Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1746-A13 serves as the primary backbone for high-density SLC 500 control systems. This 13-slot modular chassis provides the physical housing and electrical interconnectivity for SLC 500 processors, power supplies, and a diverse range of I/O modules. We supply this unit as 100% Brand New and Original, ensuring optimal signal integrity across the backplane for your mission-critical automation loops.

Technical Specifications

Engineering Advantages

• Maximum Expansion Capacity: As the largest chassis in the SLC 500 family, the 1746-A13 allows engineers to consolidate high I/O counts into a single rack. This reduces the need for multiple chassis interconnect cables and simplifies the system architecture.

• High-Speed Backplane Communication: The integrated backplane bus facilitates seamless data exchange between the processor in slot 0 and all peripheral I/O modules. It ensures deterministic performance for complex process control and high-speed discrete logic.

• Flexible Industrial Mounting: The chassis supports both traditional panel mounting using industrial-grade bolts and standard 35mm DIN rail installation. This flexibility accommodates various control cabinet layouts and helps optimize internal panel space.

• Thermal Management Design: The open-style chassis design promotes natural convection cooling. This prevents heat buildup around high-density analog or specialty modules, ensuring the SLC 500 system maintains reliable operation at its full 60°C rated temperature.

• Dedicated Power Supply Slot: The 1746-A13 features a dedicated mounting position on the left side for 1746 series power supplies. This direct-connect design eliminates external wiring between the power source and the backplane, minimizing electrical noise and potential failure points.

FAQs

Does the 1746-A13 include the power supply?

No. You must purchase the SLC 500 power supply (such as the 1746-P1, P2, or P4) separately. The power supply mounts to the specialized left-hand bracket and plugs directly into the backplane connectors.

Can I use this chassis to expand a CompactLogix system?

The 1746-A13 only supports SLC 500 (Bulletin 1746) hardware. However, you can connect this chassis to a ControlLogix or CompactLogix system as remote I/O by installing a 1747-ASB (Remote I/O Adapter) or 1747-AENTR (EtherNet/IP Adapter) in the first slot.

What is the correct slot numbering for the 1746-A13?

The slots are numbered 0 through 12, starting from the left. In a standalone or local rack, the processor (CPU) always occupies Slot 0. If used as an expansion or remote rack, the communication adapter occupies Slot 0.

How do I manage cable strain for 13 slots of I/O?

We recommend using the 1746-N2 chassis shield or standard wire ducting immediately below the rack. This ensures that the weight of the field wiring does not put undue stress on the module terminal blocks or the chassis connectors.