Allen-Bradley 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN Replacement for 1336 FORCE

Product Overview

Allen-Bradley 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN Replacement for 1336 FORCE: Smooth Migration to Modern AC Drive Control

The Allen-Bradley 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN is a 5HP (3.7kW), 460V three-phase AC variable frequency drive from Rockwell Automation’s 1336 FORCE series — a platform that has reached end-of-life and is no longer manufactured. For facilities still running legacy 1336 FORCE installations, sourcing a verified replacement unit is critical to maintaining production continuity without committing to a full control system redesign.

At TOPNLMS, we supply tested, ready-to-ship 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN units to support your retrofit, emergency replacement, or planned upgrade program. Whether you are maintaining an existing 1336 FORCE installation or migrating to a compatible modern drive platform, this guide covers everything your engineering and procurement teams need to evaluate compatibility, plan the transition, and minimize downtime.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A successful 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN replacement rarely involves swapping the drive alone. In most industrial retrofit scenarios, the surrounding system components must be evaluated and often updated in parallel to ensure reliable operation after commissioning.

For facilities running the 1336 FORCE on a SCANport network connected to a legacy PLC-5 or SLC 500 controller, the communication architecture requires careful planning. The SCANport protocol used by the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN communicates via a dedicated RS-485 bus, and if you are migrating to a ControlLogix or CompactLogix platform, a 1203-GU6 SCANport-to-DPI gateway or a 1203-USB adapter will be required to bridge the legacy drive to the new controller backplane. In many cases, engineers also replace the 1747-L553 SLC 5/05 processor with a 1769-L30ER CompactLogix controller, which requires remapping I/O tags and updating the ladder logic program in Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

On the I/O side, if the existing control cabinet uses 1746-OW16 output modules or 1746-IB16 input modules wired to the drive’s enable and fault terminals, these can typically be reused without rewiring, as the terminal block pinout for analog and digital control signals on the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN follows standard Rockwell conventions. However, if the drive is being replaced with a PowerFlex 40P or PowerFlex 400, the terminal layout differs and a wiring adapter or new terminal block strip will be needed.

Power supply integrity is another critical factor. The 1336 FORCE series was designed for use with Bulletin 1321 line reactors and EMC filters. When replacing the drive, it is advisable to inspect the existing 1321-3R6-B line reactor for signs of thermal stress or insulation degradation. If the reactor is more than ten years old, replacing it alongside the drive reduces the risk of nuisance trips and harmonic disturbances on the supply line.

For facilities using a PanelView 550 or PanelView 600 HMI connected to the 1336 FORCE via DH-485 or SCANport, the HMI communication configuration will need to be updated. In many modernization projects, the PanelView terminal is replaced with a PanelView Plus 7 unit, which supports EtherNet/IP natively and integrates cleanly with the updated ControlLogix or CompactLogix architecture. This eliminates the need for protocol converters and simplifies remote monitoring.

If the installation includes a 1336-BDB-SP2 dynamic braking module or an external braking resistor assembly, verify that the braking resistor’s resistance and wattage rating are compatible with the replacement drive’s braking transistor specifications before reuse. Mismatched braking resistors are a common cause of drive faults during initial commissioning after a retrofit.

Finally, for multi-drive installations where the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN operates alongside other 1336 FORCE variants such as the 1336F-BRF30-AA-EN or 1336F-BRF75-AA-EN on a shared SCANport network, replacing one node requires verifying that the network termination resistors and node addressing remain consistent across all remaining drives to avoid communication errors.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Can I reuse the existing control wiring when replacing the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN?
In most cases, yes. The analog input (0–10V or 4–20mA) and digital I/O terminal assignments on the 1336 FORCE are standard. If replacing with another 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN unit, wiring is a direct swap. If migrating to a PowerFlex series drive, refer to the terminal cross-reference in the PowerFlex installation manual and verify signal voltage levels before reconnecting.

Q: Is the SCANport communication protocol compatible with modern Rockwell PLCs?
SCANport is not natively supported by ControlLogix or CompactLogix controllers. You will need a 1203-GU6 gateway or equivalent adapter to bridge SCANport to the DeviceNet or EtherNet/IP network used by modern Logix platforms. Alternatively, replacing the drive with a PowerFlex 40 or PowerFlex 400 eliminates the need for a gateway entirely.

Q: Will the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN fit in the existing control cabinet?
The 1336 FORCE series uses a specific panel-mount footprint. If replacing with an identical unit, no cabinet modifications are required. If migrating to a different drive family, verify the mounting hole pattern, depth clearance for cable management, and airflow requirements before installation.

Q: Can I transfer the existing drive parameters to the replacement unit?
Yes, if you have access to DriveExplorer software and a 1203-USB or 1203-GU6 adapter, you can upload the parameter file from the original drive (if it is still functional) and download it to the replacement unit. If the original drive has failed, TOPNLMS can assist with default parameter configuration based on your motor nameplate data and application requirements.

Q: What is the lead time and shipping arrangement?
Units are stocked and ship from Xiamen, China. Standard international shipping to most destinations takes 5–10 business days via DHL or FedEx Express. Expedited options are available. All units are tested prior to shipment and include a 12-month warranty from the date of delivery.

Warranty Assurance

Every 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN unit supplied by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of delivery. Prior to shipment, each unit undergoes functional verification including power-on testing, output voltage balance check, and communication port integrity verification. Units that do not pass inspection are not shipped.

In the event of a DOA (dead on arrival) or early failure within the warranty period, TOPNLMS will arrange a replacement unit at no additional cost. Our after-sales response target is within 24 hours of a warranty claim submission. We support warranty claims via email at [email protected] and by phone at +86 18359293191.

For procurement teams requiring documentation, we can provide test reports, packing lists, and commercial invoices upon request. We also support partial shipments and phased delivery for large-quantity orders.

TOPNLMS specializes in sourcing and supplying discontinued and hard-to-find industrial automation components for maintenance, retrofit, and upgrade projects worldwide. Our catalog covers PLC modules, AC drives, DCS components, I/O modules, HMI terminals, and communication hardware from leading automation brands.