Feimu Technology, as a professional supplier, this time has specially prepared a digital quantity module for overseas industrial automation colleagues, which is responsible for "high-power output" in the classic SLC 500 system - Allen Bradley 1746-OBP16. As those who have dealt with output control know, sometimes just controlling a 24V intermediate relay is not enough. Some actuators in the field require 220V voltage to operate directly, and adding a relay interface would be too troublesome. We recommend this 16-point module with "hard" output capability to everyone, so that you can control the AC load with fewer relays, more direct wiring, and a simpler system.
Each output channel of 1746-OBP16 device is equipped with an independent thyristor, which is commonly referred to as a silicon controlled rectifier. This component is faster in response than relays and has a longer lifespan, making it suitable for frequent operations. The copper foil on the circuit board is particularly thick, and the wiring is designed to be very spacious in order to cope with the heat when the large current passes through. The key feature is that each point is equipped with an RC (resistor-capacitor) discharge circuit, which is specifically designed to absorb the electrical spark interference generated during the switch-on moment, protecting the module from being damaged.
When holding this Allen Bradley 1746-OBP16 module in your hand, the first impression is that it is "heavily weighted" and "fully powered". Its casing is still the classic industrial green of the SLC 500 series, but you can clearly feel that it is much thicker than those ordinary 24V modules in terms of design. The 16 output indicator lights on the panel are quite large, glowing red when lit up, and are particularly visible in a dimly lit electrical cabinet. The wide detachable terminal block at the top looks sturdy, with each terminal hole being quite large, specifically designed to facilitate the connection of thicker AC live wires.
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Product Series |
Allen-Bradley 1746-OBP16 |
|
Type |
Digital Output Module |
|
Number of Output Points |
16 Points (2 groups of 8 points each) |
|
Output Type |
Relay Contact (Normally Open - NO) |
|
Voltage Range |
5-265V AC or 5-125V DC (Very Wide Range) |
|
Contact Capacity |
Max 2A per point (High load-carrying capacity) |
When shipping these modules with their heavy terminal blocks and precise circuit boards, the most worrying thing during transportation is that the row of backplane pins might get bent, or the plastic casing might be cracked. When Feimu Technology packages the products, they do it in a very professional manner. We will first remove the top terminal block and wrap it separately to prevent its weight from damaging the module body. The main body of the module will be placed in a thick anti-static bag first, and then covered with sufficient bubble foam to protect all four corners tightly. Finally, it will be placed in a high-strength cardboard box with specially made foam. No matter you choose sea transportation or air transportation, our packaging can ensure that it reaches you with straight pins and in perfect condition.
The Allen Bradley 1746-OBP16 is a 16-point digital output module for the SLC 500 system. It uses triac output technology, not relays. This makes it faster and longer-lasting than relay modules.
Output specifications:
Number of outputs: 16 points (2 groups of 8 points each)
Output type: Triac (AC solid state switch)
Voltage range: 5-265V AC (50Hz/60Hz)
Frequency: 47Hz to 63Hz
Current rating per point: 2A maximum at 25°C, 1A maximum at 60°C
Current rating per group (8 points): 8A maximum
Minimum load current: 10mA per point. Below this, the output may not turn on reliably.
Surge current: 30A per point for one cycle. Suitable for incandescent lamp or solenoid inrush current.
On-state voltage drop: Less than 1.5V at rated current
Leakage current: Less than 5mA when off
Response time: Turn-on < 1ms. Turn-off < 10ms.
Optical isolation: 2500V between backplane and field circuits
Backplane current draw: 85mA at 5V DC
General specifications:
Protection: RC snubber circuit on each channel
Operating temperature: 0°C to 60°C
Storage temperature: -40°C to 85°C
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing)
Certifications: UL, cUL, CE
Understanding the difference between triac and relay outputs helps you choose the correct module for your application.
Triac output (1746-OBP16):
No moving parts. No mechanical wear. Response time under 1ms. Silent operation. Longer service life. Generates less heat at high switching frequencies. Requires minimum load current. Leaks small current when off.
Best for: High-frequency switching. Applications that cycle on and off frequently. Quiet environments. Long life requirements.
Not suitable for: DC loads above 125V. Very low current loads below 10mA.
Relay output (1746-OW16):
Moving parts. Audible click. Slower response (10-15ms). Contacts wear out. Finite mechanical life. No minimum load current. No leakage current when off.
Best for: DC loads up to 125V. Very low current loads. Applications switched infrequently.
Not suitable for: High-frequency switching. Fast response requirements.
Field failure example: A customer installed a relay output module on a packing machine that cycled 5 times per second. The relays failed after 3 months. The customer replaced them with a triac output module. The triac module has been running for 2 years with no failures. This is why the 1746-OBP16 uses triac technology.
The 1746-OBP16 is designed for AC loads. Correct wiring ensures safe and reliable operation.
Wiring rules:Connect the AC live wire (L) to the module output terminal.Connect the load between the output terminal and the AC neutral wire (N).The module acts as a switch. It turns on the live side.Do not exceed 2A per point. Exceeding this blows the internal fuse.Do not exceed 8A per group (8 points).Use stranded copper wire, 0.5mm² to 2.5mm².Strip length: 8mm. Insert fully into terminal cage.Inductive loads – special precautions:
Solenoids and contactor coils are inductive loads. They store energy. When the triac turns off, this energy causes voltage spikes. The 1746-OBP16 has built-in RC snubbers. These absorb most spikes. However, for large inductive loads, external protection is recommended. Add a varistor across the load. This reduces stress on the module.
Common field issue: The output stays on even after the PLC commands it off. Cause: The load current is below the minimum hold current. The triac cannot turn off reliably below 10mA. Fix: Add a shunt resistor in parallel with the load. This increases the load current above 10mA. The triac turns off correctly.
Allen Bradley 1746-OBP16 modules are frequently counterfeited. Use these six checks to verify authenticity.
Front panel color: Genuine modules have a specific olive-green color with a matte finish. The panel is thick and solid. Counterfeits often use the wrong shade or thinner plastic.
Backplane connector pins: All 96 pins must be gold-plated and perfectly straight. Gold pins are bright yellow-gold. Tin pins are dull gray. Counterfeit modules often use tin pins that oxidize over time.
Terminal block screws: Genuine terminal screws are brass. They feel solid. Counterfeit screws are often zinc-plated steel. They feel lighter and corrode faster.
Module weight: Genuine 1746-OBP16 weighs approximately 0.5 kg. The heavy terminal block and thick PCB give it weight. Counterfeits feel lighter due to thinner copper and smaller components.
Latch mechanism: The top and bottom latches click firmly. On counterfeits, the latches are often loose.
Packaging: Genuine packaging has the Rockwell Automation logo on high-quality cardboard. Counterfeit packaging uses thinner cardboard and poor print quality.
Feimu Technology operates from Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, China. The company was founded in 2005 and has supplied automation components to customers in over 30 countries.
Years in operation: 20 years as of 2025.
Warehouse: 2000+ square meters. Temperature controlled. Humidity maintained below 60%.
Inventory: 5000+ active SKUs. Includes SLC 500 modules, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, POINT I/O, PanelView HMIs, and drives.
Brands carried: Allen Bradley, Siemens, GE, Schneider.
Export markets: Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Southeast Asia. Over 30 countries.
Contact information:
Email: sales@feimutech.com
WhatsApp: +86 13358323579
Response time: Within 24 hours. Technical questions typically answered within 12 hours. Include module serial number and application details for faster response.
Address
No. 26, Yuhu Street, Encheng Subdistrict, Enping City, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, China
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