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Lock Out/Tag Out: The Law, The Purpose, and The Details

Lock Out/Tag Out: The Law, The Purpose, and The Details

The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy. It’s important for companies to establish an SOP for standardized LOTO practice.


Comparing Voltage: When to Ground a Floating Power Supply

Comparing Voltage: When to Ground a Floating Power Supply

The choice to ground or float a power supply is not always clear in the NEC. This article explains floating or fixing a DC supply with respect to ground and how circuits can be functionally constructed both ways.


Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

Power and control interruptions are, at best, problematic. In some applications, it’s catastrophic. Learn about redundancy for the system, power supplies, control devices, and network topologies.


Facts Behind the Shock! Investigating the Dangers of Arc Flash

Facts Behind the Shock! Investigating the Dangers of Arc Flash

Even though electrical safety practices have existed for over a century, arc flash safety has only gained traction in recent decades. This article discusses the danger and prevention of arc flash injury.


Info Byte: Normally Open vs. Normally Closed: What Does It Mean?

Info Byte: Normally Open vs. Normally Closed: What Does It Mean?

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.


Fundamentals of Grounding and Safety: Protecting People and Equipment

Fundamentals of Grounding and Safety: Protecting People and Equipment

Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users and equipment while maintaining strict adherence to regulations.


All About PLCs: The Power Supply Unit

All About PLCs: The Power Supply Unit

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules, and learn the difference between control and field device power delivery.


A Polarizing Discussion: Using Diodes The Right Way Around

A Polarizing Discussion: Using Diodes The Right Way Around

Some devices, like switches, are non-polar; you can connect them in either direction. What makes diodes so special, and how can you tell the right way from the wrong way?


Manage 24-volt DC Applications with the Weidmüller maxGUARD-ELM-18

Manage 24-volt DC Applications with the Weidmüller maxGUARD-ELM-18

The maxGUARD-ELM-18 system from Weidmüller protects systems from excessive voltage or amperage, prolonging the life of critical industrial equipment.


News Aug 07, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Breaking the Mold: PULS Releases New Electronic Circuit Breakers

Breaking the Mold: PULS Releases New Electronic Circuit Breakers

PULS is jumping into the world of electronic circuit breakers with the PISA-M series electronic circuit breakers featuring remote monitoring and control.


News Jul 31, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
AutomationDirect Releases New AC Drives, Line Reactors, and VFD Filters

AutomationDirect Releases New AC Drives, Line Reactors, and VFD Filters

AutomationDirect has recently expanded its product lineup to include new AC drives, line reactors, and VFD output filters, giving its customer base a wider range of options for its automation needs.


News Jul 17, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Ode to a Volt Meter: Of Linear Equations and OSHA Compliance

Ode to a Volt Meter: Of Linear Equations and OSHA Compliance

Do you know enough about electricity to poke around in a conversation, but not inside a breaker panel? Read on for an introduction to electricity in a way you’ve (probably) never heard it before!


Identco Introduces Rebranded Wire and Cable Labels for Efficient Identification

Identco Introduces Rebranded Wire and Cable Labels for Efficient Identification

Identco has redesigned and rebranded its TTL200 series of self-laminating wire and cable labels. The rebrand includes the new DuraWrap and DuraFlag name and an increased focus on readability.


News Jul 13, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Shocking Solutions: Safeguarding Your Devices from Electrical Faults

Shocking Solutions: Safeguarding Your Devices from Electrical Faults

Protection against faults is crucial for any electrical system. This article examines various protective devices, highlighting their roles and best use cases to ensure system integrity and longevity.


Compact and Capable Motor Control with Gefran G-Start

Compact and Capable Motor Control with Gefran G-Start

Gefran’s new G-Start motor controllers offer digital I/O and monitoring features normally only found on inverters, all housed in a compact package for more simple control scenarios.


News Jun 18, 2024 by Seth Price
Phoenix Contact Releases Caparoc Power Module With EtherNet/IP Interface

Phoenix Contact Releases Caparoc Power Module With EtherNet/IP Interface

Customers will now be able to communicate via EtherNet/IP on their Caparoc circuit breaker system with the release of the new EtherNet/IP power module.


News Jun 06, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Adding Control to the System

The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Adding Control to the System

Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary I/O, communication protocols, and processor necessary for controlling your system?


Converting DC to AC: Basic Principles of Inverters

Converting DC to AC: Basic Principles of Inverters

This article investigates the basic principles of inverters, different types of DC-to-AC conversion, and common applications for generating AC voltage in manufacturing.


Rockwell Automation Announces a New Product, Partnership, and Expansion

Rockwell Automation Announces a New Product, Partnership, and Expansion

Rockwell Automation has started constructing a new manufacturing facility in India, developed a low-voltage motor control center, and partnered with an educational institution to invest in the future workforce.


News May 22, 2024 by Seth Price
Weidmuller Introduces New Modular Compact Terminal Blocks

Weidmuller Introduces New Modular Compact Terminal Blocks

Weidmuller recently launched several new product ranges of multi-purpose terminal blocks, designed to save valuable cabinet space for signal routing and marshaling in distributed control systems.


News May 13, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo