Description
Allen-Bradley 1746-IM16 – 16-Point 240 VAC Input Module for SLC 500 Discrete Sensing
The Allen‑Bradley 1746-IM16 is a 16-channel AC input module for the SLC 500 platform, designed to bring field devices at 240 VAC nominal directly into your controller. From my experience, it’s a straightforward way to collect on/off signals from limit switches, proximity sensors with relay outputs, float switches, and contactor auxiliary contacts across packaging, material handling, and utilities. You might notice that it slots into the standard 1746 chassis and works quietly in the background—reliable, easy to wire, and typically trouble-free for years.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- 16-point 240 VAC discrete inputs: Suited for monitoring mains-level on/off devices at 50/60 Hz.
- Optical isolation: Helps protect the controller backplane from field-level noise and transients.
- Per-channel status LEDs: Quick troubleshooting—see which points are active at a glance.
- Removable terminal block: Typically allows fast wiring and swap-outs with minimal downtime.
- SLC 500 chassis integration: Plugs into any 1746 chassis; no extra adapters required.
- Noise filtering: Designed for industrial environments where contactors and motors generate electrical noise.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | Allen‑Bradley 1746-IM16 |
| HS Code | 853890 (Parts for industrial control equipment) |
| Power Requirements | 5 VDC via 1746 backplane (module draw typically < 200 mA); no external power required |
| Nominal Input | 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 16 discrete input channels |
| Signal I/O Types | AC discrete inputs (contact or relay outputs from field devices) |
| Communication Interface | 1746 SLC backplane interface (no external comm ports) |
| Installation Method | Plug-in module for 1746 chassis; wiring via removable terminal block |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C (32 to 131 °F), typical for SLC 500 I/O |
| Dimensions & Weight | Approx. 145 × 35 × 87 mm; ~0.25 kg (standard 1746 I/O module form factor) |
| Indicators | Individual channel status LEDs |
| Isolation | Optical isolation between field inputs and backplane |
Application Fields
This module fits best where you have mains-level discrete signals and a need for robust noise immunity.
- Packaging and bottling lines – monitor photoeyes with relay outputs, gate switches, and alarm beacons.
- Material handling – conveyor interlocks, jam sensors, and motor starter auxiliary contacts at 240 VAC.
- Utilities and facilities – pump/valve status, float switches, and door interlocks in water/wastewater or HVAC.
- Automotive and metals – safety gate status (non-safety circuits), fixture presence checks, stack lights.
A maintenance lead at a bottling plant told us they value the 1746-IM16 because “it just drops into our spare slot and picks up all the 240 VAC limits from the old line—no rewiring to DC needed.” That seems to be a common theme with legacy retrofits.
Advantages & Value
- Reliability in harsh panels: Good immunity to electrical noise from contactors and motors in most cases.
- Compatibility: Works across SLC 500 chassis sizes, keeping existing hardware investments intact.
- Maintenance-friendly: Removable terminal block and channel LEDs speed up fault finding and changeovers.
- Cost control: Reuse field wiring at 240 VAC; avoid extra transformers or interface relays where not required.
- Supportability: Broad installed base and documentation make lifecycle management straightforward.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet & chassis: Mount in a 1746 chassis installed on DIN rail or panel. Maintain ventilation and temperature within 0–55 °C.
- Wiring: Use appropriately rated conductors for 240 VAC. Keep AC input wiring separated from low-voltage and communication cabling.
- Noise mitigation: For contactor-heavy panels, add RC snubbers or surge suppressors on coils as needed to reduce transients.
- Fusing & protection: Protect field circuits according to local codes. Verify input thresholds with actual field voltage.
- Routine checks: Periodically re-torque terminal screws, clean dust from the chassis, and visually confirm LED indications.
- Firmware: The I/O module itself does not need updates; ensure your SLC processor firmware matches the project requirements.
- Safety: De-energize and lock out before wiring. Confirm the chassis keying matches an AC input module to avoid misplacement.
Quality & Certifications
- Typically complies with UL and c-UL listings and CE marking for industrial control equipment.
- Manufactured to Rockwell Automation quality standards; widely used in regulated industries.
- Warranty: 365 days from shipment.
Compatible Accessories & Related Components
- 1746-A4/A7/A10/A13 chassis – choose slot count based on expansion needs.
- 1746-P1 / 1746-P2 power supplies – size to total backplane load; leave headroom for future I/O.
- 1492 wiring systems and interface modules – optional pre-wired solutions to speed panel build.
From my experience, the 1746-IM16 is a safe pick when you have an SLC 500 and field devices already standardized on 240 VAC. If you’re weighing DC vs. AC I/O, this module lets you keep the AC circuits and still achieve clean signaling without extra relays in many cases.
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