ABB TC516 (3BSE012632R1) — Compact system module for ABB 800xA/AC 800M installations

The ABB TC516, part number 3BSE012632R1, is a compact industrial control module used within ABB 800xA/AC 800M-based systems. From my experience, it’s typically deployed as a system/expansion element on cabinet-mounted backplanes, helping engineers tie controller resources and I/O segments together without adding complexity for the maintenance team. You might notice that it follows the familiar S800-style form factor, which makes spares planning straightforward and installation quick for most plants running ABB architectures.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery time: 1 week for in-stock items; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
• Packaging: Anti-static protection and shock-tested outer carton, suitable for air freight

Key Features

• Designed for ABB 800xA / AC 800M environments – Integrates cleanly into existing cabinets and workflows in most process plants.
• Backplane-powered, cabinet-friendly format – Typically powered via the system backplane at 24 VDC, which keeps wiring tidy.
• Service-friendly status indication – Front LEDs (common on this family) help maintenance quickly verify module state at a glance.
• Hot-swap style handling in many cases – When used on the correct base and sequence, you can minimize downtime during replacement.
• Stable operation in typical plant conditions – Suited to control cabinets meeting standard industrial ventilation and cleanliness practices.
• Spare-part friendly – Matches standard ABB form factor, so it’s easy to stock and swap without reworking the cabinet layout.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• ABB PM864 / PM861 Controller CPUs – Common AC 800M controllers; pair well when expanding controller-side resources.
• ABB CI854A (Profibus), CI851 (Inter-bus), CI871 (Ethernet-based) – Communication interfaces often used alongside system modules to reach field devices.
• ABB TU810 / TU812 Terminal Bases – S800 I/O bases that standardize mounting and backplane power distribution.
• ABB TC520 – A closely related module in the same family; chosen when a different system role or capacity is needed.

Feedback from a utilities client: “Swapping a TC516 spare took less than 10 minutes with standard ESD handling. No cabinet rework, which saved our maintenance window.” That seems to be the norm when the cabinet layout follows ABB’s usual base/rail approach.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet standards: Install on DIN rail inside a clean, dry cabinet (IP54 or better is typical). Allow clearance for airflow around modules.
• Power & grounding: Use a clean 24 VDC distribution on the backplane; bond cabinet ground properly to reduce noise.
• Wiring: Keep field and power wiring separated; maintain bend radius on any front connectors and label all terminations.
• ESD safety: Use a grounded wrist strap when handling. From my experience, most failures after handling are static-related.
• Hot-swap practice: If your system design supports it, confirm the sequence in the site procedure before removal/insert.
• Maintenance: Quarterly cabinet dust-out with dry air, visual check of LEDs and connectors. Plan firmware alignment with the controller asset list during scheduled outages.
• Spare strategy: Keep at least one on the shelf for each critical cabinet; the compact format makes stocking simple.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications (typical for this product family): CE marked; UL/cUL listed; RoHS compliant
• Manufacturing quality: ABB maintains ISO 9001 quality systems across its controls portfolio
• Warranty coverage: 365-day warranty from us on the supplied unit

If you’re standardizing spares across multiple AC 800M cabinets, this module format keeps integration predictable and downtime low. One thing I appreciate is how consistent the mechanical envelope is across ABB’s lineup—most sites don’t need to touch the rail or the wiring guides during replacement.