SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 SIMATIC S5-155U Rack without Power Supply and Fan

SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 SIMATIC S5-155U Rack without Power Supply and Fan - Image 2

SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 SIMATIC S5-155U Rack without Power Supply and Fan

Product Overview

The SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 is a central device chassis or universal rack belonging to the SIMATIC S5 family, specifically engineered to serve as the foundational hardware backbone for large-scale S5-135U and S5-155U control systems. This robust rack, often designated as the UR2-H, is designed to physically support and electrically interconnect the various modules that constitute a powerful S5-based automation central controller. The SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 provides the necessary mechanical framework and backplane bus system for installing the CPU, power supply, I/O modules, and communication processors that form the core of a process control or factory automation system. The 6ES5188-3UH51 is procured as an empty chassis, deliberately excluding the power supply and fan modules to allow users the flexibility to select components that precisely match their system’s power budget and cooling requirements.

At the core of the SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 is its high-quality, multilayer backplane PCB with gold-plated connectors, which integrates the S5 system bus. This backplane is responsible for the distribution of power and the high-speed transmission of address, data, and control signals between all plugged-in modules. Depending on configuration, the 6ES5188-3UH51 features an impressive 21 module slots, providing ample space for complex system configurations. This makes the SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 indispensable for maintaining and extending legacy S5 automation systems that are still the backbone of many heavy industries. For users requiring a central rack for a high-availability system, a variant of the 6ES5188-3UH51 also serves as the CD 155H chassis for the SIMATIC S5-155H redundant controller system.

Description

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	6ES5188-3UH51
Manufacturer	Siemens
Product Type	Central Rack / Chassis (UR2-H Universal Rack)
Series	SIMATIC S5 (S5-135U / S5-155U / S5-155H)
Number of Slots	21 Module Slots (excluding dedicated PS/Fan slots)
Backplane Bus	S5 System Bus with DIN 41612 Connectors
Included Components	Rack Enclosure, Backplane, Connectors
Excluded Components	Power Supply Module, Fan Module, CPU, I/O Modules
Mounting Type	19-inch Rack Mount or DIN Rail with brackets
Material	High-Strength Steel Chassis with PCB Backplane
Operating Temperature	0°C to +60°C (dependent on fan operation)
Storage Temperature	-40°C to +70°C
Protection Rating	IP20 (for installation inside a cabinet)
Approximate Dimensions	480 × 280 × 250 mm (W×H×D)
Approximate Weight	9.0–12.0 kg (Empty Rack)

Main Features and Advantages

The SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 delivers exceptional value for maintaining and building robust S5-based control systems through its sturdy construction and highly modular architecture. Its primary strength lies in its robust physical design. The 6ES5188-3UH51 is crafted from high-strength steel, providing a durable framework that can withstand the rigors of industrial environments, including vibration and thermal stress, ensuring long-term stability for the critical modules it houses. The internal backplane, featuring gold-plated DIN 41612 connectors, guarantees reliable electrical connections and minimal signal degradation, which is essential for the error-free operation of the entire PLC system.

A key feature of the SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 is its “empty chassis” design philosophy. By shipping without the power supply and fan, the 6ES5188-3UH51 offers complete flexibility to system integrators. Users can select a power supply module (such as the 6ES5951 or 6ES5955 series) with precisely the right current capacity for their specific configuration and a fan module (6ES5981 series) suited for the thermal load of the installed modules. This design prevents overspending on unnecessary capacity and allows for future expansion. The SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 is also lauded for its scalability; its large 21-slot count and compatibility with S5-155U CPU modules, interface modules, and a wide range of I/O and communication modules make it the ideal foundation for building the central controller of large, complex industrial processes.

The SIEMENS 6ES5188-3UH51 is a vital asset for the legacy automation market. As the SIMATIC S5 series is fully discontinued, finding a structurally sound and fully tested chassis like the 6ES5188-3UH51 is critical for plant operators. It provides the means to replace a damaged, corroded, or failing rack, thereby preventing catastrophic system downtime that can cost millions in lost production. The availability of a reliable 6ES5188-3UH51 allows aging but productive industrial assets to continue operating safely and efficiently without the massive investment required for a full system migration to newer PLC platforms.