Industrial Automation, PLC, VFD, and Troubleshooting
In industrial automation, PLC counters are used when a machine needs to count events.
A counter can count:
Parts
Boxes
Bottles
Cycles
Machine strokes
Rejects
Pallets
Sensor pulses
Production totals
A counter does not count time.A counter counts how many times …
Read MoreIndustrial automation depends completely on electricity.
A PLC cannot read a sensor without electrical power. A VFD cannot control a motor without a three-phase supply. A solenoid valve cannot move without …
Read MoreLadder Logic is one of the most common PLC programming languages used in industrial automation.
It was designed to look similar to electrical relay control circuits, which makes it easier for …
Read MorePLC Addressing: Rack/Slot vs Tag-Based
In a PLC system, every input, output, and internal memory location needs a way to be identified by the controller.
This identification method is called addressing.
In simple …
Read MoreIn PLC systems, not all signals are the same.
Some signals are simple ON/OFF signals. Other signals represent a changing value such as pressure, temperature, tank level, speed, or weight.
That is …
Read MoreWhy Good Troubleshooting Starts Before You Touch a Tool
Troubleshooting an electrical control panel is not just about using a multimeter, replacing parts, or resetting faults. A good technician must first …
Read MoreWhat Every Technician Should Check Before Testing Live Circuits
Troubleshooting an electrical control panel can be one of the most important skills for an automation or maintenance technician. But before using …
Read MoreHow to Diagnose a Control Panel That Appears Completely Dead
One of the most common troubleshooting situations in an electrical control panel is this:
Nothing works.No lights.No relay response.No motor starter.No PLC …
Read MoreHow to Diagnose PLC-Controlled Circuits Without Guessing
PLC troubleshooting is one of the most important skills for an automation or maintenance technician. In modern industrial panels, the PLC is often the …
Read MoreHow to Prevent the Same Electrical Panel Failure from Coming Back
In electrical panel troubleshooting, finding the failed component is only part of the job.
A fuse may be blown.A relay may …
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