Product Overview
When your control system needs a reliable foundation for up to thirteen modules, the Allen-Bradley 1756-A13 13-slot ControlLogix chassis delivers the structural and electrical backbone required for demanding industrial environments. This chassis provides a high-speed communication path between modules and distributes power to each installed module, ensuring stable operation of your ControlLogix controllers and I/O modules.
The 1756-A13 is designed for horizontal mounting only, which simplifies panel layout and cable routing. With its open enclosure rating, it is intended for installation within a suitable cabinet that meets the minimum size requirement of 762 x 609 x 203 mm (30 x 24 x 8 in.). The chassis features eight mounting tabs for secure attachment to the subpanel.
Every ControlLogix module can be placed into any of the 13 slots, offering maximum flexibility in system configuration. To maintain proper airflow and cooling, empty slots must be filled with 1756-N2 slot filler modules.
Technical Specifications
The following table lists the key technical parameters for the Allen-Bradley 1756-A13 chassis. These values are critical for system design and integration.
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
Rockwell Automation |
| Brand |
Allen-Bradley |
| Part Number |
1756-A13 |
| Series |
ControlLogix |
| Module Type |
Chassis |
| Number of Slots |
13 |
| Backplane Current @ 1.2 VDC |
1.5 A (chassis/slot) |
| Backplane Current @ 3.3 VDC |
4 A / 4 A (chassis/slot) |
| Backplane Current @ 5.1 VDC |
15 A / 6 A (chassis/slot) |
| Backplane Current @ 24 VDC |
2.8 A / 2.8 A (chassis/slot) |
| Power Dissipation (Max) |
5.4 Watts |
| Power Consumption |
1.8 W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
588 x 169 x 145 mm (23.15 x 6.65 x 5.71 in.) |
| Weight |
1.90 kg (4.2 lb) |
| Mounting Orientation |
Horizontal |
| Mounting Tabs |
8 |
| Operating Temperature (Series B) |
0°C to +60°C (+32°F to +140°F) |
| Operating Temperature (Series C) |
-25°C to +60°C (-13°F to +140°F) |
| Storage Temperature |
-40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F) |
| Relative Humidity |
5% to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Enclosure |
Open |
| UPC |
10612598129284 |
| UNSPSC |
32151704 |
Industry Applications
The Allen-Bradley 1756-A13 chassis is a versatile backbone for a wide range of industrial automation applications. Its 13-slot capacity allows for a mix of controllers, communication modules, and I/O cards, making it ideal for:
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Discrete Manufacturing: Control assembly lines, packaging machinery, and material handling systems with high-speed I/O and logic.
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Process Control: Manage continuous processes such as chemical production, oil refining, or water treatment, where reliable backplane communication is essential.
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Infrastructure: Monitor and control power distribution, HVAC, or building automation systems, leveraging the chassis's robust design and environmental tolerance.
Because any ControlLogix module can be placed in any slot, the 1756-A13 adapts to evolving system requirements without hardware changes.
Installation & Setup Guidance
Proper installation ensures optimal performance and longevity of the 1756-A13 chassis. Follow these guidelines:
- Mount the chassis horizontally on the subpanel using the eight provided mounting tabs. Ensure the cabinet meets the minimum size of 762 x 609 x 203 mm (30 x 24 x 8 in.).
- Connect the functional earth ground using 8.3 mm² (8 AWG) solid or stranded copper wire rated at 90°C (194°F) or greater. Use 2.1 mm² (14 AWG) wire for protective earth ground, also rated at 90°C or greater.
- Install 1756-N2 slot filler modules in any empty slots to maintain proper cooling and prevent dust ingress.
- For field wiring, use a Bulletin 1492 Interface Module (IFM) or a Removable Terminal Block (RTB) to connect field-side wiring to I/O modules.
- Verify that the ambient temperature remains within the operating range for your chassis series (Series B: 0°C to +60°C; Series C: -25°C to +60°C).
Maintenance & Reliability
The 1756-A13 chassis is designed for long service life with minimal maintenance. Routine checks should include:
- Inspecting mounting hardware for tightness and signs of corrosion.
- Cleaning the chassis and backplane connections from dust or debris using appropriate methods.
- Verifying that all slot filler modules remain in place to maintain airflow.
- Monitoring ambient temperature and humidity to stay within specified limits (5% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing).
Thanks to the Removal and Insertion Under Power (RIUP) feature, modules can be replaced without powering down the system, minimizing downtime and improving overall equipment effectiveness.
Compatibility & Integration
The Allen-Bradley 1756-A13 is part of the ControlLogix family and is compatible with a wide range of Rockwell Automation controllers, including the Logix 5560, 5570, and 5580 product families. It supports all ControlLogix communication modules and I/O modules, allowing seamless integration into existing or new automation architectures.
The chassis provides electronic keying to prevent incorrect module insertion, reducing commissioning errors and protecting your investment.
Selection Guide & Purchasing Advice
Before purchasing the 1756-A13, verify that your application requires a 13-slot chassis and that your cabinet space meets the minimum dimensions. Consider the backplane current requirements of your modules to ensure they do not exceed the chassis's limits.
PLC Source PRO offers genuine Allen-Bradley 1756-A13 chassis with reliable availability. Contact our team for assistance in selecting the right chassis for your system.