How to Efficiently Source Appleton and Allen Bradley Parts for Your Automation Needs

Whether you are maintaining an established system or building one from the ground up, having timely access to high-quality components can mean the difference between costly downtime and uninterrupted productivity in many sectors. For securing reliable parts that meet various control, safety, and power distribution needs in automated environments, two manufacturers stand out to meet such demands: Allen Bradley and Appleton.

Allen Bradley, a Rockwell Automation brand, has long been known for its innovative and modular automation products that fit the needs of manufacturing processes. Meanwhile, Appleton, a subsidiary of Emerson Electric, is best known for industrial-grade electrical fittings and lighting products that are designed to endure harsh environments. To effectively source these components for your automation needs, read on as we cover some helpful tips and a handful of the most noteworthy offerings from these two manufacturers.

Step 1: Determine Your Automation Requirements

Before diving into the procurement process, you must first evaluate the overall goals and constraints of your automation setup to select parts that will be efficient and work long-term. In particular, consider the:

• Type of System: Are you managing motion control, process control, or discrete automation?
• Performance Objectives: What level of reliability, speed, or throughput does the system need to achieve?
• Scope of Automation: Will the automation be implemented in full across operations or only in select areas?
• Safety Standards: What industry-specific regulations must the equipment comply with?
• Intended Environment: Are components exposed to moisture, dust, or temperature extremes?
• Compatibility and Anticipated Scalability: Will new components integrate with existing infrastructure, including legacy systems? Will the system need future expansion?

Asking these questions will guide your selection process and narrow your focus when navigating Allen Bradley or Appleton catalogs.

Step 2: Explore Noteworthy Allen Bradley Products

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Allen Bradley’s PLCs, such as the CompactLogix and MicroLogix series, form the backbone of many automation systems, featuring:

• Modular or standalone designs
• Integrated Ethernet/IP for streamlined communication
• Memory expansion capabilities
• Seamless integration with Rockwell’s Studio 5000 software to support programming

Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs)

PanelView HMIs from Allen Bradley enable interaction between personnel and machines, creating an intuitive method for operating and monitoring systems with:

• High-resolution touchscreens
• Scalable screen sizes
• Customizable interface layouts for diagnostics, alerts, and control feedback

Sensors and Switches

For precision control, object detection, and reliable safety monitoring, Allen Bradley presents a variety of high-performance sensing and switching solutions, such as:

• Proximity Sensors: Allen Bradley’s Bulletin 871C and 872C series detect metal objects without making physical contact, boasting high switching frequencies and enhanced resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI). These sensors are also available with IP67 or higher ratings for use in washdown or harsh industrial environments.
• Photoelectric Sensors: Models like the Allen Bradley 42AF RightSight™ M30 series offer long-range object detection with background suppression and adjustable sensing distances. Moreover, some versions of their sensors support IO-Link communication for advanced diagnostics and parameterization.
• Limit Switches: Allen Bradley’s 802T limit switches provide heavy-duty mechanical positioning feedback with various actuator styles and contact configurations.
• Encoders: Industrial encoders like the Bulletin 845G and 842E series give high-resolution rotary feedback with programmable output ranges, as well as either optical or magnetic sensing technologies.

Step 3: Examine Popular Appleton Offerings

Electrical Fittings and Connectors

Appleton provides a broad selection of products engineered to create secure, code-compliant electrical connections, including:

• Conduit Fittings: Appleton’s elbows, couplings, and connectors are built for both rigid and flexible conduit systems. Products like the ST Series Steel Compression Fittings and Form 85 set-screw connectors feature precision-machined threads, durable zinc-electroplated steel construction, and corrosion-resistant coatings, designed to maintain ground continuity and resist vibration.
• Cable Glands: The TMCX and ST™ Series provide secure cable retention while maintaining a high level of ingress protection, with ratings up to IP66/IP68 and suitability for use in NEC Class I, Division 2 and Class II, Division 1 areas. These glands are constructed with strain relief, explosionproof sealing, and flameproofing.
• Explosionproof Fittings: Appleton explosionproof fittings such as the UNILETS® line of conduit outlets and ECG Series explosionproof unions meet Class I, Division 1 and Class II, Division 1 hazardous location standards. Cast from high-strength malleable iron or copper-free aluminum, these fittings contain any internal explosion and prevent the ignition of surrounding vapors.

Junction Boxes and Enclosures

Appleton provides NEMA-rated and explosionproof enclosures that house sensitive control and connection hardware. They tend to have:

• Cast aluminum and stainless steel housings
• Watertight, corrosion-resistant designs
• Pre-configured or customizable options with multiple hub entries

Industrial Lighting and Power Distribution

Appleton also offers lighting and power solutions for industrial environments, such as:

• LED and HID Lighting Fixtures: The Appleton Areamaster™ and Mercmaster™ series are designed for hazardous, marine, and wet locations. They boast an output up to 38,000 lumens, wide ambient temperature tolerance, and corrosion-resistant aluminum housings.
• Portable Power Distribution Units: Appleton portable power systems, including the Powertite® and U-Line® series, deliver reliable temporary power in field environments with their impact-resistant enclosures, heavy-duty receptacles, and weatherproof designs.
• Panelboards for Branch Circuit Control: Appleton’s FDPB and EBR Series explosionproof panelboards provide safe branch circuit distribution in hazardous areas. Constructed from copper-free aluminum, they include factory-sealed or field-sealable options to ensure code compliance and environmental protection.

Step 4: Strategies for Efficient Sourcing

To avoid incompatibility and avoid costly delays when sourcing any products, consider requesting technical documentation like product data sheets and certifications to guarantee that components of interest meet your installation’s requirements. Beyond that, if you do not go straight to the source for parts, you should always choose a trusted procurement partner. Working with a reliable third-party distributor is advantageous for:

• Access to inventory from multiple reputable manufacturers in a single location
• Support in sourcing hard-to-find or discontinued components
• Assistance with bulk purchases and custom packaging
• Quality assurance with documentation and traceability

Work With Industrial Automation Sourcing

Sourcing automation components from manufacturers like Allen Bradley and Appleton is made easy with Industrial Automation Sourcing, a platform operated by leading distributor ASAP Semiconductor. This website presents an extensive inventory of top-quality, ready to purchase products, which can be easily searched on our database by common designations like manufacturer, part type, NSN, and more. Moreover, with our efficient Request for Quote (RFQ) service, you can readily secure competitive, timely fulfillment options that are tailored to your needs. We look forward to supporting your automation endeavors and beyond with unrivaled service, so check out our selection and connect with our experts at your convenience.