Purchase now: Allen Bradley 1746-N2 Slot Filler Cover
Purchase now: Atlantechdrives provides you the 1746-N2, a critical passive component designed specifically for the Allen Bradley SLC 500 programmable logic controller system. While it may appear to be a simple plastic blanking plate, the 1746-N2 Slot Filler is an absolute necessity for maintaining the integrity, safety, and thermal dynamics of your PLC control panel. It is engineered to snap securely into any empty, unused slot within a 1746 chassis (whether 4, 7, 10, or 13-slot racks). Industrial automation standards dictate that no backplane slot should ever be left exposed, making the 1746-N2 a mandatory item for any properly assembled and certified control cabinet.
Technical Specifications and System Role
The 1746-N2 is manufactured from high-impact, flame-retardant industrial polymer, matching the exact aesthetic and structural profile of standard SLC 500 I/O modules. It features built-in retaining clips that ensure a snug fit that will not vibrate loose over time.
- Part Number: 1746-N2
- Component Type: Blank Slot Filler / Cover Module
- Compatible System: Allen Bradley SLC 500 (1746 Chassis)
- Material: Flame-retardant industrial plastic
- Function 1: Environmental Protection (Dust/Debris)
- Function 2: Thermal Management (Airflow routing)
- Function 3: Electrical Safety (Shock prevention)
- Installation: Tool-less snap-in design
Expert Advice: Why Slot Fillers are Mandatory for Airflow
Leaving a slot empty in your chassis is a major thermal hazard. Expert Tip: The SLC 500 power supply relies on a specific «chimney effect» or forced convection to draw cool air up through the modules to prevent the processor and internal components from overheating. If you leave a slot open without a 1746-N2 filler, the air will take the path of least resistance and escape through the empty hole, starving the adjacent electronic modules of cooling airflow. Over time, this localized overheating degrades capacitors and leads to sudden hardware failures. Always fill empty slots to maintain the designed thermal wind tunnel.
Maintenance and Panel Safety (UL Compliance)
From a safety and compliance perspective, the 1746-N2 is indispensable. An open chassis slot exposes the 5V and 24V DC pins of the backplane. In heavy industrial environments, conductive dust, metal shavings from panel modifications, or stray wire strands can easily enter an open slot and short-circuit the entire backplane, destroying the processor and all attached modules instantly. Furthermore, under UL508A panel building standards, exposed backplane pins are a safety violation. Installing the 1746-N2 ensures your panel remains compliant, safe for technicians, and protected from environmental debris.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the 1746-N2 use any backplane power?
A: No. The 1746-N2 is a completely passive, non-electronic plastic cover. It draws 0 mA of current and requires no addressing in your RSLogix software.
Q: Will this fit in the newer ControlLogix or CompactLogix chassis?
A: No, the physical dimensions and snap mechanisms of the 1746-N2 are strictly designed for the legacy SLC 500 (1746) hardware platform. Other families require different filler part numbers (e.g., 1756-N2 for ControlLogix).
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To maintain proper airflow and safety in an SLC rack, always use this filler to cover empty slots in your 1746-A10 chassis.
