Why the 1747-CP3 Belongs in Your Spares Cabinet
Downtime on an SLC 500 line rarely comes from the processor itself. It comes from the small link between the controller and the programming terminal. The Allen-Bradley 1747-CP3 is that link: a 118-inch (3-meter) programmer cable built for the SLC 500 platform. When a laptop cannot reach a cabinet-mounted processor, every minute of troubleshooting costs production. Keeping this cable on the shelf is one of the cheapest insurance policies in a control room.
What the 1747-CP3 Actually Does
This is a programmer cable for the SLC 5/02, 5/03, 5/04, and 5/05 processors. It connects the RS232 communications port on those controllers to a DTE device such as a computer. The same cable also links a PanelView Series Component Terminal to SLC and MicroLogix controllers. Each end carries an internal jumper, and the assembly uses a 6-pin Phoenix connector with Belden 9463 cable. It is also known as a 9-pin D Shell-to-9-pin D Shell null modem cable.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cable Type | Programmer Cable |
| Length | 118 inches (3 meters) |
| Compatible Processors | SLC 5/02, 5/03, 5/04, 5/05 |
| Connectors | 6-Pin Phoenix Connector |
| Cable Material | Belden 9463 |
| Backplane Current (5 Volts) | 800 milliamps |
| Operating Temperature | 0-60 Celsius |
| Weight | 0.37 pounds (168 grams) |
| Dimensions | 5.72 x 1.37 x 5.15 inches |
The Cost Case for a Longer Cable
A 3-meter reach changes how you work. Technicians can stand clear of an energized cabinet while connected, which shortens commissioning and reduces the need to move a PC into a tight enclosure. Fewer awkward setups mean faster fault-finding, and faster fault-finding means less lost output per event. The 800 milliamp backplane draw is modest, so the cable adds negligible load to an existing 5 Volt rail. At 0.37 pounds, it stores easily in a standard tool bag or spares drawer.
Where It Fits on the Plant Floor
Commissioning an SLC 5/03 or 5/04 panel after a retrofit is the classic use case. Engineers also rely on the 1747-CP3 when a PanelView terminal needs a direct link to a SLC or MicroLogix controller during startup. In oil, gas, and process environments, that flexibility matters: a single cable covers multiple processors and terminals instead of forcing you to stock several part numbers.
Installation Notes
Connect the cable to a properly designed DH-485 device or interface before inserting a USB cable into a computer’s USB port. This step protects the computer from electrostatic discharge damage. For wiring and installation detail, refer to the Wiring and Installation Guide for Industrial Automation, 1770-IN041. If the cable misbehaves within the first 24 hours of installation, do not force removal, as that can damage the connector.
Sourcing Without the Wait
Legacy SLC 500 hardware still runs critical processes, and a missing cable can stall a whole shift. Oil AutoTech focuses on fast-dispatch spares for oil, gas, and industrial automation, with quick worldwide delivery and hands-on help selecting the right part. Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with Oil AutoTech before ordering. Contact Oil AutoTech today for pricing and availability.
