PLC Program Storage Solution – Allen-Bradley 1785-ME32 | PLC-5 EEPROM Memory Cartridge
The Allen-Bradley 1785-ME32 is a 32K EEPROM memory cartridge engineered for PLC-5 programmable logic controllers. It provides non-volatile, battery-free program storage — a critical requirement in industrial environments where power interruptions, vibration, and harsh conditions demand absolute data integrity. Sourced and verified by Konmask.com for B2B industrial buyers worldwide.
Where This Product Is Used
The 1785-ME32 is deployed across a wide range of industrial automation and process control applications where reliable, long-term program retention is essential:
- Automotive Manufacturing Lines — Retains PLC-5 ladder logic programs through planned and unplanned shutdowns on body-weld, paint, and assembly lines.
- Oil & Gas Processing Plants — Provides battery-free memory backup in hazardous-area control panels where battery maintenance is restricted or impractical.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment Facilities — Ensures SCADA-linked PLC-5 controllers retain pump sequencing and dosing programs through power outages.
- Food & Beverage Processing — Supports washdown-environment control panels where battery leakage poses contamination risk; EEPROM eliminates that risk.
- Pulp & Paper Mills — Maintains process control programs in high-vibration, high-humidity environments where volatile RAM is unreliable.
- Mining & Mineral Processing — Used in remote site PLCs where field technician access for battery replacement is costly and infrequent.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing — Supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant control systems requiring validated, tamper-evident program storage.
- Power Generation & Utilities — Deployed in turbine and generator control panels requiring zero-maintenance memory retention over multi-year operational cycles.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 1785-ME32 |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) |
| Memory Type | EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) |
| Memory Capacity | 32K Words |
| Compatible Platform | PLC-5 Processor Family |
| Battery Required | No — Non-volatile, battery-free retention |
| Data Retention | 10+ years without power |
| Form Factor | Plug-in cartridge (PLC-5 memory slot) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
| Weight | 80 g (approx.) |
| Enclosure Compatibility | PLC-5/10, 5/12, 5/15, 5/20, 5/25, 5/30, 5/40, 5/60, 5/80 |
Why Engineers Specify This Model
- Battery-Free Non-Volatile Storage — EEPROM retains program data indefinitely without a backup battery, eliminating a common failure point and maintenance overhead in legacy PLC-5 systems.
- 32K Word Capacity — Sufficient for complex ladder logic programs used in multi-axis motion, process interlocking, and sequential batch control applications.
- Direct Plug-In Compatibility — Designed exclusively for the PLC-5 memory cartridge slot; no adapters, firmware changes, or configuration required.
- Program Transfer Simplicity — Supports store-to-EEPROM and load-from-EEPROM operations directly from RSLogix 5 or the PLC-5 front panel, enabling rapid field replacement.
- Long Service Life — EEPROM cells rated for 100,000+ write cycles; suitable for systems requiring periodic program updates over a multi-decade service life.
- Reduced Downtime Risk — In the event of processor replacement, the 1785-ME32 allows immediate program reload without requiring a programming terminal on-site.
Complete System Bill of Materials
The following Allen-Bradley components are commonly specified alongside the 1785-ME32 in PLC-5 control system builds and upgrades:
- 1785-L40B — PLC-5/40 Processor (40K user memory, primary host for 1785-ME32)
- 1785-L80B — PLC-5/80 Processor (80K user memory, large-system applications)
- 1771-P4S — PLC-5 Power Supply, 5VDC/24VDC, for 1771 I/O chassis
- 1771-A4B — 16-Slot I/O Chassis, compatible with PLC-5 processor rack
- 1771-OBD — 16-Point 24VDC Output Module for discrete control
- 1771-IBD — 16-Point 24VDC Input Module for discrete sensing
- 1785-ENET — Ethernet Interface Module for PLC-5 network connectivity
- 1784-U2DHP — USB-to-Data Highway Plus Cable for RSLogix 5 programming
- 1785-ME16 — 16K EEPROM Memory Cartridge (smaller capacity alternative)
- 1785-ME64 — 64K EEPROM Memory Cartridge (larger capacity alternative)
Compliance & Industry Standards
- UL Listed — Meets UL 508 requirements for industrial control equipment
- CE Marked — Compliant with EU Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive for industrial environments
- RoHS Compliant — Restriction of Hazardous Substances compliance for applicable production runs
- IEC 61131-2 — Programmable controller hardware standard compliance via PLC-5 platform certification
- NEMA / IP Rating — Designed for installation within NEMA 4 / IP65-rated enclosures (enclosure not included)
- 21 CFR Part 11 Support — Compatible with validated PLC-5 systems in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments
Note: Always verify current compliance documentation with your regional Rockwell Automation distributor or Konmask.com support team for the latest certification status.
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
Konmask.com applies a structured verification process to all legacy and current-production Allen-Bradley components:
- Authenticity Verification — Each unit is inspected for genuine Rockwell Automation labeling, date codes, and part markings prior to listing.
- Functional Testing — Where applicable, modules undergo power-on and communication checks before dispatch.
- Traceability — Sourcing records are maintained for all inventory; documentation available upon request for regulated industries.
- Packaging Integrity — Units are shipped in anti-static packaging with foam cushioning to prevent ESD damage and physical shock during transit.
- Warranty — 90-day replacement warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Extended warranty options available for volume orders.
How to Source This Part
- Confirm Compatibility — Verify your PLC-5 processor model and current memory cartridge slot specification using your system’s hardware manual or RSLogix 5 project file.
- Check Inventory — Contact Konmask.com via email or phone to confirm current stock availability and lead time for the 1785-ME32.
- Request a Quote — For single units or volume orders (5+ units), request a formal quotation including shipping, duties, and any applicable export documentation.
- Place Order — Orders can be placed via the Konmask.com online store or by direct purchase order (PO) for approved B2B accounts.
- Expedited Sourcing — If the 1785-ME32 is out of stock, Konmask.com can source from verified secondary-market suppliers with full traceability documentation.
Application-Specific FAQ
Q: Can the 1785-ME32 replace a 1785-ME16 in my existing PLC-5 system?
A: Yes. The 1785-ME32 is physically and electrically compatible with the same memory cartridge slot. The processor will recognize the larger capacity automatically. Ensure your RSLogix 5 project does not exceed 32K words.
Q: Does the 1785-ME32 work with all PLC-5 processor variants?
A: It is compatible with the PLC-5/10, 5/12, 5/15, 5/20, 5/25, 5/30, 5/40, 5/60, and 5/80. It is not compatible with PLC-5/250 or ControlLogix/CompactLogix platforms.
Q: How do I transfer my program to the 1785-ME32?
A: Use the Store-to-EEPROM function in RSLogix 5 (Comms > EEPROM > Store) or via the PLC-5 front panel keyswitch sequence. Refer to Allen-Bradley publication 1785-6.5.12 for detailed procedures.
Q: Will the program load automatically from the 1785-ME32 on power-up?
A: Yes, if the processor is configured for EEPROM load on power-up (configurable via RSLogix 5 processor properties). This enables unattended restart after power loss.
Q: Is the 1785-ME32 still in production by Rockwell Automation?
A: The 1785-ME32 is a legacy product. Rockwell Automation has discontinued active production. Konmask.com maintains stock sourced from verified industrial surplus and authorized channels to support ongoing maintenance needs.
Q: Can I use the 1785-ME32 in a safety-rated (SIL) application?
A: The standard PLC-5 platform is not SIL-rated. For safety-instrumented systems, consult your functional safety engineer and consider Rockwell’s GuardLogix platform instead.
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