Extend Your POINT I/O System Without Expanding Your Budget
Every machine builder and maintenance engineer knows the pain: you need more I/O points, but adding another adapter and power supply means more cost, more panel space, and more wiring time. The Allen-Bradley 1734-EP24DC solves that problem directly. This expansion power supply from the POINT I/O series lets you extend the backplane bus to up to seventeen modules on the right side, all from a single 24VDC field power source. The result is a leaner panel, faster commissioning, and lower total cost of ownership.
What the 1734-EP24DC Actually Does
The 1734-EP24DC is not a standalone power supply. It is a field power expansion unit that passes 24VDC field power to I/O modules on its right side. It also creates a new field voltage partition segment, which means you can isolate field power for different drive devices without running separate external supplies. The module is dark gray, making it easy to identify visually inside a crowded enclosure. It works with any 1734 POINT I/O adapter, so you can assemble a complete system without special adapters or custom cabling.
Key Specs That Drive Cost and Efficiency
Input Voltage Range: 10–28.8VDC. This wide range means the module tolerates real-world voltage sag and surge conditions. You avoid nuisance trips and reduce downtime caused by unstable field power. Fewer service calls directly lower your maintenance spend.
POINTBus Output Current: 1 A @ 10–19.2V input; 1.3 A @ 19.2–28.8V input (horizontal mounting); 1 A @ 10–28.8V input (vertical mounting). The current output determines how many modules you can support. At the higher input range, you get 1.3 A, which supports more modules per supply. That means fewer power supplies per system and a lower component cost per I/O point.
Power Consumption: 9.8 W @ 28.8VDC; Power Dissipation: 3.0 W @ 28.8VDC; Thermal Dissipation: 10.0 BTU/hr @ 28.8VDC. Low power dissipation reduces heat inside the enclosure. Less heat extends the life of every module nearby, which cuts replacement costs over the life of the machine.
Inrush Current: 6 A for 10 ms. The module handles startup current without tripping upstream protection. You avoid oversized breakers and expensive power conditioning equipment.
Isolation Voltage: 50 V continuous. This isolation protects your control system from field-side noise and voltage spikes. It reduces the risk of I/O module damage and keeps your process running.
Operating Temperature: -13 to 140 °F; Nonoperating: -40 to 185 °F at 5–95% relative humidity without condensation. This range covers most industrial environments, from cold storage to hot process areas. You avoid the cost of additional cooling or heating equipment.
Operating Vibration: 5 g at 10–500 Hz; Operating Shock: 30 g; Nonoperating Shock: 50 g. High shock and vibration ratings mean the module survives rough handling and machine vibration. Fewer failures translate to lower spare parts inventory and less unplanned downtime.
Where the 1734-EP24DC Pays for Itself
Scenario 1: Automotive Assembly Line Expansion. A body shop line adds new weld cells. The existing POINT I/O adapter has no spare capacity. Instead of buying a second adapter and power supply, the integrator adds a 1734-EP24DC and extends the bus to 17 modules. The cost saving is immediate: one expansion supply replaces a full adapter assembly, and wiring time drops by hours.
Scenario 2: Food and Beverage Packaging Retrofit. A packaging machine needs additional sensors and actuators. The 1734-EP24DC isolates field power for the new devices, preventing ground loops that cause intermittent faults. The wide 10–28.8VDC input range handles voltage fluctuations from the plant floor. The result is fewer nuisance stops and higher overall equipment effectiveness.
Scenario 3: Water Treatment Plant Upgrade. A remote pump station uses a 24VDC field supply with long cable runs. Voltage drop is a concern. The 1734-EP24DC accepts input down to 10VDC, so the system keeps working even when voltage sags. Maintenance crews avoid emergency call-outs, and the plant avoids the cost of replacing the entire I/O system.
Installation and Setup
Mount the 1734-EP24DC horizontally or vertically, following the orientation of your POINT I/O system. Use it with any 1734 POINT I/O adapter. The module has a built-in field power status indicator and a 5V system power indicator, so you can verify power at a glance. No special tools or software configuration are required. Simply snap the module onto the DIN rail and connect field power. The reverse polarity protection prevents damage if input wiring is accidentally reversed.
Maintenance and Reliability
Inspect the module periodically for loose connections and dust buildup. The 1734-EP24DC has no moving parts, so wear is minimal. The low thermal dissipation of 10.0 BTU/hr reduces heat stress on nearby components. In dirty or humid environments, follow the enclosure rating and keep the module within the specified humidity range of 5–95% without condensation. Because the module supports up to 17 modules, you can standardize on one expansion supply across multiple machines, which simplifies spare parts inventory and reduces carrying costs.
Compatibility and Integration
The 1734-EP24DC works with any 1734 POINT I/O adapter. It extends the POINTBus current to modules on the right side and separates field power from the I/O module to the left. This design lets you mix I/O types and power sources without complex wiring. The module is part of the POINT I/O series, so it integrates with existing 1734 systems without firmware updates or special configuration.
Selection Guide
Before purchasing, verify your input voltage range and the number of modules you need to support. The 1734-EP24DC supports four to seventeen modules, depending on their current rating. Check whether you need horizontal or vertical mounting, because output current differs. For reliable supply and expert support, SpareTechPLC stocks the 1734-EP24DC and can help you confirm compatibility with your existing POINT I/O system. Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with SpareTechPLC before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the 1734-EP24DC with any POINT I/O adapter?
A: Yes. The module is compatible with any 1734 POINT I/O adapter. It extends the backplane bus and provides field power isolation.
Q: How many modules can the 1734-EP24DC support?
A: It supports four to seventeen modules, depending on the current rating of the installed modules and whether you mount it horizontally or vertically.
Q: What is the input voltage range?
A: The input voltage range is 10–28.8VDC, with a nominal rating of 24VDC.
Q: Does the 1734-EP24DC provide reverse polarity protection?
A: Yes. The module includes reverse polarity overvoltage protection to prevent damage from incorrect wiring.
Q: What are the operating temperature limits?
A: The operating temperature range is -13 to 140 °F. The nonoperating range is -40 to 185 °F at 5–95% relative humidity without condensation.
