As seen on The Automation Minute earlier this week, the MicroLogix 1500 comes with an extensive installation document. That document is also available electronically on the manufacturer’s website HERE.
While these “installation instructions” cover many different topics, in this blog article I’ll be focusing on the installation and mounting of the controller.
To allow for installation in the widest temperature range possible, the MicroLogix 1500 programmable controller is vented on the top, bottom, and left side. This venting is for convection cooling of the internal circuits of the controller. In order to allow sufficient air to flow through the vents, you need to allow for two inches of spacing all around the unit.
The MicroLogix 1500 should only be mounted horizontally. And when mounting a MicroLogix 1500 controller, it is very important not to allow any debris 
to fall inside the unit’s vents. Metal filings or wire strands which fall into the MicroLogix can damage or destroy it’s internal circuits.
To aid in avoiding such occurrences, the MicroLogix 1500 comes with two protective debris strips installed on the top of the unit. These strips should not be removed until after the MicroLogix 1500 is installed and all wiring and drilling above the unit is completed.
However, the MicroLogix should also not be powered on while these protective strips are installed. If this caution is not followed, the controller’s circuits could overheat and become permanently damaged.
While most installations will find the MicroLogix 1500 mounted to a din rail, four mountings holes are also provided for surface mounting. When used, the mounting holes are typically utilized to mount the Micro directly to the backpanel of an electrical enclosure. To aid in these surface mounting installations, the product’s Installation Instructions includes a “mounting template” to help in spacing mounting holes accurately.
Well, that’s it for today’s article reviewing the installation and mounting of a MicroLogix 1500 programmable controller. For more information, please see the manufacturer’s guide installation instructions HERE.
And if you’ve have any comments, questions, or corrections, please feel free to fill out the “post a comment or question” for at the bottom of the page.
Until next time, Peace ✌️
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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator
Eliminate commercials and gain access to my weekly full length hands-on, news, and Q&A sessions by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You'll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.
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