Modular PLC Control System Solution – Allen-Bradley 1746-A13/B | SLC 500 Series
The Allen-Bradley 1746-A13/B is a 13-slot modular chassis designed for the SLC 500 programmable controller family. It serves as the physical backbone of mid-to-large scale discrete and process control systems, providing the structural and electrical foundation for SLC 500 I/O and processor modules. Engineers specify this chassis when maximum I/O density and system expandability are required within a single rack.
Where This Product Is Used
The 1746-A13/B chassis is deployed across a wide range of industrial environments where reliable, modular PLC architecture is essential:
- Automotive Manufacturing: Body assembly lines, paint shop conveyors, and end-of-line test stations requiring high I/O counts in a single rack.
- Food & Beverage Processing: Bottling lines, pasteurization control, and packaging machinery with mixed digital/analog I/O requirements.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment: Pump station control, SCADA-integrated filtration systems, and chemical dosing panels.
- Oil & Gas Facilities: Wellhead control panels, compressor station automation, and pipeline monitoring systems.
- Material Handling & Logistics: Conveyor sortation systems, automated storage and retrieval (AS/RS), and palletizing lines.
- Building Automation & Utilities: HVAC control panels, chiller plant management, and electrical distribution monitoring.
- Pharmaceutical Production: Batch process control, clean-room environmental monitoring, and validated manufacturing lines.
Technical Specifications
| Part Number | 1746-A13/B |
| Series | SLC 500 |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation |
| Number of Slots | 13 (1 processor slot + 12 I/O module slots) |
| Backplane Current Capacity | 10A @ 5 VDC; 3A @ 24 VDC |
| Compatible Processors | SLC 5/01, 5/02, 5/03, 5/04, 5/05 |
| Power Supply Compatibility | 1746-P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7 |
| Mounting | Panel mount (horizontal or vertical) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Weight | 2.55 kg (5.62 lb) |
| Revision | Series B |
| SKU / Catalog Number | 1746-A13/B |
Why Engineers Specify This Model
- Maximum Slot Density: 13 slots in a single chassis minimizes panel footprint while maximizing I/O capacity — ideal for complex control architectures.
- Proven SLC 500 Ecosystem: Full backward and forward compatibility with the entire SLC 500 module library, including legacy and current-production I/O cards.
- High Backplane Current Rating: 10A @ 5V supports power-hungry analog and specialty modules without requiring supplemental power injection.
- Series B Reliability: Revised backplane design with improved connector durability and enhanced EMI shielding over Series A.
- Flexible Power Supply Options: Compatible with seven 1746-P series power supplies, enabling AC/DC input and redundant power configurations.
- Long Service Life: SLC 500 hardware remains widely supported in installed base maintenance, spare parts programs, and system expansions globally.
Complete System Bill of Materials
A fully operational SLC 500 control system built around the 1746-A13/B typically includes the following components:
- Chassis: 1746-A13/B (this unit)
- Processor: 1747-L511 / L514 / L524 / L531 / L532 / L541 / L542 / L543 / L551 / L552 / L553 (SLC 5/01–5/05)
- Power Supply: 1746-P2 (120/240VAC input, 5A @ 5VDC) or 1746-P4 (24VDC input)
- Digital Input Modules: 1746-IB16, 1746-IA16, 1746-IB32
- Digital Output Modules: 1746-OB16, 1746-OA16, 1746-OW16
- Analog I/O Modules: 1746-NI4, 1746-NO4I, 1746-NIO4I
- Communication Modules: 1747-SDN (DeviceNet), 1747-KE (DH-485), 1747-SCNR (ControlNet)
- Programming Cable: 1747-UIC (USB-to-DH-485)
- Programming Software: RSLogix 500 / Studio 5000 Logix Designer (legacy mode)
Compliance & Industry Standards
- UL Listed (UL 508) — Industrial Control Equipment
- CE Marked — EMC Directive 2014/30/EU; Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
- CSA Certified — C22.2 No. 142
- RoHS Compliant (where applicable per revision)
- ATEX / IECEx: Not rated for hazardous locations in standard configuration
- Manufactured under ISO 9001 Quality Management System
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
At Konmask.com, every Allen-Bradley 1746-A13/B chassis is subject to our structured verification process before dispatch:
- Visual Inspection: Chassis frame, backplane connectors, slot guides, and mounting hardware examined for physical integrity and absence of counterfeit indicators.
- Label & Marking Verification: Catalog number, series revision, date code, and UL/CE markings cross-referenced against Rockwell Automation documentation.
- Backplane Continuity Test: Electrical continuity verified across all slot positions to confirm backplane bus integrity.
- Functional Bench Test (where applicable): Units powered with a compatible 1746-P series supply and SLC processor to confirm slot recognition and backplane communication.
Units are sourced from authorized distributors, OEM decommissions, and verified surplus channels. Traceability documentation is available upon request for MRO and regulated industry procurement.
How to Source This Part
- Add to Cart — Click the purchase button above to proceed directly.
- Request a Quote — For volume orders (5+ units), OEM pricing, or project-based procurement, contact us at support@konmask.com.
- Provide Your BOM — Share your full system bill of materials and we will source compatible SLC 500 components as a complete package.
- Lead Time & Stock Confirmation — Contact us to confirm real-time stock availability and estimated dispatch date before placing a time-critical order.
- Export & Customs Documentation — We provide commercial invoices, packing lists, and HS code documentation (HS 8537.10) for international shipments.
Application-Specific FAQ
Q: Can the 1746-A13/B be used with an SLC 5/05 Ethernet processor?
A: Yes. The 1746-A13/B is fully compatible with all SLC 500 processors including the 1747-L553 (SLC 5/05), which provides native Ethernet/IP connectivity.
Q: What is the maximum I/O count achievable with this chassis?
A: With 12 available I/O slots and 32-point modules (e.g., 1746-IB32), you can achieve up to 384 digital I/O points in a single chassis. Analog and specialty modules reduce this count proportionally.
Q: Is the Series B revision backward compatible with Series A power supplies and modules?
A: Yes. Series B is fully backward compatible with all 1746-series modules and power supplies. The revision designation reflects manufacturing improvements, not functional changes.
Q: Can this chassis be mounted vertically?
A: Yes, vertical mounting is supported. Rockwell Automation recommends ensuring adequate airflow and derating power supply output by approximately 15% in vertical configurations.
Q: Do you supply the matching power supply and processor as a kit?
A: Yes. Contact support@konmask.com with your system requirements and we will configure a complete SLC 500 rack kit including chassis, power supply, processor, and I/O modules.
Q: What warranty applies to this unit?
A: All units carry a 90-day functional warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions. Extended warranty options are available for volume orders.
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