability | Through October 2026 | Starting November 2026 |
| Wiring terminals |
16 pin. RS 485 IN and OUT wiring shares combined terminals. Accepts wire 24-16 AWG.
|
18 pin. RS 485 IN and OUT wiring uses separate terminals. Accepts wire 24-20 AWG. |
| Terminal labels |
AE SKU uses adhesive labels on the touch plate.
|
AE SKU uses adhesive labels on the touch plate. AM SKU uses the CIM board silkscreen. |
| CIM board identification |
Version Visible Identification
|
Version Visible Identification |
| Motor and carton labeling | No additional labeling. |
Additional motor and carton WIRING NOTICE labels identify units with 18-pin CIM-CIO boards. Figure 2: Motor 18-pin Caution Label
Figure 3: Carton 18-pin Caution Label |
Compatibility
The 18-pin CIM-CIO board is compatible as a replacement for the 16-pin board. Note the following:
- The 16-pin CIM-CIO board is no longer available as a spare part.
Customers can use the CIM Hardware Kit to adapt the existing wiring harnesses to the 18-pin board.
Ordering
Customers adapting existing wiring harnesses to the 18-pin configuration can order the CIM Hardware Kit separately by requesting it via the support@goinfinitum.com email.
| Item | Details |
| Part number | CIM-Hardware-Kit |
| Pricing | Free of charge through December 31, 2026; $50 per kit starting January 1, 2027. |
| Lead time | 2 weeks |
The kit includes the following:
- Five WAGO splicing connectors, model 221-2401, rated for 20–12 AWG solid and 18–12 AWG stranded conductors, to splice the 20 AWG wiring harness to the 18-pin CIM-CIO board.
- One 60" roll of solid 20 AWG conductor.
- One adhesive pad to secure splicing connectors to the motor touch plate.
Installation and Programming
Update wiring harnesses to the 18-pin configuration as described in the Aircore EC+ IOM Manual. For kit installation, follow the CIM Hardware Kit Installation Instructions.
| Documentation | Resources |
| Aircore EC+ IOM Manual | Available here |
| CIM Hardware Kit Installation Instructions | Available here. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Q1. How do I identify whether my Aircore EC+ motor has a 16-pin or 18-pin CIM-CIO board? |
Use any of the following methods:
|
| Q2. Where can I find technical information for the 18-pin CIM-CIO board? |
Refer to the Aircore EC+ IOM Manual here.
|
| Q3. Why is Infinitum making this change? | Based on customer feedback, Infinitum is updating the CIM-CIO terminal block to simplify communication wiring and troubleshooting. The 18-pin design provides separate RS 485 IN and OUT terminals and uses high-temperature components for improved reliability. |
| Q4. Is the 16-pin CIM-CIO board available as a spare part? | No. The 18-pin board is compatible as a replacement, and customers can use the CIM Hardware Kit to adapt existing wiring harnesses. |
| Q5. Does this change affect Aircore EC+ with AFE motors? | No. Aircore EC+ (AFE) motors already use an 18-pin CIM-CIO board |