Allen-Bradley 1756-A13 ControlLogix 13-Slot Chassis

The Allen-Bradley 1756-A13, also cataloged as the 1756-A13 13-Slot Chassis, operates as a dedicated hardware component for high-speed backplane communication inter-module signal routing and power distribution within ControlLogix platform assemblies.

Hardware Specifications

Deterministic Backplane & Dynamic Slot Distribution

The structural architecture incorporates a high-speed parallel backplane bus providing high-throughput signal pathways between installed controllers, I/O, and communication interface modules. Backplane bus communication velocity supports deterministic peer-to-peer data distribution and time-synchronized I/O scanning across all 13 slots without contention. Grounding contacts built into each slot frame maintain continuous chassis ground integrity, while high firmware flash compatibility across installed ControlLogix units ensures rapid module identification and minimal transmission latency across connected industrial networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What mounting provisions are integrated into the 1756-A13 hardware frame for physical enclosure installation?

A: The chassis incorporates 8 dedicated mounting tabs—4 positioned at the top edge and 4 at the bottom edge—to ensure secure, vibration-resistant attachment to enclosure backpanels.

Q: What hazardous area ambient temperature classifications does this chassis satisfy?

A: The unit holds North American T5 and IECEx T5 temperature code ratings for installation in hazardous industrial environments operating within 0 to 60 deg C (32 to 140 deg F).

Q: Does the 1756-A13 chassis limit module placement or slot assignments?

A: No, any standard ControlLogix module—including CPUs, power supplies (slot-mounted or left-side host power supply bridges), digital, analog, or network cards—can occupy any of the 13 available backplane slots.

Field Installation Guidelines

Mount the 1756-A13 chassis vertically to a flat, rigid metallic backplate using M5 or #10 hardware through all 8 top and bottom mounting tabs. Maintain a minimum clear distance of 50 mm (2 in) on all sides of the chassis to allow unimpeded ambient convection airflow through the open-frame structural housing.

Connect the dedicated grounding lug on the chassis directly to the enclosure main protective earth (PE) ground bar using a short, heavy-gauge braided copper ground strap (minimum 8 AWG / 8.3 mm²). Ensure paint or non-conductive coatings are removed at metal-to-metal contact points to maintain low-impedance grounding. Inspect backplane connectors for debris prior to sliding any controller or I/O modules into the chassis slots.