Allen-Bradley 1606-XL480EPA Power Supply for PLC and I/O Systems

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

High Efficiency and Active Power Factor Correction: The ROCKWELL 1606-XL480EPA​ is distinguished by its high efficiency, reaching up to 94%. This minimizes power loss as heat, leading to a cooler operating temperature, which enhances component longevity and reduces the thermal load on the control panel, potentially saving on cooling costs. The integrated active Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuit is a significant advantage. It corrects the input current waveform to closely match the input voltage waveform, achieving a near-unity power factor (>0.95). This reduces harmonic currents fed back into the AC mains, prevents overloading of the supply infrastructure, and often complies with stringent energy quality standards, making the ROCKWELL 1606-XL480EPA​ suitable for facilities with strict harmonic distortion limits.Robust Design for Harsh Environments: Built for industrial durability, this power supply features an exceptionally wide operating temperature range from -25°C to +70°C, allowing it to perform reliably in unheated enclosures or in locations with high ambient temperatures. Its convection-cooled, fanless design eliminates a common point of failure, ensuring silent operation and high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures). The metal housing provides excellent EMC immunity and emission characteristics, preventing the power supply from being a source of electrical noise that could interfere with sensitive control electronics. Comprehensive built-in protections, including automatic restart after an overload condition is cleared, safeguard connected loads and ensure system availability.Flexible Integration and Monitoring: The ROCKWELL 1606-XL480EPA​ offers features that simplify system design. It has a wide adjustable output voltage range (typically 24 – 28V), allowing for compensation of voltage drop in long wire runs. The unit supports parallel operation for redundancy or higher power requirements when used with external decoupling diodes. Status is clearly indicated via LED signals for “Power On” and “Fault.” Its compact form factor and DIN-rail mounting make installation and service quick and easy. As part of the Allen-Bradley component ecosystem, it is designed to seamlessly integrate with other Rockwell Automation products, providing a reliable and trusted power foundation for PLCs, drives, and I/O networks in complex automation solutions.

Application Field

The ROCKWELL 1606-XL480EPA​ is a versatile power supply deployed across a vast array of industrial automation sectors. In manufacturing and discrete automation, it is the standard power source for control panels operating assembly lines, robotic workcells, packaging machinery, and material handling systems. Here, it reliably powers Allen-Bradley CompactLogix or ControlLogix PLCs, Point/Guard I/O modules, safety relays, HMI terminals, and the extensive network of 24VDC sensors and actuators that form the backbone of modern production equipment. Its high current capacity of 20A makes it suitable for panels with a high density of digital outputs or solenoid valves.Within process control and infrastructure, the ROCKWELL 1606-XL480EPA​ is used in water/wastewater treatment plants for SCADA system panels, controlling pumps, valves, and chemical feed systems. Its robust design handles the sometimes harsh and corrosive environments found in these facilities. Similarly, in oil & gas and mining, it powers remote telemetry units (RTUs), wellhead control panels, and conveyor control systems, where its wide temperature range and high reliability are critical due to limited maintenance access. The unit’s high efficiency and PFC are also valued in these applications for reducing energy consumption and electrical infrastructure stress.Furthermore, the power supply is essential in automotive manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and pharmaceutical production—industries that rely heavily on Rockwell Automation control platforms. In these settings, the ROCKWELL 1606-XL480EPA​ provides the clean, stable power necessary for precise motion control systems, batching controllers, and networked I/O. It is also commonly found in commercial building automation control panels for HVAC and lighting, where its silent, fanless operation is a benefit. Essentially, wherever a robust, efficient, and reliable 24VDC power source is needed for industrial control electronics, the ROCKWELL 1606-XL480EPA​ is a proven and trusted solution.