1734-EP24DC — POINT I/O 24V DC Field Power Extender Module

The 1734-EP24DC is a field power extender for 1734 POINT I/O nodes. It doesn't process I/O signals or communicate with the controller — its sole job is to introduce a new 24V DC field power segment partway along a POINT I/O node, allowing the modules to its right to draw field power from a different supply than the modules to its left.

This matters for two reasons in practice. First, POINT I/O nodes have a finite field power current budget that the adapter and terminal base can supply; once a node grows large enough, additional field current capacity is needed. Second, some applications deliberately segregate field power — safety-related outputs on one supply, standard I/O on another, or devices from different panel zones on separate circuits for fault isolation. The 1734-EP24DC handles both cases with a single module insertion.

Specifications

Parameter	Value
Part Number	1734-EP24DC
Platform	POINT I/O (1734)
Function	24V DC field power segment extender
Input Voltage	24V DC (10–28.8V)
Max Field Current (output side)	10 A
Backplane Current Consumed (5V)	10 mA
Field Wiring Terminals	V+ and V− on terminal base
Module Width	Standard POINT I/O slot
Operating Temperature	−20°C to 55°C
Standards	UL 508, CE, IEC 61131-2

Power Segmentation in POINT I/O Nodes

Field power in a POINT I/O node enters at the adapter module and flows along the terminal base rail to power all modules in the node. The adapter itself, along with the first terminal base, establishes the initial field power segment. Without any extenders, all modules share one power source — fine for small nodes, but limiting as nodes grow or as application requirements demand separate supply circuits.

Inserting a 1734-EP24DC at any position in the node creates a new segment starting from that slot and continuing to the right. The modules to the left continue drawing from the original supply; the modules to the right draw from the new supply connected to the extender's terminals. Multiple extenders can be placed in the same node, creating as many segments as needed — each fed independently.

From the controller's perspective, the power extender is invisible. It occupies no address, generates no data, and requires no configuration in Studio 5000. It's purely a hardware infrastructure element.

Planning a Segmented Node

Before placing extenders, it helps to lay out the node with power segmentation in mind:

Group modules by their field supply requirements — all modules sharing the same supply should be in the same contiguous segment.
Estimate the maximum simultaneous field current draw for each segment. Add up the worst-case current of all output modules in the segment at full load. This is the minimum current rating for that segment's supply.
Place the 1734-EP24DC at the boundary between segments. Physical module order in the POINT I/O node determines which modules fall in which segment — changing the segment boundary means physically repositioning modules on the terminal base.
Document the final segment layout and each supply's fusing arrangement. Future maintenance technicians need to know which supply feeds which modules before disconnecting anything for repair.

The 1734-EP24DC occupies one module slot but does not consume an I/O address. However, it does consume one of the eight available module positions on a POINT I/O node. On nodes approaching the eight-module limit, plan the extender placement carefully so the slot isn't wasted in an inconvenient position.

FAQ

Q: Does the 1734-EP24DC appear in Studio 5000's I/O configuration?

No. It has no I/O data and requires no configuration. It is not added to the I/O tree — the software is unaware of its presence. Module slot numbering in the I/O tree still increments past the extender's physical position.

Q: Can it accept a different voltage than 24V DC — for example, 12V DC?

The module is rated for 10–28.8V DC input, so 12V DC is within range. However, downstream I/O modules must also be compatible with 12V field power. Most 1734 digital I/O modules are specified for 24V DC field power; running them at 12V will likely cause unreliable operation or no operation at all.

Q: How many extenders can be placed in a single node?

There's no protocol-level limit on extender count, but each one consumes one of the eight available module slots per node. In practice, most nodes use one or two extenders. If more segments are needed, consider splitting the I/O into multiple nodes on the same adapter network instead.

Q: Is fusing required on each segment supply?

External fusing on each field supply input is strongly recommended for fault isolation and code compliance. A blown fuse on one segment should not take down adjacent segments — independent fusing per segment ensures that outcome.

1734-EP24DC New Point I/o Expansion Power Module Ser B 1734EP24DC