Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1746-IA16 is a digital AC input module purpose-built for the SLC 500 controller family. This 16-point module interfaces discrete AC voltage signals into your PLC for real-time monitoring of field devices such as limit switches, pressure sensors, and proximity sensors. Individual input isolation and built-in surge protection make it ideal for noisy industrial environments.
Key Features
- 16 individually isolated AC input channels
- Operating voltage range 85–132V AC (47–63 Hz), typical 100–120V AC
- Built-in surge protection and optical isolation for harsh environments
- Input filtering and noise immunity to enhance reliability
- 16 front-panel LEDs indicate individual input status in real time
- Removable terminal block for fast wiring and module swap
- 16 points per common with individual commons on each channel
Technical Specifications
- Input Voltage: 85–132V AC @ 47–63 Hz
- Number of Inputs: 16 channels
- Input Current (nominal): 12 mA @ 120V AC
- Inrush Current: 0.8 A maximum for 500 ms
- Off-State Voltage (max): 30V AC
- Off-State Current (max): 2 mA
- Signal Delay: ON = 35 ms (max), OFF = 45 ms (max)
- Backplane Current @ 5V DC: 85 mA
- Backplane Isolation: 1500V AC
- Power Consumption: 4.8 W total (0.27–0.425 W per point)
- Dimensions: 5″ L × 2″ W × 6″ H (13 cm × 5 cm × 15 cm)
- Weight: 0.34 kg (0.75 lbs)
- Operating Temperature: 0–60°C
- Mounting: Rack-mount on SLC 500 chassis (16-slot or expansion rack compatible)
- Terminal Type: Screw-clamp, accepts 14 AWG wire
Typical Applications
The 1746-IA16 is widely deployed in:
- Machine automation and control systems monitoring discrete device status
- Process lines requiring 16+ simultaneous AC input signals
- Manufacturing equipment interfacing limit switches, pushbuttons, and sensors
- HVAC and facility control systems operating at 120V AC
- System upgrades and replacements in legacy SLC 500 installations
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- SLC 500 fixed-hardware and modular-hardware controllers
- SLC 500 16-slot and expansion chassis
- Rockwell Automation programming software (RSLogix 500)
- SLC 500 AC output modules (1746-OW16) and other I/O cards in the same rack
- Standard 120V AC industrial control circuits
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- 1746-IA16A (Series A)
- 1746-IA16B (Series B)
- 1746-IA16D (Series D)
- Earlier revisions of the 1746-IA16 module family
Works With
- RSLogix 500 and RSLogix 500 Lite programming environments
- SLC 500 ladder logic and structured text programs
- EtherNet/IP gateways for remote monitoring and reporting
- Hand-held programmer (HHT) configuration tools
- Integration with other SLC 500 modules and distributed I/O systems
