Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ – PowerFlex Remote LCD HIM with Full Numeric Keypad, IP66/NEMA 4X Rated

Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ is a remote-mounted Human Interface Module (HIM) developed by Rockwell Automation for its PowerFlex family of AC drives. Featuring a backlit LCD display and a full numeric keypad, the Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ provides machine operators with a rugged, intuitive local interface for drive configuration, real-time monitoring, parameter adjustment and fault diagnostics—all without requiring a laptop, a networked HMI terminal or access to the interior of a live control cabinet. Designed specifically for panel- or cabinet-door mounting, the Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ is the "operator window" that brings PowerFlex drive intelligence directly to the point of use, enabling start/stop control, speed reference adjustment, jog operation and JAM detection from a sealed, glove-friendly front panel. As a member of the PowerFlex 7-Class remote small HIM series, the Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ connects to the host drive via the Drive Peripheral Interface (DPI) protocol over a 3-meter 1202-C30 cable (included as standard). The DPI link supports data rates of 125 Kbps or 500 Kbps, delivering responsive, deterministic communication between the HIM and the drive's internal controller. Power is drawn directly from the host drive—12 VDC at approximately 140 mA—so no external power supply is required, dramatically simplifying installation. The Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ is compatible with a broad range of PowerFlex drives, including the 70, 700, 700H, 700L, 700S and 7000 series (note: PowerFlex 750-series drives require a DPI-2 panel and are not supported by the C3S). Engineered for harsh industrial environments, the Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ carries an IP66 and NEMA 4X/12 rating, making it resistant to dust, oil, water jets and the corrosive atmospheres typical of food-and-beverage washdown areas, chemical plants and outdoor installations. The front panel is sealed with a one-time adhesive coated gasket that, once installed, guarantees the IP66 enclosure rating. With compact dimensions of 180 × 25 × 93 mm and a weight of just 0.173 kg, the ​ occupies minimal space on the cabinet door while delivering maximum operator value. Although Rockwell Automation officially discontinued the ​ as of October 31, 2023, with the 20-HIM-C6S designated as the direct replacement, the ​ remains a heavily sought-after spare part for maintaining the vast installed base of PowerFlex drives operating in factories, water treatment plants, mining sites and process facilities worldwide.

 

Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Product Model 20-HIM-C3S
Manufacturer Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
Product Type Remote Human Interface Module (HIM)
Compatible Drives PowerFlex 70, 700, 700H, 700L, 700S, 7000 series (DPI protocol)
Display Backlit LCD, alphanumeric, multi-line
Keypad Full numeric keypad (0–9, decimal, +/-, Enter, Esc, 4-way navigation, function keys)
Communication Interface Drive Peripheral Interface (DPI)
Data Rate 125 Kbps / 500 Kbps
Included Cable 1202-C30 (3-meter DPI cable)
Supply Voltage 12 VDC (sourced from host drive backplane)
Current Draw 140 mA @ 12 VDC
External Power Supply Not required
Mounting Cabinet-door / remote panel mount (cutout required)
Protection Rating IP66, NEMA Type 4X / 12 (indoor use)
Gasket One-time adhesive coated gasket for IP66 seal
Dimensions (H × W × D) 180 × 25 × 93 mm
Weight 0.173 kg
Operating Temperature 0 °C to +50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)
Storage Temperature -40 °C to +85 °C
Humidity 5%–95% RH, non-condensing
Vibration Resistance 2.5 G @ 5 Hz (operating), 5 G @ 5 Hz (at rest)
Key Functions Start/Stop, Jog, parameter editing, fault display, CopyCat cloning
Lifecycle Status Discontinued (Oct 31, 2023); replaced by 20-HIM-C6S
Warranty 1-year standard

 

Main Features and Advantages

Remote cabinet-door operation for enhanced safety: The defining advantage of the Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ is its ability to bring drive intelligence to the outside of a sealed control cabinet. Instead of requiring operators to open live enclosures—exposing themselves to arc-flash and electrical hazards—the Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ mounts on the cabinet door and communicates with the drive over a 3-meter DPI cable. This allows safe, immediate access to drive parameters, speed references and fault diagnostics from the factory floor, dramatically improving operator safety and reducing the time required to respond to process upsets.

Full numeric keypad with intuitive navigation: Unlike basic potentiometer-style speed pots, the Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ features a complete 24-key full numeric keypad with digits 0–9, decimal point, +/- sign, Enter, Escape, four-way directional navigation and function keys. This full keyboard enables operators to directly enter precise frequency setpoints, navigate deep parameter menus, edit individual parameter values and execute advanced drive functions such as Jog, JAM detection and S.M.A.R.T. View diagnostics. The keys are sealed and glove-operable, making the Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ practical for cold storage, food processing and outdoor environments where operators wear protective gear.

Backlit LCD for clear visibility in all conditions: The Allen-Bradley 20-HIM-C3S​ incorporates a backlit alphanumeric LCD display that remains readable in dimly lit equipment rooms, nighttime outdoor installations and high-ambient-light factory floors alike. The display presents real-time drive status—output frequency, motor current, fault codes, parameter values and custom monitoring lists—through an intuitive menu structure that minimizes training time. When a fault or alarm occurs, the LCD backlight flashes to immediately draw operator attention, reducing diagnostic time and getting the process back online faster.

CopyCat parameter cloning for rapid deployment: A standout productivity feature of the ​ is its built-in CopyCat functionality, which allows maintenance teams to upload a drive’s complete parameter set from one ​ and download it to another drive in seconds. This capability is invaluable when commissioning multiple identical drive systems—such as conveyor zones, pump banks or fan arrays—because the first drive can be tuned, then its configuration rapidly cloned to all others. CopyCat also serves as a disaster-recovery backup: a drive’s parameters can be captured before maintenance and restored afterward, eliminating the risk of lost configuration.

Rugged industrial construction with IP66/NEMA 4X sealing: The ​ is built to survive the harshest industrial environments. Its front panel meets IP66 and NEMA 4X/12 standards, resisting dust ingress, water jets, oil splatter and corrosive atmospheres. The one-time adhesive gasket, when properly installed, guarantees the IP66 seal for the life of the installation. This makes the ​ ideal for washdown areas in food and beverage plants, chemical processing facilities, water treatment plants and outdoor equipment enclosures where conventional HMIs would quickly fail.

DPI communication with bumpless transfer and brand-neutrality: The ​ communicates over the DPI protocol at 125/500 Kbps, providing fast, deterministic data exchange with the host drive. Its Preload Reference Event feature enables bumpless transfer when switching between local HIM control and remote network control references, preventing sudden speed or torque jumps that could disrupt the process. The ​ also works with Reliance Electric brand DPI drives, offering flexibility in mixed-vendor installations and protecting existing investment in legacy equipment.

Compact, lightweight and easy to install: At just 180 × 25 × 93 mm and 0.173 kg, the ​ installs into a standard panel cutout with minimal effort. The included 1202-C30 3-meter cable provides immediate connectivity to the drive’s DPI port, and the module draws its 12 VDC power directly from the drive—no separate power supply, conduit or wiring is required. This plug-and-play simplicity reduces installation time and cost, making the ​ the preferred operator interface for both new machine builds and retrofit projects.

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