Reliance 45C-310
May 28, 2026

Reliance 45C-310

The 45C-310 is a 6-slot card rack (backplane enclosure) for the Reliance AutoMate 30/40 series PLC, developed by Reliance Electric (later ABB/Baldor Reliance). It serves as the mounting housing and power/data distribution backbone for CPU, I/O, and communication modules in legacy AutoMate systems. This model is discontinued; only refurbished, surplus, or NOS units are available for legacy system maintenance and replacement.

Description

Product Description

The 45C-310 is a 6-slot card rack (backplane enclosure) for the Reliance AutoMate 30/40 series PLC, developed by Reliance Electric (later ABB/Baldor Reliance). It serves as the mounting housing and power/data distribution backbone for CPU, I/O, and communication modules in legacy AutoMate systems. This model is discontinued; only refurbished, surplus, or NOS units are available for legacy system maintenance and replacement.

Model Number Interpretation

  • 45C: Unified prefix for Reliance AutoMate 45C-series control components.

  • 310: Designates the compact 6-slot rack (smallest in the AutoMate 30/40 rack family) for housing system modules.

  • No suffix: Indicates the original hardware revision; variants like 45C310A/B denote updated revisions with structural or connectivity improvements.

  • Hyphen: Standard industrial part number formatting; does not affect performance or compatibility.

Technical Specifications

  • Slot Count: 6 total slots (3 long slots for CPU/processor modules, 3 short slots for I/O/communication modules).

  • Backplane Type: Proprietary AutoMate 30/40 series backplane for power and data exchange.

  • Material: Rugged metal housing for industrial durability.

  • Weight: Approximately 0.88 kg.

  • Mounting: Top/bottom metal brackets for panel mounting; rear mounting points for secure installation.

  • Ventilation: Top/bottom vents for airflow and heat dissipation.

  • Operating Environment: -10°C to +50°C, 5%–95% non-condensing humidity.

  • Power Distribution: Distributes 24 VDC from backplane to installed modules.

Interface and Configuration

  • Module Installation: Side-loading design for easy insertion/removal of modules.

  • Backplane Connector: Internal edge connectors for module-to-backplane power and data communication.

  • Mounting Style: Panel-mountable; compatible with standard industrial control panel dimensions.

Core Functions

  • Acts as the physical housing and structural support for AutoMate 30/40 series PLC modules (CPU, I/O, communication).

  • Distributes power and facilitates high-speed data exchange between all installed modules via the proprietary backplane.

  • Provides mechanical protection and EMI shielding for internal components in harsh industrial environments.

  • Enables system scalability: supports up to 6 modules for compact, small-scale automation systems.

Application Scenarios

  • Replacement of damaged 6-slot racks in legacy AutoMate 30/40 series PLC systems.

  • Compact industrial automation applications: small manufacturing cells, packaging machines, material handling, and building automation.

  • Legacy equipment retrofitting: maintains compatibility with original AutoMate 30/40 module architecture, reducing upgrade costs.

  • Systems requiring a small, cost-effective rack for basic PLC control and I/O integration.

Usage and Maintenance Instructions

  • Installation: Mount the rack securely to the control panel using top/bottom brackets; ensure proper ventilation around vents.

  • Module Insertion: Cut system power before inserting modules into designated slots; push modules firmly until seated and secure with screws.

  • Power-On Check: Verify all modules are properly seated and backplane connections are secure before applying power.

  • Routine Maintenance: Quarterly cleaning of dust from vents and connectors; inspect mounting brackets for tightness; avoid moisture/contaminant exposure.

  • Safety: Disconnect all power and wait for full discharge before disassembly/maintenance to prevent electric shock.


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