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What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?


Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.


ContaClip Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

ContaClip Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

ContaClip adds to an existing product line of terminal blocks with versions that support 10mm^2 conductors up to 4 amps, with a double-level version for added wiring capacity.


News Aug 07, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Control Automation Welcomes Steve Kuehn as New Editor-in-Chief

Control Automation Welcomes Steve Kuehn as New Editor-in-Chief

Industrial automation industry leader, Steven Kuehn, joins Control Automation as the new Editor-in-Chief.


News Aug 03, 2023 by Dale Wilson
Balluff Launches an IP67 Field Power Supply With IO-Link

Balluff Launches an IP67 Field Power Supply With IO-Link

Balluff introduces a field-mounted power supply with an IP67 rating allowing devices to be powered directly in the field with added IO-Link functionality to monitor system performance and prevent downtime.


News Aug 02, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.


The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

The quality of content from our educational site comes from understanding our audience and your needs. Help give us the best snapshot of today’s control industry, along with a free chance to win one of several Amazon card prizes!


News Aug 01, 2023 by David Peterson
Differences between Transformer and Transformer-free UPS Designs

Differences between Transformer and Transformer-free UPS Designs

Transformerless UPS designs are taking place in various industries, particularly in aseptic manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, where the reliability of power supply is critical.


Schneider Announces Enhancement to Square D VisiPacT Safety Switches

Schneider Announces Enhancement to Square D VisiPacT Safety Switches

Schneider Electric improves the Square D VisiPacT product line with safety and convenience features designed to set the paradigm of heavy-duty switches, meeting or exceeding the demands of OSHA and NEMA.


News Jul 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A standard must understand how, when, and why to properly ground and bond circuits.


Beckhoff Creates Power Supply Module for ‘Cabinetless’ Automation System

Beckhoff Creates Power Supply Module for ‘Cabinetless’ Automation System

Last year, Beckhoff created the MX-System for cabinetless automation control, and has recently updated the power supply modules to be compatible with drives, robotics, and conveyance devices.


News Jul 10, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Phoenix Contact’s clipx WIRE Assist System to Boost Productivity

Phoenix Contact’s clipx WIRE Assist System to Boost Productivity

Phoenix Contact has released the clipx WIRE assist, a turnkey workbench and tool set that can streamline all wiring operations, yet customizable enough to fit the needs of wiring projects of any scale.


News Jul 07, 2023 by Seth Price
Explaining Industrial Timers: On Delay and Off Delay

Explaining Industrial Timers: On Delay and Off Delay

Measuring time delays between equipment events predates digital control systems. What are the types of timers, and how did they work before the advent of PLCs? And how do PLCs continue the tradition?


Beckhoff Releases a New Ethernet-APL Module for Advanced Communication

Beckhoff Releases a New Ethernet-APL Module for Advanced Communication

Beckhoff has introduced a new Ethernet-APL module allowing process automation engineers to acquire data faster and at further distances with greater protection against hazardous environments.


News Jul 03, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Ferrule Crimping Tool from ContaClip With Adjustable Dies

Ferrule Crimping Tool from ContaClip With Adjustable Dies

ContaClip releases a new take on ferrule crimping with a tool that has interchangeable crimping inserts and a rotational ability to reach wires for proper repairs in nearly any difficult location.


News Jul 02, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

After an amazing first half in 2023, with site records being broken in many categories, we have you, our viewers, to thank! But what content have you been enjoying most? Articles, forums, the textbook?


News Jun 28, 2023 by David Peterson
Managing Networks | Why Do I Need an Industrial Grade Switch?

Managing Networks | Why Do I Need an Industrial Grade Switch?

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or invest in an industrial switch for hundreds. Why would I choose the industrial switch?


Stepper Motor Control for Mitsubishi’s FX Series PLCs

Stepper Motor Control for Mitsubishi’s FX Series PLCs

Stepper motor control can be useful for motion applications. Learn the circuit connection and programming instructions for implementing stepper motor control using GX Works 2 on MELSEC FX-Series PLCs.


Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do you control them, and how can you tell when it’s time to repair or replace them?


Temperature Profiling: The Process and The Underlying Benefits

Temperature Profiling: The Process and The Underlying Benefits

Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines temperature profiling, discusses the process components, and describes the various benefits it offers.