Allen-Bradley 1336-PB-SP2C Replacement for 1336 PLUS VFD

Product Overview

Allen-Bradley 1336-PB-SP2C Replacement for 1336 PLUS VFD: Smooth Migration & Legacy System Upgrade

The Allen-Bradley 1336-PB-SP2C (part number 74101-502-57) is the Power Base Board at the heart of the 1336 PLUS series AC variable frequency drive. As Rockwell Automation has progressively discontinued support for the 1336 PLUS platform, facilities running legacy motor control systems face increasing pressure to source reliable replacement boards or plan a structured migration to a supported drive architecture. TOPNLMS supplies tested, ready-to-ship 1336-PB-SP2C boards to bridge that gap — whether you need an immediate drop-in repair or are executing a phased system modernization.

The 1336 PLUS VFD was widely deployed across manufacturing, water treatment, HVAC, and material handling applications throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Its modular architecture — separating the power base, control board, and I/O interface — means that a failed 1336-PB-SP2C power base board does not necessarily require replacing the entire drive chassis. In many retrofit scenarios, replacing this single board restores full drive functionality while preserving the existing 1336-A or 1336-B drive frame, the installed 1336-MOD-HC2 control module, and the associated 1336-GM1 gate driver board, avoiding a full drive changeout and the associated rewiring, recommissioning, and downtime costs.

For sites executing a full migration from the 1336 PLUS platform to the PowerFlex 400 or PowerFlex 525 series, the 1336-PB-SP2C replacement board serves as a critical interim component. It keeps the legacy drive operational during the transition period while new drives are being configured, tested, and staged. This is particularly important in multi-drive applications where a phased cutover — rather than a simultaneous shutdown — is required to maintain production continuity. During this window, the existing 1336-MOD-A2 analog I/O interface, the 1336-L6E DeviceNet communication adapter, and the installed 1336-BRF brake resistor assembly can all remain in service without modification.

From a wiring compatibility standpoint, the 1336-PB-SP2C mounts directly into the existing 1336 PLUS drive frame using the original hardware. Input power connections (three-phase 380–480 VAC, 50/60 Hz), DC bus terminals, and gate driver interface connectors are physically identical to the original board, eliminating the need for any panel rewiring. The board interfaces with the 1336-MOD-HC2 control module via the standard backplane connector, preserving all existing parameter configurations stored in the control module’s EEPROM. This means that after board replacement, the drive typically resumes operation with the original acceleration ramps, current limits, and speed references intact — a significant advantage over a full drive replacement that would require complete parameter re-entry.

Communication protocol compatibility is maintained across the replacement. Sites using the 1336-L6E DeviceNet adapter or the 1336-GM1 Remote I/O adapter will find that the replacement 1336-PB-SP2C board does not affect the network node address, baud rate settings, or PLC ladder logic in the upstream ControlLogix or SLC 500 controller. The drive continues to respond to speed reference commands and status feedback over the existing network without any changes to the PLC program or HMI tag database. This is a critical consideration for facilities where the drive is integrated into a larger DCS or SCADA architecture, where even minor communication disruptions can trigger process alarms or safety interlocks.

Physical installation space requirements are identical to the original board. The 1336-PB-SP2C fits within the standard 1336 PLUS drive enclosure without modification to the cabinet layout, cooling airflow path, or DIN rail arrangement. This is particularly relevant in compact MCC (Motor Control Center) installations where space constraints make a full drive frame replacement impractical. The board’s thermal interface and heatsink mounting points are compatible with the existing drive chassis, ensuring that the original thermal management design is preserved.

For facilities managing spare parts inventory, stocking a replacement 1336-PB-SP2C board provides insurance against unplanned downtime on critical production lines. TOPNLMS maintains stock of this board alongside related 1336 PLUS components including the 1336-MOD-HC2 control module, 1336-GM1 gate driver board, and 1336-BRF brake resistor assemblies, enabling consolidated procurement for multi-component repair kits. All boards are functionally tested prior to shipment and include a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional failures under normal operating conditions.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A successful 1336 PLUS power base board replacement or system migration rarely involves a single component. In practice, the 1336-PB-SP2C is typically replaced or upgraded alongside a range of related drive and control system components. The 1336-MOD-HC2 control module is the most common co-replacement item — if the power base board has failed due to a DC bus overvoltage event, the control module may have sustained secondary damage and should be inspected or replaced simultaneously. Similarly, the 1336-GM1 gate driver board interfaces directly with the power base and should be tested as part of any repair procedure.

For sites migrating from the 1336 PLUS platform to a modern drive architecture, the PowerFlex 400 (22C series) or PowerFlex 525 (25B series) are the most common migration targets. These drives support EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet communication natively, allowing the existing 1336-L6E DeviceNet network infrastructure to be reused during the transition. The upstream ControlLogix L6x or SLC 500 controller typically requires only an Add-On Instruction (AOI) update or rung modification to accommodate the new drive’s parameter map — the physical I/O wiring to the 1336-MOD-A2 analog interface module can often be reused with minor terminal adaptation.

In cabinet installations, the 1336-BRF brake resistor assembly and associated thermal overload relay wiring are generally unaffected by a power base board replacement. However, if the migration involves upsizing the drive to handle increased motor load, the brake resistor sizing should be recalculated. Terminal blocks, cable ducts, and DIN rail arrangements within the MCC or standalone drive cabinet typically require no modification for a like-for-like board replacement. For full drive frame replacements, a 24 VDC control power supply module and updated surge suppression components may be required to meet the PowerFlex series’ control circuit requirements.

TOPNLMS maintains inventory of related 1336 PLUS spare parts and migration components to support consolidated procurement. Contact our technical team to discuss multi-component repair kits, phased migration planning, or compatibility verification for your specific drive frame and control system configuration.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Can I replace the 1336-PB-SP2C without rewiring the drive cabinet?
A: Yes. The replacement board uses identical terminal positions and connector pinouts to the original. No rewiring is required for a like-for-like board replacement within the same 1336 PLUS drive frame.

Q: Will my existing PLC program need to be modified after replacing the power base board?
A: No. The 1336-PB-SP2C replacement does not affect the drive’s communication node address, parameter set, or I/O mapping. The upstream ControlLogix or SLC 500 program continues to operate without modification.

Q: Is the replacement board compatible with the 1336-L6E DeviceNet adapter?
A: Yes. The DeviceNet adapter interfaces with the 1336-MOD-HC2 control module, not the power base board directly. Replacing the power base board does not affect DeviceNet communication configuration or network performance.

Q: What is the physical installation procedure?
A: Isolate and lock out the drive. Discharge the DC bus capacitors (minimum 5 minutes after power removal). Remove the existing power base board by disconnecting the backplane connector, gate driver interface, and DC bus terminals. Install the replacement board in reverse order. Restore power and verify drive status via the 1336-MOD-HC2 control module display.

Q: Can the 1336-PB-SP2C replacement be used in a 1336-A frame and a 1336-B frame?
A: The SP2C revision is specific to certain frame sizes and horsepower ratings within the 1336 PLUS family. Please provide your full drive catalog number (including frame suffix) when ordering to confirm compatibility.

Q: What if my system uses Remote I/O (RIO) rather than DeviceNet?
A: The 1336-GM1 Remote I/O adapter is unaffected by the power base board replacement. RIO communication, node address, and rack/group/slot assignments remain unchanged.

Q: Is this board suitable as a long-term spare for a multi-drive installation?
A: Yes. TOPNLMS recommends stocking at least one spare 1336-PB-SP2C board per production line where 1336 PLUS drives are installed, given the EOL status of the platform and the risk of extended lead times for emergency procurement.

Warranty Assurance

Every 1336-PB-SP2C board supplied by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of shipment. Prior to dispatch, each board undergoes functional testing to verify power stage integrity, gate driver signal output, and backplane communication interface operation. Boards that do not meet our acceptance criteria are not shipped.

In the event of a warranty claim, TOPNLMS provides replacement board dispatch within 3–5 business days of claim verification. Our technical support team is available to assist with installation guidance, compatibility verification, and fault diagnosis via email and phone. Warranty coverage applies to manufacturing defects and functional failures under normal operating conditions and does not cover damage resulting from incorrect installation, overvoltage events, or physical mishandling.

For B2B procurement teams managing planned maintenance schedules, TOPNLMS offers volume pricing on multi-unit orders and can provide documentation packages including test reports and country-of-origin certificates upon request. All orders are shipped from our Xiamen warehouse with full tracking, and express international shipping options are available for urgent requirements.

To place an order or request a compatibility consultation, contact our team directly:

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