When you're outfitting a control panel or expanding a machine, the decision often comes down to a simple question: do you need to pull conductors from point A to point B, or do you need to bring remote I/O points onto a network? In the control cables, connectors, and I/O space, two very different products often compete for the same budget: a long industrial control cable and a compact Ethernet remote I/O module. This head-to-head compares the Belden-CH 580479 with the AutomationDirect H2-ERM100 to help you choose based on what your system actually needs.
Quick verdict
If your bottleneck is physical wiring-getting a long multi-conductor run across a machine-the Belden-CH 580479 cable is the product to pick. If your bottleneck is adding remote I/O over Ethernet to a DirectLOGIC system, the AutomationDirect H2-ERM100 is the right component. The price difference is substantial: USD 1,199.99 for the cable versus USD 159.00 for the module, a spread of roughly USD 1,041. That gap reflects two very different jobs, not two versions of the same part.
At a glance
| Belden-CH 580479 cable | AutomationDirect H2-ERM100 module | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 1,199.99 | USD 159.00 |
| Price indicator | ||
| Condition | New - Open box | New - Open box |
| Country of Origin | United States | China |
| MPN/Model | 580479 | H2-ERM100 |
| What it is | 475 ft, 14 AWG, 12-wire control cable | remote I/O module with 1 Ethernet 10/100Base-T port |
Where each product wins
Belden-CH 580479 wins for long wiring runs. When the job is spanning a machine or wiring between control panels, a single long control cable is easier to manage than stitching together shorter sections. It also keeps the wiring path simple: no configuration, no network setup, just a continuous conductor run.
AutomationDirect H2-ERM100 wins for Ethernet remote I/O. It slots into a DirectLOGIC DL205 system and connects to the supported CPU family without needing a processor swap. When pulling cable to a distant point is impractical, this module adds a network path for remote I/O.
Product notes
Belden-CH 580479 475Ft 14 AWG 12 Wire Industrial Control Cable
This is a 475-foot spool of 14 AWG control cable with 12 conductors. If the task is running control signals across a large machine or between panels, that continuous length is a genuine advantage: fewer splices, less troubleshooting, and a cleaner pull. The cable is in new open-box condition. The limitation is that it is only a cable-it does not add I/O points, provide network connectivity, or change how a PLC sees its remote devices. It also comes without its original box, so some shelfwear is possible. Use it when the gap you need to close is measured in feet and conductors, not in network nodes.
AutomationDirect H2-ERM100 DirectLOGIC DL205 Remote I/O Module
This module gives a DirectLOGIC DL205 system an Ethernet remote I/O link through a single 10/100Base-T port. It is designed for D2-240, D2-250, D2-250-1, D2-260, D2-262, or Do-more H2 series CPUs, so it extends I/O capability without forcing a processor replacement. The main limitation is compatibility: it is not compatible with D2-230 CPUs or H2-WPLCx-xx, so you need to confirm your controller before ordering. It also has only one Ethernet port, which suits a basic remote I/O connection but not a multi-port network role. Choose this when your missing piece is I/O over Ethernet, not more wire in the tray.
Final choice by use case
If you are replacing or adding control wiring between physical devices, the Belden-CH 580479 is the product that matches the job. If you are expanding a compatible DirectLOGIC PLC with remote I/O over Ethernet, the H2-ERM100 is the module that fits the socket. In short, buy the cable when you need to connect existing points, and buy the module when you need to create new points on a network.
