How Many Process Objects Does a CPU 410-5H Include, and Is the SEC Supplied?

A CPU 410-5H does not have one universal default process-object count. Its System Expansion Card (SEC) sets the maximum loadable PO count, and the CPU will not operate without a valid SEC. Siemens documentation lists SEC options from 0 to 2k+ POs; product bundles can include a specific SEC and runtime licenses. Check the exact order number and delivery configuration to confirm what is supplied.

What the process-object count means

In PCS 7, CFC counts and manages the process objects used by an application. For productive operation, the AS must have sufficient AS Runtime PO licenses, and the associated CPU 410-5H SEC must support at least the same PO count. These are related but distinct checks: an SEC determines the CPU's maximum loadable PO capacity; runtime licensing authorizes productive operation. Siemens documents this scaling model for the CPU 410-5H in its August 2021 System Manual, section 2.9.1.

CPU 410-5H SEC capacity options

The 2021 CPU 410 Process Automation System Manual lists CPU 410-5H SEC variants of 0, 100, 500, 1,000, 1,600 and 2k+ POs. It states that the SEC is inserted in the slot at the back of the CPU and is essential hardware: without a valid SEC, the CPU does not start. The PO 0 SEC requires storing the required PO count on the card before first use. The manual's table does not mean every shipped CPU starts with 100 usable POs; the actual capacity depends on the SEC and license configuration ordered.

Is the SEC included with the CPU?

That depends on the ordered item or bundle. Siemens' PCS 7 product catalog distinguishes the individual CPU 410-5H (order number 6ES7410-5HX08-0AB0) from bundles that explicitly combine a CPU with an SEC, such as the historical 100 PO bundle 6ES7654-5CJ00-0XF0 and 500 PO bundle 6ES7654-5CL00-0XF0. Its ordering data also lists selectable SEC capacities. Those catalog examples establish that a bundle can include an SEC; they do not establish what is included in every later quote, regional offer, or replacement CPU shipment. Confirm the full order number, options, and delivery list.

Check the AS PO ceiling and runtime licenses separately

For each PCS 7 automation system, compare the CFC-reported PO usage with (1) the capacity configured on that CPU's SEC and (2) the AS Runtime PO license quantity. In a redundant CPU 410-5H system, Siemens requires matching SEC PO quantities on both CPUs. The exact number and type of licenses included in a bundle are order-specific; verify them in the project's license inventory and the equipment order documentation. Do not count the SEC label alone as proof that the corresponding AS Runtime license is present.

Procedure: confirm what a new unit includes

Record the complete CPU and bundle order numbers from the quotation, packing list, or installed equipment records.
Check whether the order is for the individual CPU or a bundle whose description explicitly includes an SEC and states its PO capacity.
Inspect the SEC installed at the rear of the CPU and read its PO designation without removing it while energized.
In the PCS 7 engineering project, review the PO count managed by CFC for the target AS.
Compare the configured requirement with the SEC capacity, then separately confirm sufficient AS Runtime PO licensing for productive operation.
For a redundant AS 410H, verify the installed SECs have matching PO quantities, as required by the CPU manual.
Resolve any mismatch through the documented order/licensing process before commissioning or downloading an expanded project.

What to plan when adding a CPU to a multi-AS plant

Treat the new CPU's PO capacity as an AS-specific planning item. Establish the new AS's expected project PO count, confirm the appropriate SEC and AS Runtime license, and verify compatibility with the PCS 7 release and CPU firmware used for that installation. Do not infer its license entitlement or available capacity from the six existing PLCs; their SECs, runtime licenses, and project loads do not identify what is included with the new unit.

Verification

Before commissioning, verify that the full order number matches the expected CPU/SEC bundle, the installed SEC's capacity is adequate for the CFC-managed PO count, and the AS Runtime PO license inventory covers productive operation. For a redundant CPU pair, confirm matching SEC PO counts on both CPUs. Preserve the bill of materials and license records with the engineering documentation so the capacity can be checked during later expansion or replacement.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

The original question does not identify the PCS 7 version, full CPU order number, bundle, SEC marking, license inventory, or whether the AS is redundant. The CPU manual cited here applies to CPU 410-5H order number 6ES7410-5HX08-0AB0 as of firmware V8.2 and identifies PCS 7 V9.0 or higher for that documented hardware version. Ordering bundles vary by date and market; the 2013 product catalog is historical evidence of bundle structure, not a current quotation. Do not remove or replace an SEC during operation; the CPU manual treats it as essential hardware, and CPU removal/replacement affects availability. Follow the site's shutdown, redundancy, licensing, and change-control procedure.

Engineer FAQ

Does every CPU 410-5H come with 100 POs? No. The SEC capacity depends on the ordered configuration. A 100 PO bundle existed, but other SEC capacities and individual CPU ordering options are documented. Can a CPU 410-5H operate without its SEC? No. Siemens states that the CPU does not start without a valid SEC. Does an SEC alone provide the runtime license? Do not assume so. Confirm the AS Runtime PO license in the order and license records separately from the SEC's capacity.

Technical References

Siemens, CPU 410 Process Automation, System Manual, 08/2021, A5E31622160-AD, Sections 2.9.1 and 15.1; valid for CPU 410-5H 6ES7410-5HX08-0AB0 as of firmware V8.2: https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/828/109801828/att_1079659/v1/CPU_410_en-US_en-US.pdf
Siemens, SIMATIC PCS 7 Catalog ST PCS 7, June 2013, “Standard automation systems” ordering data, AS 410S CPU/SEC bundles and Runtime PO details: https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/031/75407031/att_53130/v1/stpcs7_k09_en.pdf
Siemens, Engineering System (V9.0), Configuration Manual, 05/2017, A5E39219444-AA, section 4.8.5, CPU 410 expansion of configuration limits: https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/533/109746533/att_923916/v1/ps7phesb_en-US.pdf

CPU 410-5H process-object licensing

PCS 7 AS Runtime PO capacity