Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1762-IQ8OW6​ is a combination digital input/output expansion module belonging to the Rockwell Automation 1762 MicroLogix® Expansion I/O series, purpose-built to extend the I/O capacity of MicroLogix 1100 (1763-), MicroLogix 1200 (1762- and 1764- processors with expansion bus), and MicroLogix 1400 (1766-) programmable controllers. This module consolidates eight (8) 24 V DC discrete input points and six (6) electromechanical relay output points (Form A / N.O. dry contacts) into a single, compact, DIN-rail-mountable package—eliminating the need for separate input and output modules in small-to-medium machine control applications where both signal acquisition and load switching are required within a limited panel footprint.Each of the eight digital inputs on the 1762-IQ8OW6​ is software-configurable as sinking (current-sinking, NPN logic) or sourcing (current-sourcing, PNP logic) by simply reversing the polarity of the input common wiring, making it universally compatible with both NPN and PNP proximity sensors, pushbutton stations, limit switches, and dry-contact field devices. The six relay outputs are independently isolated with separate commons (three commons, two outputs per common), each rated for up to 2.0 A resistive load at 250 V AC or 30 V DC, enabling the Allen-Bradley 1762-IQ8OW6​ to directly switch AC-operated motor starters, solenoid valves, indicator beacons, and small heating elements alongside 24 V DC control loads—all from one module. Communication with the MicroLogix processor occurs transparently over the 1762 expansion bus (ribbon or modular expansion cable), with no separate power supply, configuration resistors, or DIP switches required beyond the RSLogix® Micro / RSLogix 500 I/O configuration. Per-point green LEDs provide immediate visual confirmation of input signal presence and output energization, accelerating commissioning and reducing mean time to diagnose field-wiring issues on the plant floor.Designed for cost-sensitive machine control, the 1762-IQ8OW6​ delivers the ruggedness (operating range –20 °C to +65 °C) and noise immunity expected of industrial-grade I/O, while its combination architecture reduces installed cost per I/O point and conserves valuable expansion slots on the MicroLogix backplane—particularly important on the MicroLogix 1200 which supports a maximum of six expansion modules. The module is equally at home in standalone machine control panels, remote pump skids, packaging equipment, and small process batch systems where the MicroLogix platform is the controller of choice.

Technical Specifications

Product Model | 1762-IQ8OW6Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley / Rockwell AutomationProduct Type | MicroLogix 1762 Series Combination Digital I/O Expansion Module (8 × 24V DC In + 6 × Relay Out)Number of Digital Inputs | 8 (24 V DC, Sinking or Sourcing selectable per group)Input Voltage Range | 15–30 V DC (Nominal 24 V DC); ON threshold typ. 10 V DC, OFF threshold typ. 5 V DCInput Current (ON) | 4.5 mA typ. @ 24 V DCInput Groups / Commons | 2 Groups (Inputs 0–3 share Common 1; Inputs 4–7 share Common 2); Isolated between groupsNumber of Relay Outputs | 6 (Electromechanical, Form A / SPST-NO, Dry Contact)Output Contact Rating | 2.0 A resistive @ 250 V AC / 30 V DC; 0.5 A @ 125 V AC (inductive load derating applies)Output Commons | 3 Commons (Outputs 0–1 / 2–3 / 4–5 each share an isolated common terminal)Mechanical Relay Life | 10 million operations min. @ no load; 100,000 operations @ rated resistive loadBackplane Current Draw | 85 mA max @ 5 V DC (from MicroLogix expansion bus); 0 mA @ 24 V DC (relay coils powered from input field common or separate source as wired)Isolation (I/O to System) | 500 V AC dielectric for 1 min (Field I/O circuits to Logic Backplane)Indicators | 8 × Input Status LEDs (Green = Input ON), 6 × Output Status LEDs (Green = Output Energized), Module OK (Green/Red Flash)Mounting | 35 mm DIN Rail (EN 60715) or direct panel mount with #6 (M3.5) screwsDimensions (H×W×D) | 90 × 40.4 × 87 mm (3.54 × 1.59 × 3.43 in)Operating Temperature | –20 °C to +65 °C (–4 °F to +149 °F)Certifications | cULus Listed, CE, C-Tick, Class I Div 2 (Groups A,B,C,D) when installed in suitable enclosureCompatible Controllers | MicroLogix 1100 (1763-LxxBx), MicroLogix 1200 (1762-LxxBx / 1764-LxxBx), MicroLogix 1400 (1766-LxxBx)Terminal Block | Removable screw terminal (1762-RTBxx) or spring clamp; shipped with 1762-RTB18 or equivalent

Main Features and Advantages

Combined I/O in a single compact module: The principal value proposition of the 1762-IQ8OW6​ is its mixed-signal design—eight 24 V DC inputs and six relay outputs in one 40.4 mm wide envelope. For small machines with modest I/O counts (e.g., 8–16 DI, 6–10 DO), this can eliminate an entire additional expansion module, saving both panel space and the cost of a second module. On MicroLogix 1200 systems limited to six expansion modules, this consolidation is often the difference between fitting the application I/O and needing to migrate to a larger platform.Selectable sinking or sourcing input wiring: Unlike some low-cost combo modules that lock you into either NPN or PNP input sensing, the 1762-IQ8OW6​ inputs are polarity-flexible. Connect the input common(s) to 0 V DC for sinking (NPN) mode, or to +24 V DC for sourcing (PNP) mode. Both wiring schemes are clearly documented on the module label and in the user manual, allowing a single catalog number to serve plants with mixed sensor types or OEMs exporting machines to regions with differing field-device conventions.Universal relay outputs for AC and DC loads: The six electromechanical relay outputs are dry Form A contacts with independent commons grouped in pairs (two outputs per common). Because they are potential-free contacts, each output can switch AC (up to 250 V AC) or DC (up to 30 V DC) loads—a key advantage over solid-state DC-only outputs. This lets the 1762-IQ8OW6​ simultaneously drive a 24 V DC solenoid on one output and a 120 V AC stack light or small contactor on another, using separate AC and DC control voltage sources wired to the respective commons. Care should be taken to protect inductive AC loads with RC snubbers or surge suppressors to extend contact life.Transparent expansion bus integration with no DIP switches: When connected to a MicroLogix 1100/1200/1400 processor (or to another 1762 module daisy-chained from the processor), the 1762-IQ8OW6​ is auto-discovered by RSLogix Micro / RSLogix 500. The I/O slot position in the expansion chain determines the default data-file addresses (typically starting at :I.Data[x] and :O.Data[x]), which can be remapped in the I/O configuration dialog. No baud-rate setting, node address, or terminating resistor is required—reducing commissioning errors and startup time.Per-point LED diagnostics: Eight green input LEDs and six green output LEDs provide at-a-glance confirmation of field-signal state. An input LED that is off when the connected sensor should be active points to a wiring or sensor problem; an output LED that is on but the load does not actuate indicates a possible open load, blown fuse on the load side, or failed contact—separating logic problems from field problems in seconds. The Module OK LED (green steady = healthy, red flash = fault such as missing expansion cable or internal error) further aids quick troubleshooting.Rugged industrial design with removable terminal block: The 1762-IQ8OW6​ uses a detachable screw-terminal strip (1762-RTB18 or spring-clamp equivalent) that allows the entire module to be unplugged for replacement without disturbing field wires—keeping MTTR low during emergency maintenance. The module meets IEC 61131-2 Type 1/Type 2 input characteristics for noise immunity and is rated for Class I Division 2 hazardous locations when installed in a suitable enclosure, extending its applicability beyond general-purpose panels.