Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1746-OW16 is a 16-point digital relay output module designed for the SLC 500 modular controller family. This module provides hard-contact relay outputs with isolated switching capability, supporting both AC and DC loads across a wide voltage range. The 1746-OW16 features dual 8-point common groups, enabling flexible wiring configurations for industrial control applications including material handling, HVAC systems, assembly automation, and process control.
Key Features
- 16 Isolated Relay Outputs — Hard-contact switches rated for AC and DC loads with wide voltage compatibility
- Dual 8-Point Common Groups — Organized output points for simplified module wiring and troubleshooting
- Wide Voltage Range — Supports 5–125V DC and 5–265V AC switching, accommodating diverse load requirements
- Status Display — Individual LED indicators for output state monitoring
- Minimal Signal Delay — Fast response with 1 ms on-delay and 11 ms off-delay (maximum, resistive load)
- Screw Terminal Connection — Secure, field-serviceable wiring interface
Technical Specifications
The 1746-OW16 operates reliably across harsh industrial environments with the following characteristics:
- Output Voltage Range: 5–125V DC / 5–265V AC
- Operating Voltage: 85–265V AC at 47–63 Hz
- Minimum Load Current: 10 mA at 5V DC
- Signal Delay (Max, Resistive Load): 1 ms ON / 11 ms OFF
- Off-State Leakage Current: 2 mA (maximum)
- Backplane Current Consumption: 0.170 A @ 5V DC / 0.180 A @ 24V DC
- Operating Temperature: 0–60°C
- Mounting: Chassis (SLC 500 rack)
- Output Points: 16 with 8 per common group
- Connectors: Screw terminal
Typical Applications
The Allen-Bradley 1746-OW16 is widely deployed in:
- Material Handling Systems — Controlling conveyor motors, solenoids, and contactors
- HVAC Control — Switching heating elements, fan motors, and valve actuators
- Process Control — Supervising pump motors, compressors, and heaters in batch or continuous operations
- Packaging and Assembly — High-speed relay switching for multi-station automation
- Equipment Protection — Interlocking, emergency stop circuits, and pilot light control
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- SLC 500 modular controller family (SLC 5/02, SLC 5/03, SLC 5/04, SLC 5/05)
- Standard SLC 500 rack configurations (1746 chassis backplane)
- Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500 programming software
- Standard SLC 500 power supplies and I/O scanner modules
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
The 1746-OW16 directly replaces earlier 1746-OW16 series modules from prior revisions and series letters. Verify exact hardware revision compatibility with your system integrator before ordering.
Works With
- RSLogix 500 and RSLinx software platforms
- SLC 500 instruction set and control logic
- Standard relay wiring conventions and surge suppression practices
- DeviceNet, ControlNet, and Ethernet/IP remote I/O configurations (via I/O scanner modules)
