Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1746-IA16 is a discrete AC input module designed for the SLC 500 modular controller platform. This 16-point AC digital input module provides direct interface between field AC devices and your programmable logic controller, supporting a wide voltage range of 85–132VAC at 47–63Hz. The 1746-IA16 is a legacy component widely deployed in industrial automation, food processing, manufacturing, and utility control systems.
Key Features
- 16 independently isolated input channels arranged in groups of 16 inputs per common
- Operating voltage range: 85–132VAC @ 47–63Hz (rated for 100/120VAC inputs)
- Low signal delay: 35ms ON, 45ms OFF (maximum)
- Built-in optical isolation, input filtering, and surge protection for reliable operation in noisy industrial environments
- Removable terminal block with self-lifting pressure plate terminals accepting 14 AWG wiring
- 16 front-panel LEDs indicate real-time status of each input point
- Compatible with fixed and modular SLC 500 chassis, local and expansion racks
- No internal overload protection; suitable for applications requiring external fusing
Technical Specifications
- Module Type: Digital AC Input Module
- I/O Count: 16 inputs, 16 points per common
- Input Voltage (Operating): 85–132VAC @ 47–63Hz
- Input Voltage (Nominal): 100/120VAC
- Input Current @ 120VAC: 12mA nominal
- Maximum Inrush Current: 0.8A for 500μs
- Off-State Voltage (Max): 30VAC
- Off-State Current (Max): 2mA
- Signal Delay ON (Max): 35ms
- Signal Delay OFF (Max): 45ms
- Backplane Current @ 5VDC: 85mA (0.085A)
- Backplane Current @ 24VDC: 0A
- Terminal Configuration: 20 terminals (18 & 19 are internal commons)
- Mounting Style: Rack mount with removable terminal block
- Operating Temperature: 0–60°C
- Frequency: 47–63Hz
- Dimensions: 5 × 2 × 6 inches (13 × 5 × 15cm)
- Weight: 0.34–0.40 kg
- Backplane Isolation: 1500VAC
- Vibration Rating: 1G @ 10–2000Hz
Typical Applications
The 1746-IA16 excels in industrial control systems where cost-effective, reliable discrete AC input monitoring is essential. Common applications include:
- Manufacturing and assembly line automation
- Utility and energy management systems
- Food and beverage processing plants
- HVAC and building automation
- Pump and motor control stations
- Environmental monitoring and alarm systems
- Legacy system maintenance and equipment retrofits
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- SLC 500 modular controller chassis (fixed and modular hardware styles)
- SLC 500 local and expansion rack configurations
- Allen-Bradley programming software (RSLogix 500 / Studio 5000 Logix)
- Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Original Allen-Bradley 1746-IA16 units (all revisions: A, B, C, D)
- Verify compatibility with your system integrator or maintenance team before ordering, especially if replacing units with different voltage ratings or input configurations
Works With
- RSLogix 500 programming software
- Studio 5000 (Logix Designer) legacy platform support
- Allen-Bradley HandHeld Terminal (HHT) configuration devices
- EtherNet/IP communication infrastructure
- Standard industrial 100/120VAC AC devices and sensors
