Latest Cabinets & Panel Components Technical Articles

The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy.…

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.

Have you ever disassembled a motor and wondered how it rotates? Throughout this article, we’ll discuss electromagnetic…

Have you ever disassembled a motor and wondered how it rotates? Throughout this article, we’ll discuss electromagnetic induction and how magnetic fields can be utilized to generate motion.

Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and…

Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and working principles of air motors and the differences between air and electrical motors.

The choice to ground or float a power supply is not always clear in the NEC. This article explains floating or fixing a…

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.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.

Since their creation, DC motors have become a part of our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll examine the…

Since their creation, DC motors have become a part of our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll examine the differences between various types of field-wound and permanent magnet DC motors.

Electromagnetic devices like motors and transformers rely on electric currents that drive magnetic fields which, in turn,…

Electromagnetic devices like motors and transformers rely on electric currents that drive magnetic fields which, in turn, can drive current on their own. That’s not always a good thing.

Power and control interruptions are, at best, problematic. In some applications, it’s catastrophic. Learn about…

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.

Even though electrical safety practices have existed for over a century, arc flash safety has only gained traction in…

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.

The simple tasks can lead to the most failures. Basic practices in the wiring assembly stages of a project can lead to…

The simple tasks can lead to the most failures. Basic practices in the wiring assembly stages of a project can lead to long-term success or haunting tales of intermittent yet persistent failures.

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still…

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.

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you…

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you supposed to know which one to choose for your application?

Regardless of industry, codes and standards developed by organizations including ISO, ANSI, and IEEE are an integral part…

Regardless of industry, codes and standards developed by organizations including ISO, ANSI, and IEEE are an integral part of the environment in which we work and have a major influence on engineering and design.

If your facility or workplace uses a PLC, it’s almost certainly because it must interface with physical input and…

If your facility or workplace uses a PLC, it’s almost certainly because it must interface with physical input and output devices. What kinds of I/O modules exist, and how can you tell the difference?

Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users…

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.

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules,…

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.

Some devices, like switches, are non-polar; you can connect them in either direction. What makes diodes so special, and…

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?

Ladder logic is an industrial control systems legend stemming from electrical line diagrams before the days of PLCs.…

Ladder logic is an industrial control systems legend stemming from electrical line diagrams before the days of PLCs. Although logical, they are difficult to interpret.

Many online sources explain how to reverse a 3-phase motor; this article will discuss the electrical principles that…

Many online sources explain how to reverse a 3-phase motor; this article will discuss the electrical principles that define why it works and how the phase relationships determine the rotation direction.