Allen-Bradley 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E Replacement Drive

Product Overview

Allen-Bradley 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E Replacement Drive: Seamless 1336 PLUS II System Upgrade

When your Allen-Bradley 1336 PLUS II drive reaches end-of-life or fails unexpectedly, production downtime becomes the immediate threat. The 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E is a 2HP, 480V AC variable frequency drive with integrated DeviceNet communication — a workhorse of legacy motor control systems across manufacturing, HVAC, water treatment, and material handling applications. As Rockwell Automation has discontinued this series, sourcing a verified replacement or upgrade path is critical to restoring operations without a full system redesign.

TOPNLMS supplies tested, ready-to-ship 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E units and compatible upgrade solutions for engineers and maintenance teams managing aging 1336 PLUS II installations. Every unit undergoes pre-shipment functional verification and ships with a 12-month warranty.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A successful 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E replacement rarely involves the drive alone. In most 1336 PLUS II installations, the drive operates as part of a broader motor control architecture that includes a 1336-MOD-L5E Human Interface Module for local parameter access and fault diagnostics. If the HIM is damaged or missing, it must be sourced alongside the drive to restore full commissioning capability.

On the network side, the DeviceNet communication option (EN) connects the drive to a 1747-SDN DeviceNet Scanner installed in an SLC 500 rack, or to a 1756-DNB DeviceNet Bridge module in a ControlLogix chassis. These scanner modules manage the explicit and implicit messaging that the 1336 PLUS II relies on for speed reference and status feedback. Verifying scanner firmware compatibility before swapping the drive prevents unexpected node address conflicts during restart.

Power delivery to the 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E typically routes through a 1321-3R line reactor or an input EMC filter, both of which should be inspected during any drive replacement. A degraded reactor can cause nuisance overcurrent trips on a new drive and is often overlooked during emergency changeouts. Similarly, the 1321-3RA dynamic braking resistor — if installed for high-inertia load applications — must be matched to the replacement drive’s braking transistor rating.

For facilities migrating from the 1336 PLUS II platform entirely, the PowerFlex 40 (22B-D2P3N104) is the most common direct-replacement candidate at the 2HP/480V rating. The PowerFlex 40 retains DeviceNet compatibility through the same 20-COMM-D adapter architecture and fits within a comparable panel footprint. Parameter migration from the 1336 PLUS II to PowerFlex 40 can be structured using Rockwell’s published cross-reference tables, reducing commissioning time significantly.

Where the control system is also being modernized, engineers frequently pair the new drive with a CompactLogix L18ER or ControlLogix L71 controller, replacing aging PLC-5 or SLC 500 racks. In these scenarios, the 1492-AIFM analog interface module and 1734 POINT I/O terminal blocks are commonly added to consolidate field wiring and reduce cabinet space. A 1783-US5T Stratix 2000 unmanaged switch is often introduced to support EtherNet/IP backbone connectivity when the DeviceNet segment is retired.

For sites that must maintain the existing 1336 PLUS II hardware while awaiting a full migration budget, TOPNLMS also stocks 1336-PB-SP2A power board assemblies and gate driver sub-assemblies as board-level repair options, extending the operational life of installed drives without a full unit replacement.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Can I reuse the existing motor wiring when replacing the 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E?
A: In most cases, yes. The output terminal configuration (T1/T2/T3 to motor, PE ground) is standard across 2HP 480V drives. Verify cable insulation rating (600V minimum) and confirm the motor nameplate FLA matches the drive’s output current rating before energizing.

Q: Will my existing DeviceNet network configuration work with a replacement unit?
A: A like-for-like 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E replacement will retain the same MAC ID and EDS file, so the DeviceNet scanner configuration requires no changes. If upgrading to a PowerFlex 40 with a 20-COMM-D adapter, a new EDS file must be registered in RSNetWorx for DeviceNet and the I/O connection size re-mapped.

Q: How do I transfer parameters from the old drive to the new unit?
A: Use DriveExplorer or DriveExecutive to upload the parameter file from the original drive before removal (if the drive is still partially functional). If the drive is completely failed, parameter reconstruction from the original commissioning sheet or PLC program comments is the standard fallback. TOPNLMS can provide a baseline parameter template for 1336 PLUS II 2HP applications on request.

Q: Does the replacement drive fit in the same cabinet space?
A: The 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E occupies a standard 1336 PLUS II frame B enclosure. A like-for-like replacement fits without modification. If upgrading to a PowerFlex 40, the slightly smaller footprint may require a DIN rail adapter plate or minor bracket adjustment.

Q: What communication protocols are supported for PLC integration?
A: The EN option provides DeviceNet. For SLC 500 systems using a 1747-SDN scanner or ControlLogix systems using a 1756-DNB, no protocol changes are required on a like-for-like swap. EtherNet/IP integration requires a PowerFlex series upgrade with a 20-COMM-E2P adapter.

Q: Is the 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E compatible with both open-loop and closed-loop vector control?
A: Yes. The 1336 PLUS II supports sensorless vector (open-loop) and encoder-based closed-loop vector modes. If your application uses a 1336-EN encoder feedback option card, confirm the replacement unit includes the same option slot configuration.

Warranty Assurance

Every 1336F-BRF20-AE-EN-L5E unit shipped by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of delivery. Pre-shipment testing includes power-on functional verification, communication port integrity check, and visual inspection for transit damage. Units are packed in anti-static foam with moisture barrier packaging suitable for international freight.

In the event of a warranty claim, TOPNLMS provides a replacement unit dispatch within 5 business days of fault confirmation. Our technical team is available via email and phone to support installation, commissioning, and fault diagnosis throughout the warranty period. Buyers receive a test report and shipment tracking number with every order.

For procurement teams requiring documentation, we can provide a commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of conformity. Lead time for in-stock units is typically 3–7 business days to most destinations. Express shipping options are available for emergency breakdown situations.

Contact our team to confirm stock availability, request a quotation, or discuss upgrade path options for your specific installation.