MicroLogix 1400 Installation and Mounting

August 13, 2014

The MicroLogix 1400 has an extensive installation document referred to as “installation instructions” which you can obtain electronically from Rockwell’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 itself.

To allow for installation in the widest temperature range possible, the MicroLogix 1400 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 (50mm) of spacing on the three vented sides.

The MicroLogix 1400 should only be mounted horizontally. And it’s 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 1400 comes equipped with a protective debris strip installed on the top of the unit. This strip should not be removed until after all panel wiring and drilling above where the unit will be mounted is complete, and the MicroLogix 1400 itself is installed and wired.

The MicroLogix 1400 should also not be powered on while the protective strip is installed. If this caution is not followed, the controller’s circuits could overheat and become permanently damaged.

While most installations will find the MicroLogix 1400 mounted to a din rail, four mountings holes are also provided for surface mounting. When used, they are typically utilized to mount the Micro to the backpanel of an electrical enclosure using #8 or M4 screws.

To aid in surface mounting installations, the product’s, “Installation Instructions,” includes a “mounting template” foldout on the last page to aid in spacing mounting holes accurately.

Well, that’s in for today’s article reviewing the installation and mounting of a MicroLogix 1400 programmable controller. For more information about installing the MicroLogix 1400, you can find the complete manufacturer’s 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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Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who started programing in the early 80's on the new Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to focus on teaching at The Automation School, as well as publishing industry news and product how-to’s at The Automation Blog.