
Product Overview
A stable and efficient power supply is the foundation of every industrial automation system. The Allen-Bradley 1746-P2/C SLC 500 Power Supply Module is a dedicated power supply designed for the Allen-Bradley SLC 500 PLC platform, providing reliable operating power for the processor, I/O modules, and communication modules installed within the chassis.
The 1746-P2/C is mounted directly on the left side of an SLC 500 chassis and distributes regulated DC power across the backplane to all installed modules. Its industrial-grade design ensures stable voltage output, excellent electrical protection, and dependable operation in demanding manufacturing and process control environments. By maintaining consistent power delivery, the module helps improve overall PLC performance and system reliability.
With dimensions of 140 × 85 × 140 mm and a weight of 0.66 kg, the 1746-P2/C combines compact construction with dependable power management, making it suitable for both new installations and maintenance of existing SLC 500 systems.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Allen-Bradley |
| Model |
1746-P2/C |
| Product Type |
SLC 500 Power Supply Module |
| PLC Platform |
SLC 500 |
| Input Voltage |
85–132 VAC / 170–265 VAC (Selectable) |
| Input Frequency |
47–63 Hz |
| Backplane Output |
5 VDC and 24 VDC |
| Installation |
Left Side of SLC 500 Chassis |
| Cooling Method |
Natural Air Convection |
| Protection Features |
Overvoltage, Overcurrent and Short-Circuit Protection |
| Mounting Method |
Chassis Mounted |
| Dimensions |
140 × 85 × 140 mm |
| Weight |
0.66 kg |
| Application |
PLC System Power Distribution |
Product Features
The 1746-P2/C is engineered to provide stable and continuous power for industrial PLC systems.
Key features include:
- Designed specifically for Allen-Bradley SLC 500 controllers
- Provides regulated backplane power for PLC modules
- Dual-range AC input voltage support
- Stable 5 VDC and 24 VDC backplane outputs
- Built-in protection against overcurrent and short circuits
- Compact industrial-grade construction
- Reliable continuous operation in demanding environments
- Easy installation and replacement
Its robust power management capability helps maximize PLC uptime while protecting connected modules from abnormal electrical conditions.
Working Principle
The 1746-P2/C converts incoming AC power into regulated DC voltages required by the SLC 500 system.
After receiving AC input power, the module performs voltage conversion, filtering, and regulation before distributing stable power through the chassis backplane. Every installed processor, communication module, and I/O module receives operating power from the power supply.
The module continuously monitors internal operating conditions. If abnormal conditions such as overload or short circuit occur, the protection circuitry helps safeguard both the power supply and the connected PLC hardware.
This stable power architecture ensures reliable operation of the entire automation system while minimizing the risk of unexpected shutdowns.
Role in Industrial Automation Systems
The 1746-P2/C serves as the primary power source for the complete SLC 500 control system.
| Function |
Description |
| System Power Supply |
Delivers regulated power to the PLC chassis |
| Backplane Power Distribution |
Supplies power to installed modules |
| Voltage Regulation |
Maintains stable operating voltages |
| System Protection |
Protects against electrical faults |
| PLC Operation |
Supports continuous controller performance |
| Automation Reliability |
Improves overall system stability |
Industrial Applications
The Allen-Bradley 1746-P2/C is widely used in industrial automation systems across numerous industries.
| Industry |
Typical Equipment |
| Manufacturing |
Automated production lines |
| Automotive |
Assembly and robotic systems |
| Food & Beverage |
Packaging and conveying equipment |
| Pharmaceutical |
Process automation systems |
| Water Treatment |
Pump and treatment control systems |
| Oil & Gas |
Process monitoring equipment |
| Material Handling |
Conveyor and warehouse automation |
| General Industry |
PLC-based control cabinets |
Its dependable power delivery makes it an essential component in both machine automation and process control applications.
Installation and System Integration
Proper installation helps ensure reliable PLC operation and extended equipment life.
Recommended installation procedures include:
- Install the power supply on the left side of the SLC 500 chassis.
- Verify the correct AC input voltage selection before energizing the system.
- Secure all input power wiring according to installation requirements.
- Confirm that total system power consumption does not exceed the module capacity.
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the power supply.
- Verify LED status indicators during startup.
- Test overall PLC operation after commissioning.
Proper installation improves long-term reliability and minimizes unexpected system downtime.
Compatible System Components
The 1746-P2/C is designed to operate with a complete Allen-Bradley SLC 500 automation system.
| Compatible Component |
Function |
| SLC 500 Processor |
Executes control programs |
| SLC 500 Chassis |
Houses PLC modules |
| 1746-IV8 DC Input Module |
Digital input acquisition |
| 1746-OW8 Relay Output Module |
Digital output control |
| 1746-NT4/B Analog Input Module |
Temperature and process measurement |
| Communication Modules |
Industrial network communication |
| Human Machine Interface (HMI) |
Operator monitoring and control |
Together, these components provide a reliable and scalable industrial automation platform.
Recommended Alternative Models
| Model |
Product Type |
Key Feature |
Typical Application |
| 1746-P2/C |
SLC 500 Power Supply Module |
Dual-range AC input |
Standard SLC 500 systems |
| 1746-P1 |
Power Supply Module |
Compact power solution |
Small PLC systems |
| 1746-P3 |
High-Capacity Power Supply Module |
Higher backplane capacity |
Large SLC 500 installations |
| 1746-P4 |
DC Power Supply Module |
24 VDC input operation |
Battery-powered and DC systems |
| 1747-A13 |
SLC 500 Chassis |
Modular PLC expansion |
Multi-module automation systems |
Key Advantages
- Dedicated power supply for SLC 500 PLC systems
- Stable regulated backplane power distribution
- Supports dual-range AC input voltages
- Built-in overload and short-circuit protection
- Reliable industrial-grade construction
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Improves overall PLC system stability
- Suitable for continuous industrial operation
Technical FAQs
What is the Allen-Bradley 1746-P2/C used for?
The 1746-P2/C provides regulated operating power for Allen-Bradley SLC 500 PLC processors, communication modules, and I/O modules installed within the chassis.
Where is the power supply installed?
The module is mounted on the left side of the SLC 500 chassis, where it supplies power to the entire backplane.
What type of input power does the 1746-P2/C support?
The module supports dual-range AC input voltage (85–132 VAC or 170–265 VAC), allowing it to operate in various industrial power environments.
Which systems are compatible with this module?
The 1746-P2/C is designed specifically for Allen-Bradley SLC 500 PLC systems and is compatible with SLC 500 processors, I/O modules, communication modules, and expansion chassis.
Conclusion
The Allen-Bradley 1746-P2/C SLC 500 Power Supply Module is a dependable industrial power solution designed to provide stable backplane power for SLC 500 automation systems.
Featuring dual-range AC input, regulated 5 VDC and 24 VDC backplane outputs, industrial-grade protection functions, compact dimensions of 140 × 85 × 140 mm, and a weight of 0.66 kg, the module delivers reliable performance and long-term operational stability.
Whether installed in manufacturing plants, process automation facilities, packaging equipment, water treatment systems, or material handling applications, the 1746-P2/C provides the dependable power foundation required to keep Allen-Bradley SLC 500 control systems operating efficiently and reliably.