Common Problem: The PanelView 550 Goes Dark
If you’ve worked with the Allen-Bradley PanelView 550 (2711-K5/B5) for any amount of time, you know one thing: the backlight doesn’t last forever.
Over time, the original cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) dims out or dies completely. And unfortunately, the OEM backlights are now obsolete. That leaves most teams staring down two expensive options:
- Replace the entire HMI unit
- Or pull the machine out of commission while you hunt for a fix
In high-output industrial environments, downtime isn’t an option—and full replacements aren’t exactly budget-friendly.
The Easy Solution: Backlight Replacement, Not Full Replacement
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to replace the whole terminal. All you need is a new light source.
Monitech offers an exact-fit fiber optic long backlight replacement specifically designed for the PanelView 550. You can view it here.
It solves the display issue in minutes—no guesswork, no custom mods.
Why it Works:
- Engineered to match the 2711-K5/B5 terminals
- Brighter, longer-lasting display
- No need to alter or reconfigure the housing
- Ships within 2 business days from Canada
- Warranty included
We’ve seen maintenance teams across North America slash repair times using this one part.
Real-World Fix: A Quick Win on the Shop Floor
One customer—an industrial plastics manufacturer—faced daily machine errors due to a nearly invisible PanelView 550 interface.
Rather than replace the full unit (quoted at $2,000+ and 3-week lead time), they installed our fiber optic backlight replacement in under 20 minutes.
By the next shift, the terminal was back online. The glow was crisp, the screen fully legible, and their line productivity returned to normal.
No programming, no delays, no panic.
Where to Buy the Replacement
You can order your PanelView 550 backlight replacement directly from Monitech:
Buy it here
Note: Inventory moves fast due to high OEM demand. If it’s in stock, don’t wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this work with all PanelView 550 models?
A: It is specifically designed for Allen-Bradley 2711-K5/B5 units. If you’re unsure, contact us with your part number—we’ll confirm fitment.
Q: How difficult is it to install?
A: If you’re comfortable swapping industrial components, you’ll find it straightforward. Most users complete the install in 15–20 minutes.
Q: What if the part doesn’t fit?
A: We’ve got your back—contact us and we’ll make it right.
Q: Do you offer installation support?
A: Yes! Our Repair Services include expert installation, and we can walk you through the process if needed.
Bonus: We Also Offer Repair Services and Custom Builds
If your PanelView unit is beyond a simple backlight fix, we also provide full Repair Services.
Need something unique? Check out our Custom Solutions—we’ve built display solutions for every kind of legacy hardware you can imagine.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Your PanelView 550 Go Dark
When your HMI display fails, downtime can cost more than just money. It disrupts workflow, slows production, and creates unnecessary stress for your team.
Instead of waiting on OEM lead times or replacing the whole terminal, just bring the light back with Monitech’s fiber optic backlight replacement.
Order now before stock runs out and get your machines back online—fast.