Allen-Bradley 1746-A13 Panel Mount I/O Chassis | SLC 500 Series

Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1746-A13 is a 13-slot modular I/O chassis belonging to the venerable SLC 500 series. It provides the essential infrastructure for mounting and interconnecting a processor module and up to 12 additional I/O or specialty modules. Measuring approximately 50.2 x 17.1 x 14.5 cm, this chassis is the largest standard rack in the SLC 500 family, making it the ideal choice for complex automation tasks that require high-density I/O configurations. The unit features 8 mounting tabs to ensure a rigid, vibration-resistant panel mount installation.

Backplane Performance & Power Distribution

Reliable data exchange is the core of this design. The integrated backplane is engineered to handle significant power loads, supporting a maximum current of 10A at 5.1V DC for module logic and 2.88A at 24V DC for auxiliary circuits. This high power capacity allows for the simultaneous use of multiple high-drain modules, such as high-speed counters or analog I/O, without compromising system stability. To maintain proper thermal management, a mounting clearance of at least 15.3 cm (6 in) at the top and 10.2 cm (4 in) at the sides is required.

Technical Specifications

Environmental Specifications & Installation

This modular chassis is designed for industrial durability. It operates effectively in relative humidity levels from 5% to 95% (non-condensing) and can be stored in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C. When installing this unit, users must ensure the power supply is correctly seated in the leftmost position of the rack to energize the backplane. The sturdy construction and specialized mounting tabs allow for seamless integration into control cabinets where space and reliability are paramount.

System Compatibility

As a part of the modular SLC 500 ecosystem, this 13-slot chassis is compatible with all SLC 5/01, 5/02, 5/03, 5/04, and 5/05 processors. It also supports the full range of 1746 digital, analog, and specialty I/O modules. Whether you are expanding an existing system or designing a new control architecture, this chassis provides the necessary scalability. For multi-chassis configurations, it can be interconnected with other 1746 racks using chassis interconnect cables to expand the I/O count beyond the initial 13 slots.

Technical FAQs

Q1: Can I mount this chassis in any orientation?
A1: It is recommended to mount the unit horizontally on a vertical backpanel to ensure proper airflow and cooling across the modules.

Q2: Does this chassis include the power supply?
A2: No, this is the rack and backplane only. A 1746-series power supply (e.g., 1746-P1, -P2, or -P4) must be purchased separately.

Q3: How many mounting points are used for this 13-slot rack?
A3: The unit features 8 mounting tabs to securely distribute the weight of the chassis and installed modules across the panel.