
Product Description
Siemens 6ES7401-2TA01-0AA0 ER2 Expansion Rack
18-Slot Aluminum Expansion Rack for SIMATIC S7-400 PLC Systems
The Siemens 6ES7401-2TA01-0AA0 is a high-capacity expansion rack (ER2) designed to extend SIMATIC S7-400 automation systems. This 18-slot aluminum rack enables scalable I/O expansion for complex industrial control applications requiring hundreds of I/O points.
💡 Why Add an ER2 Expansion Rack?
- ✅ Massive I/O Capacity – Add up to 18 modules per rack (digital, analog, communication)
- ✅ Distributed Architecture – Place I/O close to field devices, reduce cable runs
- ✅ Hot-Swap Support – Replace modules without system shutdown (with proper configuration)
- ✅ Seamless Integration – Connects via IM 460 interface modules to central rack
- ✅ Industrial Durability – Anodized aluminum for harsh environments
📐 Technical Specifications
| Order Number | 6ES7401-2TA01-0AA0 |
| Product Type | ER2 Expansion Rack |
| System | SIMATIC S7-400 |
| Slot Count | 18 slots (all for I/O, CP, FM modules) |
| Rack Type | Expansion (requires IM 460 interface) |
| Material | Anodized aluminum profile |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 830mm × 290mm × 219mm |
| Weight | Approx. 5.5 kg (without modules) |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +60°C (horizontal) 0°C to +40°C (vertical) |
| Humidity | 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing) |
| Vibration | IEC 60068-2-6 compliant |
| Certifications | CE, UL, cULus, ATEX, IECEx |
| Protection | IP20 |
| MTBF | >200,000 hours |
🔧 System Architecture
Expansion Rack Configuration
Slot Assignment: All 18 slots available for I/O and communication modules (no CPU or power supply slots)
Connection to Central Rack:
- Requires IM 460-0 (6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0) in central rack
- Requires IM 460-1 (6ES7460-1BA01-0AB0) in expansion rack Slot 1
- Connected via IM 460 interface cable (up to 10 meters)
Power Supply: Dedicated PS 405/407 power supply required in expansion rack
Maximum Configuration
- Up to 21 expansion racks per central rack
- Total system capacity: 396 slots (1 UR + 21 ER racks)
- Supports 65,536 I/O points maximum
🔌 Compatible Components
Required Interface Modules
- Central Rack: IM 460-0 (6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0)
- Expansion Rack: IM 460-1 (6ES7460-1BA01-0AB0) - install in Slot 1
- Interface Cable: 6ES7468-xxxx-xxxx (1m, 2.5m, 5m, 10m options)
Power Supplies (Required)
- PS 405 5A (6ES7405-0KA02-0AA0)
- PS 405 10A (6ES7405-0KR02-0AA0)
- PS 407 10A (6ES7407-0KA02-0AA0)
- PS 407 20A (6ES7407-0KR02-0AA0)
I/O Modules (All 18 Slots)
- Digital I/O: SM 421, SM 422
- Analog I/O: SM 431, SM 432
- Communication: CP 443 (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet)
- Function Modules: FM 450, FM 451, FM 452, FM 458
🛠️ Installation Guide
Step-by-Step Setup
- Mount Rack – Install horizontally in cabinet, ensure level alignment
- Install IM 460-1 – Place interface module in Slot 1 of expansion rack
- Install Power Supply – Add PS 405/407 in designated slot
- Connect Interface Cable – Link IM 460-0 (central) to IM 460-1 (expansion)
- Install I/O Modules – Add modules in Slots 2-18 as needed
- Configure in STEP 7 – Add expansion rack to hardware configuration
- Power Up – Energize central rack first, then expansion rack
- Verify Communication – Check BF LED on IM 460 modules (green = OK)
💡 Best Practices
- Leave 100mm clearance on sides for cable routing
- Use cable ducts to organize field wiring
- Label rack with position number (e.g., "ER2 - Rack 1")
- Document configuration in STEP 7 project
🏭 Industry Applications
Large Manufacturing Plants
Distribute I/O across multiple racks to minimize cable runs in automotive assembly, food processing, or pharmaceutical production lines.
Process Control
Expand analog I/O capacity for refineries, chemical plants, and water treatment facilities requiring hundreds of sensor inputs.
Building Automation
Deploy distributed control for multi-floor HVAC, lighting, and security systems in commercial buildings.
Power Generation
Scale turbine control systems with dedicated racks for different subsystems (boiler, generator, grid synchronization).
📊 Rack Selection Guide
| Rack Type | Order Number | Slots | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR1 | 6ES7400-1JA01-0AA0 | 9 | Central rack (compact systems) |
| UR2 | 6ES7400-1JA11-0AA0 | 18 | Central rack (large systems) |
| ER1 | 6ES7400-1TA01-0AA0 | 9 | Expansion rack (small) |
| ER2 (This Product) | 6ES7401-2TA01-0AA0 | 18 | Expansion rack (large) |
| CR2 | 6ES7400-2JA00-0AA0 | 18 | Segmented rack (redundancy) |
Recommendation: Choose ER2 when you need maximum I/O density per rack. For smaller expansions, ER1 (9 slots) is more cost-effective.
🛡️ Authenticity Guarantee
⚠️ Counterfeit Rack Risks
- ❌ Backplane failures causing module communication errors
- ❌ Poor grounding leading to EMI-induced faults
- ❌ Structural weakness under module weight
- ❌ Voided Siemens warranty on entire system
✅ Industrial Control Hub Guarantee
- 🔒 100% Genuine Siemens – Factory-sealed with holographic labels
- 📜 Full Traceability – Serial numbers and manufacturing dates
- 🌍 Authorized Distributor – Verify at Siemens Industry Mall
- 🛡️ 24-Month Warranty – Global manufacturer warranty
- 📦 Secure Shipping – Custom crating to prevent damage
📦 Package Contents
- 1× Siemens 6ES7401-2TA01-0AA0 ER2 expansion rack (18-slot)
- Mounting hardware kit
- Grounding terminal and hardware
- Product documentation
Not Included: IM 460 interface modules, power supply, I/O modules, and interface cable must be ordered separately.
🤝 Technical Support
- 📧 System Design – Email your I/O requirements for rack sizing
- 📚 Documentation – Siemens manuals, CAD drawings, configuration guides
- 🔧 Installation Help – Remote support for commissioning
- 🔄 30-Day Returns – Unused items in original packaging
❓ FAQ
Q: What's the difference between ER1 and ER2?
A: ER1 has 9 slots, ER2 has 18 slots. Both are expansion racks requiring IM 460 interface modules.
Q: Can I use this rack without a central rack?
A: No, ER2 is an expansion rack only. You need a UR1 or UR2 central rack with CPU.
Q: How many ER2 racks can I connect?
A: Up to 21 expansion racks (ER1/ER2 combined) per central rack.
Q: Does this rack include a power supply?
A: No, you must order PS 405 or PS 407 separately.
Q: Can I mix ER1 and ER2 racks in the same system?
A: Yes, you can combine different expansion rack types as needed.