Allen-Bradley 1746-OW16 SLC 500 Digital Output Module

Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1746-OW16 is a 16-point digital output module part of Rockwell Automation's SLC 500 series, designed for industrial automation applications requiring reliable switching capabilities for various actuators and industrial loads. This module provides flexible output configuration with relay contact outputs that support both AC and DC voltage ranges, making it suitable for diverse industrial environments including manufacturing, process control, and material handling systems

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As part of the SLC 500 family, the 1746-OW16 exemplifies Rockwell Automation's commitment to system flexibility and operational reliability. Its design allows for control of various industrial devices such as relays, solenoids, motor starters, and indicators, providing a versatile solution for factory automation applications where mixed voltage categories are present

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Key Features and Capabilities

Output Configuration and Flexibility

The 1746-OW16 features 16 discrete relay output channels organized into two groups of eight channels each, with each group sharing a common terminal

. This arrangement provides significant wiring flexibility and allows different voltage types to be used within the same module.

The module supports an exceptional voltage range:

• 5-265V AC for alternating current applications

• 5-125V DC for direct current applications

This wide voltage compatibility makes the module suitable for controlling devices with varying voltage requirements without needing additional interfacing equipment.

Electrical Characteristics and Performance

The 1746-OW16 delivers robust electrical performance with varying current ratings based on operational voltage:

• AC Operation (120V AC):

  • Make current rating: 15A

  • Break current rating: 1.5A

  • Continuous current: 2.5A

• AC Operation (240V AC):

  • Make current rating: 7.5A

  • Break current rating: 0.75A

  • Continuous current: 2.5A

• DC Operation (125V DC):

  • Make contact rating: 0.22A

  • Break contact rating: 1.2A

  • Continuous current: 1.0A

• DC Operation (24V DC):

  • Continuous current: 2.0A

• The module exhibits a signal delay of 10 ms for both ON and OFF states when operating with high-resistance loads, ensuring predictable performance in various application scenarios

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  Design and Physical Construction

  The 1746-OW16 features a compact form factor designed for standard SLC 500 chassis installation. The module incorporates removable terminal blocks that simplify wiring and maintenance procedures. Each output channel includes status indicators that provide visual feedback for output state monitoring, facilitating troubleshooting and system diagnostics

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  The module's design emphasizes ease of installation and maintenance convenience, with clearly labeled terminals and robust construction that withstands industrial environments.

  Protection and Safety Features

  To ensure operational reliability, the module incorporates electrical isolation between the output channels and the backplane. While specific isolation ratings aren't detailed in the available sources, Allen-Bradley typically includes protection features such as optical isolation in their output modules.

  It is recommended to use external surge suppression devices for each channel to prevent damage from voltage spikes and extend the module's operational life

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  Environmental Robustness

  The 1746-OW16 is designed to operate effectively in a temperature range of 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) and can withstand storage temperatures from -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)

  . It operates reliably at relative humidity levels of 5% to 95% (non-condensing), making it suitable for various industrial environments

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  The module's construction ensures resistance to vibration and electrical noise common in industrial settings, maintaining stable operation in challenging conditions.

  Technical Specifications

  The following table summarizes the key technical specifications of the Allen-Bradley 1746-OW16 digital output module:

   

   

  Feature Category	Specification Detail
  Manufacturer	Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley
  Part Number	1746-OW16
  Module Type	Digital Output Module (Relay Contact)
  Number of Channels	16 discrete outputs
  Output Groups	2 groups (8 channels per group with common terminal)
  Voltage Range	5-265V AC, 5-125V DC
  Max Current (120V AC)	15A make, 1.5A break, 2.5A continuous
  Max Current (240V AC)	7.5A make, 0.75A break, 2.5A continuous
  Max Current (125V DC)	0.22A make, 1.2A break, 1.0A continuous
  Max Current (24V DC)	2.0A continuous
  Signal Delay	10ms (ON and OFF states with high-resistance loads)
  Backplane Current	170mA @ 5V DC, 180mA @ 24V DC
  Power Consumption	10mA @ 5V DC load current
  Heat Dissipation	5.7W maximum
  Max Continuous Current	16A per module
  Operating Temperature	0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
  Storage Temperature	-40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
  Relative Humidity	5% to 95% (non-condensing)
  Isolation	Optical isolation (output to backplane)
  Compatible Systems	SLC 500 series controllers and chassis

  System Configuration and Installation

  Hardware Integration

  The 1746-OW16 module is designed for simple installation in compatible SLC 500 chassis, including 1746-A4, A7, A10, A13, and A17 models

  . The module occupies a single slot in the chassis and connects directly to the backplane for communication and power.

  The module features removable terminal blocks that facilitate easy wiring and maintenance. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use appropriate wire sizes and follow proper routing practices to minimize electrical noise between input and output lines

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  Power Considerations

  The module has specific power requirements with a backplane current consumption of 170mA at 5V DC and 180mA at 24V DC

  . The total heat dissipation is 5.7W maximum, which should be considered when designing enclosure cooling systems.

  The maximum continuous current per module is 16A, and users must ensure that the total load does not exceed this rating to prevent overheating and potential damage

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  Software Configuration

  The 1746-OW16 is configured using Rockwell Automation's RSLogix 500 programming software, which provides tools for system setup, monitoring, and diagnostics. Configuration typically involves:

  • Address assignment within the SLC 500 system

  • Output state monitoring and forcing for troubleshooting

  • System integration with other SLC 500 modules

  Applications

  The 1746-OW16 digital output module is suitable for a wide range of industrial automation applications:

  • Manufacturing Automation: Controlling conveyor systems, robotic work cells, and assembly machines in automotive, electronics, and consumer goods industries

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• Process Control: Operating valves, pumps, and actuators in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants

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• Material Handling: Managing automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), sortation equipment, and packaging machinery

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• Infrastructure Systems: Controlling pumps, fans, and other equipment in water treatment plants and building management systems

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• Mixed Voltage Applications: Environments where both AC and DC devices need to be controlled from the same system, leveraging the module's wide voltage compatibility

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The module's relay contact outputs make it particularly valuable for applications requiring control of devices with different voltage requirements or where electrical isolation between the control system and field devices is desirable.

Comparison and Considerations

When selecting the 1746-OW16 module, consider the following aspects:

• Voltage Compatibility: The wide voltage range (5-265V AC, 5-125V DC) makes it suitable for diverse applications but requires careful consideration of load characteristics.

• Current Limitations: Different current ratings for AC vs. DC operation and for make/break vs. continuous operation must be respected to ensure reliable performance.

• Environmental Conditions: The operating temperature range (0-60°C) is suitable for most industrial environments; extreme conditions may require additional protection.

• System Compatibility: The module works with SLC 500 systems; verify compatibility with your existing controller and chassis components.

• Maintenance Considerations: Relay contacts have a finite mechanical life; applications with high cycling rates may require additional maintenance planning.

For applications requiring different output characteristics, Rockwell Automation offers other modules in the 1746 series, such as the 1746-OB16 (16-point DC output module) and 1746-OA16 (16-point AC output module).

Conclusion

The Allen-Bradley 1746-OW16 SLC 500 Digital Output Module is a versatile and robust solution for industrial automation applications requiring control of various AC and DC devices. Its 16 relay contact outputs, wide voltage compatibility, and flexible grouping make it suitable for diverse applications across manufacturing, process control, and infrastructure automation.

With substantial current ratings, comprehensive protection features, and easy integration into SLC 500 systems, the 1746-OW16 helps improve operational efficiency and system flexibility. Its rugged design ensures reliable performance even in challenging industrial environments, making it a valuable component in automation systems.

For engineers and system integrators seeking a flexible output solution with proven reliability and seamless integration with Allen-Bradley SLC 500 systems, the 1746-OW16 represents an excellent choice that combines performance, versatility, and durability characteristic of the Allen-Bradley brand.