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Allen-Bradley 1746-IB8 SLC 500 8-Point 24V DC Sink Input Module

  • Model: 1746-IB8
  • Brand: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
  • Series: SLC 500
  • Core Function: Receives 8 discrete 24V DC sinking digital input signals.
  • Product Type: Discrete Digital Input Module
  • Key Specs: 8 Inputs (Sinking / Sinks Current) | 24V DC Nominal Operating Voltage | 50 mA Backplane Current (5V DC)
  • Condition: New Original / New Surplus
  • Inventory Status: Obsolete / End-of-Life (EOL) — High-usage fast-turn spare requiring strategic inventory stocking.
Categories: , , , , SKU: 1746-IB8 Brand:

Description

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Module Type Discrete Digital Input Module
Number of Inputs 8 points
Voltage Category 24V DC Sink (Sinking inputs accept current from sourcing devices)
Operating Voltage Range 10 to 30V DC at 50 \textdegree C / 10 to 26.4V DC at 60 \textdegree C
Backplane Current Consumption 50 mA at 5V DC (0 mA at 24V DC)
Signal Delay (Max) ON delay: 8.0 ms | OFF delay: 8.0 ms
Off-State Voltage (Max) 5.0V DC
Off-State Current (Max) 1.0 mA
Nominal Input Current 8 mA at 24V DC
Isolation Rating 1,500V AC for 1 minute (Field-to-Backplane)

 

Product Introduction & Supply Chain Strategy

The Allen-Bradley 1746-IB8 is an 8-channel discrete DC input module engineered for the SLC 500 PLC platform. It converts 24V DC field signals from pushbuttons, limit switches, photoelectric sensors, and proximity switches into logic-level signals across the 1746 backplane for central processor evaluation.

With Rockwell Automation having officially retired the SLC 500 family, maintaining New Surplus 1746-IB8 inventory is a vital risk-mitigation strategy for facilities running legacy automation racks. Procuring factory-fresh, uncommissioned surplus prevents unexpected line shutdowns and bypasses the severe failure rates associated with second-hand, thermally stressed pull-outs.

 

Installation & Configuration Guide

Stage 1: Pre-Installation (Prep & Safety)

  1. Perform Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) on the SLC 500 rack power supply and field sensor power buses.
  2. Put on a properly grounded ESD wrist strap before handling the replacement module.
  3. Photograph the existing terminal block wiring layout to ensure precise pin-to-wire mapping.

Stage 2: Removal

  1. Unfasten the top and bottom retaining screws on the removable terminal block (RTB) and carefully pull it off the front of the 1746-IB8.
  2. Depress the upper and lower module release latches on the SLC 500 rack chassis simultaneously.
  3. Pull the module straight out of the slot along its chassis guide rails to prevent backplane pin bending.

Stage 3: Installation (Clone & Seat)

  1. Verify that the replacement 1746-IB8 slot location matches the input addressing configured in RSLogix 500.
  2. Align the circuit board edges with the top and bottom slot guides of the 1746 chassis slot.
  3. Firmly push the module into the slot until both top and bottom latches snap into place securely.
  4. Align the pre-wired RTB onto the front terminal header and tighten the retaining screws to 0.5 N·m (4.4 lb·in).

Stage 4: Power-On & Testing

  1. Re-energize the 24V DC sensor field supply and verify field voltage presence across terminal connections.
  2. Apply 120/230V AC main power to the 1746 power supply and monitor the 1746-IB8 front status LEDs:
    • Input Status LEDs (0–7): Toggle individual field sensors to confirm corresponding LED illumination.
  3. Access RSLogix 500 online mode, navigate to the I/O Data Table (I:e.0/0 through I:e.0/7, where e is the slot number), and verify bit updates in real time.
1746-IB8

1746-IB8

1746-IB8

1746-IB8

Firmware/Software Versions & Upgrade Notes

  • Hardware Revision: Series A, B, and C modules function interchangeably across all SLC 500 chassis (1746-A4, A7, A10, A13).
  • RSLogix 500 Configuration: The 1746-IB8 is a fixed-hardware discrete card that requires no software configuration file updates or firmware flashing. In RSLogix 500 I/O configuration, simply select 1746-IB8 8-Input (5/24VDC) for the respective slot.
  • Firmware Notes: Discrete I/O modules do not contain user-upgradable flash memory. Hardware swaps are plug-and-play, provided the input voltage ranges match.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this 1746-IB8 module a Brand New Surplus unit or a refurbished part?

A: This product is a Brand New Surplus unit. It is not used, not pulled from a decommissioned plant, and not refurbished. All modules undergo rigorous quality verification to ensure OEM-level reliability.

Q: What is the risk of using a cheaper refurbished 1746-IB8 input card?

A: Refurbished or used digital input cards frequently suffer from degraded optical isolators, cracked terminal housings, or intermittent trace damage caused by improper historical ESD handling. A failed input bit can halt an entire production line; paying a modest premium for verified New Surplus prevents thousands of dollars in emergency downtime costs.

Q: How do you verify the quality of legacy Allen-Bradley components?

A: Our technical team conducts comprehensive inbound inspection: checking original OEM anti-static packaging, inspecting backplane edge connectors for insertion wear, verifying terminal header integrity, and performing live 24V DC input handshake testing on a test chassis.

Q: What does “Sinking Input” mean for field wiring on the 1746-IB8?

A: Sinking inputs provide a path to DC Common. This means field sensors (such as PNP switches or dry contacts) must source current into the 1746-IB8 input terminals when activated.

Q: Is it safe to replace a 1746-IB8 card while the PLC system is under power?

A: No. Allen-Bradley SLC 500 racks do not support Hot-Swapping under power (RIUP). Removing or inserting any 1746 module while backplane power is active can cause electrical arcing, damaging the module, adjacent I/O cards, or the CPU. Always disconnect chassis power first.

Q: What warranty coverage comes with this New Surplus 1746-IB8?

A: Every 1746-IB8 New Surplus card comes backed by our 1-year comprehensive replacement warranty. If any channel or internal component fails under standard operating parameters, we will immediately issue a replacement card or full refund.