Allen-Bradley 1336F-MCB-SP2L Replacement for 1336 PLUS II

Product Overview

Allen-Bradley 1336F-MCB-SP2L Replacement for 1336 PLUS II: Seamless Transition from Legacy VFD Control

The Allen-Bradley 1336F-MCB-SP2L (Part No. 164989) is the main control board for the 1336 PLUS II AC variable frequency drive series — one of Rockwell Automation’s most widely deployed drive platforms across manufacturing, water treatment, HVAC, and process industries. As the 1336 PLUS II series has reached end-of-life status, sourcing a verified replacement control board has become a critical procurement challenge for maintenance engineers and plant managers worldwide.

TOPNLMS supplies tested, verified 1336F-MCB-SP2L 164989 main control boards to support your retrofit, repair, or emergency replacement needs — without forcing a full drive replacement or costly system redesign. Our inventory is pre-inspected, function-tested, and shipped with a 12-month warranty.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

Replacing the 1336F-MCB-SP2L 164989 control board is rarely an isolated task. In most plant environments, this board sits within a broader 1336 PLUS II drive system that interfaces with multiple upstream and downstream components. A successful retrofit requires attention to the full signal chain.

Before swapping the control board, engineers should back up all drive parameters using a 1203-USB SCANport-to-USB adapter or a 1203-GU6 DeviceNet communication module, both of which connect directly to the SCANport interface on the 1336 PLUS II chassis. Parameter files can be stored and restored via Rockwell’s DriveExplorer or DriveExecutive software, eliminating the need to manually re-enter hundreds of tuning values after the board replacement.

In systems where the 1336 PLUS II communicates over a Remote I/O (RIO) or DeviceNet network, the 1336F-BRF-SP1 communication option board — mounted alongside the main control board — must be inspected and retained during the swap. If the existing communication board shows signs of corrosion or damage, it is advisable to replace it simultaneously to avoid a second maintenance window.

For drives integrated into a PLC-5 or SLC 500 control architecture via Remote I/O, the replacement board must be verified to match the existing node address and baud rate settings. In modernized systems migrating to ControlLogix or CompactLogix platforms, a 1756-DHRIO or 1747-SCNR scanner module may already be in use to bridge legacy RIO communication — these do not require reconfiguration when only the drive control board is replaced.

The physical installation of the 1336F-MCB-SP2L board requires standard ESD precautions. The board connects to the drive’s power interface board via a multi-pin ribbon connector. In larger frame drives (Frame D and above), the 1336F-PB-SP1 power interface board should be inspected for capacitor aging and contact oxidation before the system is re-energized. Replacing the control board without addressing a degraded power interface board is a common cause of repeat failures in aging 1336 PLUS II installations.

For applications where the 1336 PLUS II drives a motor through an output filter or dV/dt reactor, no changes to the output circuit are required — the replacement control board does not alter the drive’s PWM switching characteristics. Similarly, if the drive is connected to an EMC line filter or input line reactor on the supply side, these components remain fully compatible.

In control cabinet environments where space is constrained, the 1336F-MCB-SP2L board’s identical form factor ensures no panel modifications are needed. Engineers managing multi-drive cabinets with several 1336 PLUS II units should consider stocking one spare board per cabinet to minimize future mean time to repair (MTTR). TOPNLMS can supply matched sets of boards for multi-unit procurement at competitive pricing.

For sites planning a longer-term migration from the 1336 PLUS II platform to the PowerFlex 700 or PowerFlex 753 series, the control board replacement serves as a cost-effective bridge strategy — keeping existing drives operational while the capital budget for full drive replacement is secured. The 1336 PLUS II’s terminal block wiring layout and motor cable routing are well-documented, making a future full-drive swap straightforward once the decision is made.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Do I need to re-enter all drive parameters after replacing the 1336F-MCB-SP2L board?
A: Yes, the control board stores drive parameters in onboard non-volatile memory. Always back up parameters before removal using a 1203-USB adapter and DriveExplorer software. After installation, restore the parameter file. If no backup exists, parameters must be re-entered manually from the drive’s commissioning records.

Q: Is this board compatible with all 1336 PLUS II frame sizes?
A: The 1336F-MCB-SP2L 164989 is the main control board used across the 1336 PLUS II range. Confirm compatibility by matching the part number on your existing board’s label before ordering. Contact TOPNLMS with your drive nameplate data if you need verification.

Q: Will replacing the control board affect my SCANport or DeviceNet communication setup?
A: No. The communication option boards (e.g., 1336F-BRF-SP1 for DeviceNet) are separate modules that remain in place during a control board swap. Node addresses and baud rate settings stored in the communication module are unaffected.

Q: Can I replace this board myself, or do I need a certified technician?
A: Board replacement is a standard maintenance task for qualified electrical technicians familiar with VFD systems. Follow Rockwell Automation’s 1336 PLUS II User Manual (Publication 1336 PLUS II-5.0) for step-by-step procedures, including lockout/tagout, bus voltage discharge verification, and ESD handling requirements.

Q: What if my 1336 PLUS II drive has a different firmware revision than the replacement board?
A: Firmware revision mismatches can cause parameter incompatibilities. TOPNLMS recommends confirming the firmware revision on your existing board (visible on the board label or via DriveExplorer) before ordering. We can advise on revision matching based on your drive’s catalog number and series letter.

Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Standard international shipping from Xiamen, China typically takes 5–10 business days via DHL or FedEx Express. Expedited options are available for emergency plant-down situations. Contact us at [email protected] or +86 18359293191 for urgent orders.

Warranty Assurance

Every 1336F-MCB-SP2L 164989 board supplied by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of shipment. Our pre-shipment inspection process includes visual inspection for physical damage, connector integrity checks, and functional power-on testing where applicable. Boards that do not pass inspection are not shipped.

In the event of a warranty claim, TOPNLMS provides a replacement unit or full refund within the warranty period. Our after-sales response time is within 24 hours on business days. We maintain stock of common 1336 PLUS II spare parts to support rapid replacement dispatch.

For B2B procurement teams, we can provide test reports, product photos, and shipping documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin) upon request. All orders are traceable from our warehouse to your facility.

TOPNLMS has been supplying industrial automation spare parts to maintenance teams, system integrators, and OEM service departments across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Our focus is on verified, tested components that reduce your procurement risk and keep your production lines running.