Relay Output Solution – Allen-Bradley 1746-OW16/C | SLC 500 Series
The Allen-Bradley 1746-OW16/C is a 16-point relay output module designed for the SLC 500 fixed and modular chassis. It provides electrically isolated relay contacts capable of switching AC and DC loads, making it the preferred choice for machine builders and system integrators who need robust, noise-immune output switching in demanding industrial environments.
Where This Product Is Used
Engineers specify the 1746-OW16/C across a wide range of discrete control applications where relay isolation and mixed-voltage load switching are required:
- Conveyor & Material Handling Systems — controlling motor starters, solenoid valves, and pilot lights along production lines
- Packaging Machinery — driving actuators, reject gates, and alarm horns with mixed AC/DC loads
- HVAC & Building Automation — switching compressors, fans, and damper actuators from a single SLC 500 rack
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — pump control, valve actuation, and alarm annunciation in wet environments
- Food & Beverage Processing — hygienic-area control panels requiring galvanic isolation between PLC logic and field devices
- Oil & Gas Wellhead Panels — ESD output switching where relay isolation is a safety requirement
- Automotive Assembly — fixture clamping, part-present confirmation, and tooling enable outputs
Technical Specifications
| Catalog Number | 1746-OW16/C |
| Series | SLC 500 I/O |
| Output Type | Relay (Form A — SPST-NO) |
| Number of Output Points | 16 |
| Output Voltage Range | 10–265 VAC / 5–125 VDC |
| Maximum Load Current (per point) | 2 A continuous |
| Maximum Load Current (per module) | 8 A total |
| Minimum Load Current | 10 mA |
| Output Grouping | 2 points per common (8 commons total) |
| Isolation | Optical + relay mechanical isolation, 1500 VAC field-to-logic |
| Backplane Current Draw (5 VDC) | 185 mA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5–95% non-condensing |
| Module Slot Width | Single-slot |
| Wiring Style | Removable terminal block (RTB) |
| Indicators | Per-point output status LEDs |
| Certifications | UL, CSA, CE, C-Tick |
Why Engineers Specify This Model
- True Galvanic Isolation — relay contacts provide complete electrical separation between PLC logic and field wiring, eliminating ground-loop noise and protecting the backplane from inductive spikes
- Mixed-Voltage Flexibility — a single module handles 24 VDC solenoids and 120/240 VAC motor starters simultaneously, reducing panel wiring complexity
- High Inrush Tolerance — relay contacts withstand the inrush currents of lamp loads and small motor starters without requiring external surge suppressors on every output
- Per-Point LED Diagnostics — output status LEDs allow technicians to verify field device activation without a laptop or handheld programmer
- Removable Terminal Block — field wiring stays connected to the RTB during module swap, minimising downtime during maintenance
- Proven SLC 500 Ecosystem — drop-in compatible with 1746-A4, A7, A10, A13 chassis and all SLC 5/01–5/05 processors; no firmware update required
- /C Series Revision — incorporates Rockwell Automation’s latest relay contact material and conformal coating specification for improved service life in humid or mildly corrosive atmospheres
Complete System Bill of Materials
A typical SLC 500 relay output control panel using the 1746-OW16/C includes the following components:
- Processor: 1747-L532 (SLC 5/03, 16K) or 1747-L553 (SLC 5/05 with EtherNet/IP)
- Chassis: 1746-A7 (7-slot) or 1746-A10 (10-slot)
- Power Supply: 1746-P2 (5 VDC / 24 VDC, 5 A)
- DC Input Module: 1746-IB16 (16-point, 24 VDC sink)
- Relay Output Module: 1746-OW16/C (this module)
- Removable Terminal Block: 1746-RT25 (included) or 1746-RT34 (extended)
- Programming Cable: 1747-UIC (USB-to-DH-485) for RSLogix 500 / Studio 5000 Logix Designer
- DIN Rail & Enclosure: NEMA 12 steel enclosure, 35 mm DIN rail, cable duct
- Surge Suppressors (optional): 1492-CJDM4 for inductive AC loads >2 A
Compliance & Industry Standards
- UL 508 — Industrial Control Equipment (UL Listed)
- CSA C22.2 No. 142 — Process Control Equipment
- CE Marking — EMC Directive 2014/30/EU; Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
- C-Tick / RCM — Australian Communications and Media Authority
- RoHS Compliant — Directive 2011/65/EU (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- IEC 61131-2 — Programmable Controllers: Equipment Requirements and Tests
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
Every 1746-OW16/C unit sourced through Konmask.com undergoes a structured quality verification process before dispatch:
- Visual inspection for physical damage, corrosion, and counterfeit indicators
- Firmware / series revision verification against Rockwell Automation published revision history
- Functional power-on test with backplane communication check where test fixtures are available
- Traceability documentation provided on request (distributor invoice, test record)
- Secure anti-static packaging with humidity indicator card for long-haul shipments
We source from authorised distributors, OEM surplus channels, and verified industrial resellers. All units are represented accurately by series revision and condition (new, surplus-new, or refurbished) in the product listing.
How to Source This Part
- Add to Cart — for in-stock units, proceed directly to checkout. Lead time is typically 1–3 business days for domestic CN shipments.
- Request a Quote — for bulk quantities (>5 units), OEM project pricing, or mixed-BOM orders, email support@konmask.com with your project details.
- Expedited Sourcing — if the part shows as out of stock, contact us. We maintain relationships with multiple surplus and authorised channels and can typically locate stock within 24–48 hours.
- International Orders — we ship globally. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms available for select destinations. Contact us for freight and customs documentation requirements.
Application-Specific FAQ
Q: Can the 1746-OW16/C switch 240 VAC loads directly?
A: Yes. The relay contacts are rated for up to 265 VAC, making them suitable for switching 240 VAC motor starters and solenoid valves. Ensure the per-point (2 A) and per-module (8 A total) current limits are respected.
Q: Is this module compatible with the SLC 5/05 processor and EtherNet/IP?
A: Yes. The 1746-OW16/C is a standard SLC 500 I/O module and is fully compatible with all SLC 500 processors (5/01 through 5/05) regardless of communication protocol. The processor handles network communication; the I/O module simply occupies a chassis slot.
Q: What is the difference between the 1746-OW16 and 1746-OW16/C?
A: The /C suffix denotes the current series revision. Rockwell Automation periodically revises modules to incorporate component improvements, enhanced conformal coating, or updated relay contact specifications. The /C revision is the current production standard and is backward-compatible with all earlier revisions.
Q: Can I mix relay output and transistor output modules in the same chassis?
A: Yes. SLC 500 chassis support mixed I/O module types in any slot. A common configuration pairs the 1746-OW16/C (relay, for AC loads and high-inrush devices) with a 1746-OB16 (transistor, for high-speed DC outputs) in the same rack.
Q: Do I need an external relay or interposing relay for 24 VDC solenoids?
A: No. The 1746-OW16/C relay contacts switch 5–125 VDC loads directly, including 24 VDC solenoid valves, at currents up to 2 A per point. Interposing relays are only needed if your load exceeds the module’s current rating or requires a normally-closed (NC) contact configuration.
Q: What programming software is required?
A: RSLogix 500 (legacy) or Studio 5000 Logix Designer with SLC 500 support. The module appears as a standard output word (O:x.0) in the I/O tree and requires no special configuration beyond slot assignment.
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