PLC Programming Cable Kit USB to DB9 10ft - Reliable PLC Link

In this review the PLC Cables Inc aftermarket kit is evaluated for technicians and engineers who need a practical, no-frills set of PLC programming leads. The kit bundles a USB to male 9 pin (DB9) adapter with short Allen Bradley-compatible leads 1747-CP3 and 1761-CBL-PM02, making it useful for troubleshooting and programming legacy PLCs. The single biggest reason to buy is the convenience of a three-cable solution that removes the need to source multiple adapters separately, saving time when moving between RS232 and device-specific serial ports.

Key Features

• Three-cable kit: Includes a USB to RS232 adapter plus short 1747-CP3 and 1761-CBL-PM02 leads to cover common Allen Bradley programming ports without extra purchases.
• 10ft USB adapter: The USB to male 9 pin (DB9) cable provides extended reach for workbench and field setups, reducing strain and allowing flexible positioning of laptops and devices.
• Compact short leads: The two short Allen Bradley-compatible cables are about 20 in each, ideal for tidy connections at control cabinets and close-range programming.
• Aftermarket compatibility: Designed to work with Allen Bradley 1747-CP3 and 1761-CBL-PM02 style ports, offering a cost-effective substitute for OEM cables.
• Universal USB interface: USB connectivity makes the adapter easy to use with modern laptops that lack native serial ports, simplifying serial-to-USB conversion.

Who It's For

This kit is aimed at automation technicians, maintenance engineers, and hobbyists who regularly program or troubleshoot legacy PLCs that use RS232 or short proprietary leads. It is especially useful for those who want a compact, portable set to carry between machines without juggling multiple single-purpose cables.

It is less suited for users who need ultra-long runs of serial cable beyond the provided 10 ft or those requiring certified OEM cables for warranty or vendor support reasons. If you need sealed or industrial-molded connectors for harsh environments, consider a ruggedized alternative.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Convenient three-in-one kit consolidates USB to RS232 and two Allen Bradley style leads for immediate use.
• 10 ft USB adapter offers good reach for lab benches and field setups without an additional extension.
• Short 20 in leads keep connections tidy inside control cabinets and reduce clutter during programming.

Cons

• Aftermarket kit may lack vendor certification that some industrial procurement requires.
• Not intended for long, ruggedized installations where sealed connectors or extreme durability are needed.

Specifications

Product type	USB to RS232/Allen Bradley cable kit
Includes	USB to DB9 adapter, short 1747-CP3 lead, short 1761-CBL-PM02 lead
USB adapter length	Approximately 10 ft
Short cable length	About 20 in each
Connector on adapter	Male 9 pin (DB9)
Compatibility	Allen Bradley style 1747-CP3 and 1761-CBL-PM02 ports

Our Verdict

The PLC Cables Inc aftermarket USB to DB9 and Allen Bradley lead kit is a practical, cost-effective choice for technicians needing a portable programming solution. It combines useful cable lengths and relevant connectors for most bench and field programming tasks, offering good value for those who do not require OEM-certified or ruggedized cabling for harsh industrial environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work with modern laptops?
Yes, the USB interface allows use with laptops that lack native serial ports; a driver may be required for the USB to serial adapter depending on the operating system.

Are these genuine Allen Bradley cables?
They are aftermarket cables compatible with 1747-CP3 and 1761-CBL-PM02 style ports, not OEM-labeled Allen Bradley originals.

Can the 10 ft adapter be extended?
You can use a USB extension if needed, but for long RS232 runs a dedicated serial cable or signal booster is recommended.