Allen Bradley 1606 Power Supply Selection Guide

Choosing the right power supply is a critical but often overlooked step when designing or upgrading a control system. Though it may lack the excitement of processors or memory specifications, the power supply is essential for long-term system stability and performance. The Allen-Bradley 1606 Series from Rockwell Automation offers a wide variety of switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) designed to serve industrial control, instrumentation, communication, and office applications.

This guide explores how to select the best 1606 power supply for your needs by reviewing key selection criteria and explaining each sub-series available.

Overview of Allen-Bradley 1606 Power Supplies

The 1606 family includes:

• 1606-XLS: Performance Power Supplies

• 1606-XLE: Essential Power Supplies

• 1606-XLP: Compact Power Supplies

• 1606-XLB: Basic Power Supplies

• 1606-XLX: Regional Power Supplies

• 1606-XLD: DC-DC Converters

All 1606 units are globally certified and capable of wide-range AC/DC inputs. While versatile and reliable, these supplies are not recommended for safety-critical systems where human life is at stake.

Selection Criteria

A) Wattage Match the power rating to your system's total demand, ideally keeping utilization between 50% and 80% of the power supply's maximum output. Avoid oversizing by more than 20% to maintain energy efficiency.

B) Efficiency Rating Choose the highest efficiency model that meets your needs:

• XLS: 90.0%–95.4%

• XLE: 84.5%–95.6%

• XLD: 90.5%–95.1%

• XLP: 77.2%–91.0%

• XLB: 90.6%–93.8%

• XLX: 90.5% (120EE), 91.4% (240EE)

C) Modularity Modular supplies allow cleaner installations and easier maintenance. Choose semi-modular if space is tight but full flexibility isn’t required. Compact models like XLP and XLS offer minimal footprints.

D) Compatibility Ensure voltage, current, and physical connectors match your system. Avoid mismatches even if the wattage is correct.

E) Certifications & Standards Confirm the model meets safety and industry certifications such as CE, UL 508/60950-1/61010, ATEX, DNV GL, EAC, and Class I Div. 2. Each sub-model varies, so check specific listings.

F) Special Modules

• Buffer Modules: Prevent brownouts (e.g., 1606-XLBUFFER)

• Redundancy Modules:

  • 1606-XL60DR (Class 2)

  • 1606-XL120DR, XL240DR

  • 1606-XLRED20-30, XLRED40 (high-availability systems)

• DC-DC Converters:

  • 1606-XLDC92D, XLDF120E, XLDD240E, XLDF240F

G) Power Rails Decide between single and multi-rail supplies. Single-rail units are more power-flexible but sensitive to surges. Multi-rail designs improve surge protection.

H) Mounting Options Mounting brackets must match your installation type:

• Wall/Panel Mounting: 1606-XLA-UPSC, XLA-W45, XLA-XLE, XLB, XLC

• Sideways Installations: XLA-S37, S44, S76, S85

Conclusion While often overlooked, the power supply is a cornerstone of a reliable automation system. By carefully considering wattage, efficiency, modularity, certifications, compatibility, and mounting needs, you can ensure long-term system performance and reduce downtime. When in doubt, opt for the best 1606 power supply your budget allows. The investment will pay off in reliability, productivity, and system longevity.

For more information or to discuss which industrial control solution best fits your application, contact PLG Automation at sales@plgautomation.com or 800-906-9271.