Product Details
Product Description
The 1746-A4 is a compact, 4-slot modular rack designed to serve as the physical and electrical backbone for the Allen-Bradley SLC 500 PLC platform. This chassis provides the necessary housing for a single power supply, one CPU (if used in the local rack), and a combination of I/O or specialty modules. Engineered for durability, the 1746-A4 (Part Number: 1746-A4) facilitates high-speed data communication across its integrated backplane, supporting both 5.1V DC and 24V DC power distribution to all installed components.
The frame is designed for secure panel mounting and features a dedicated grounding point to ensure system stability and electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection. For expanded control requirements, the 1746-A4 supports multi-chassis configurations via interconnecting cables, allowing up to three chassis to be linked to a single processor for a maximum of 30 slots. This makes it an ideal choice for localized control tasks or as a remote I/O drop in a larger distributed system.
Technical Specifications
-
Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
-
Model Number: 1746-A4
-
Chassis Capacity: 4 Modular Slots
-
Backplane Voltages: 5.1V DC and 24V DC
-
Mounting Configuration: Panel Mount (Internal Cabinet)
-
Expansion Limit: Up to 3 chassis total per system
-
Interconnect Capability: Supports 1746-C7, 1746-C9, or 1746-C11 interconnect cables
-
Grounding: Direct panel ground connection
-
Chassis Weight: 0.60 kg (1.31 lbs)
-
Dimensions: Approximately 17.1 x 19.5 x 14.5 cm
-
System Compatibility: SLC 500 Series processors and 1746 I/O modules
Selection and Comparison
While the 1746-A4 is the smallest in the SLC 500 chassis family, it shares the same electrical specifications as the larger 1746-A7 (7-slot), 1746-A10 (10-slot), and 1746-A13 (13-slot) units. This 4-slot variant is specifically optimized for small-scale logic applications or space-constrained enclosures where high-density I/O is not immediately required but modularity remains a priority.
Engineering FAQ
Can I install the power supply in any slot of the 1746-A4?No, the power supply for the SLC 500 system must be mounted on the dedicated left-side power supply footprint of the 1746-A4. This footprint does not count toward the 4 available I/O slots.
What is the maximum distance between linked chassis?When using expansion cables to link a 1746-A4 to another rack, the total length of the interconnect cables must not exceed 30.48 cm (12 inches) for standard configurations to maintain signal integrity on the backplane bus.
Additional Information
- 100% Genuine Parts: All products are original and authentic, ensuring reliable industrial performance.
- 30-Day Refund Guarantee: Return any in-stock item within 30 days in original, unopened packaging for a full refund (excluding shipping and fees).
- 12-Month Warranty: Covers defects in materials or workmanship; excludes misuse, normal wear, or unauthorized modifications.
- Worldwide Shipping: We ship via USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Delivery times vary by country and may be subject to customs or import fees.
- Support & Contact: Technical and warranty assistance is available anytime. Contact us here: Contact.
- Purchase Guidance: Check product specifications and compatibility carefully before ordering to ensure proper application.
Tech & Buying Guide
Demystifying Programmable Logic Controllers: Comprehensive Guide to PLC Classification and Selection in Industrial Automation
Modern industrial automation heavily relies on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to drive factory floor efficiency. Over my 15 years as an industrial automation expert working with DCS, TSI, and control systems, I have seen PLCs evolve into the central nervous system of modern manufacturing. Selecting the right controller requires a deep understanding of PLC types based on physical size, hardware architecture, and power supply configurations.
Comprehensive Guide to PLC Types in Modern Industrial Automation
Modern industrial automation relies on programmable logic controllers to govern critical factory operations. System integrators classify PLCs based on scale, hardware architecture, and power supply design. Understanding these core categories enables automation engineers to select the right control system architecture. Consequently, proper hardware selection optimizes performance while minimizing long-term operational costs.
Demystifying the DDE Protocol in Legacy Industrial Automation Systems
Modern control systems rely heavily on seamless interprocess communication to exchange operational data between software programs. Microsoft first introduced the Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) protocol in 1987 to enable real-time data sharing. In factory automation, DDE served as an early bridge between control software and Windows desktop applications. Therefore, understanding DDE mechanics provides crucial insights into how legacy industrial networks established software-level connectivity.