Latest Cabinets & Panel Components Technical Articles

In order to trace control system problems to the core, the ability to read and interpret various resources, from…

In order to trace control system problems to the core, the ability to read and interpret various resources, from facility-level diagrams to machine-level wiring layouts, is critical.

A complete diagram for wiring nearly any kind of discrete I/O module, including digital, AC, or relay, including both…

A complete diagram for wiring nearly any kind of discrete I/O module, including digital, AC, or relay, including both sourcing and sinking varieties.

Protecting equipment and personnel from overcurrent dangers, like sparks and fires, is the primary job of the humble…

Protecting equipment and personnel from overcurrent dangers, like sparks and fires, is the primary job of the humble fuse, one of the most basic, yet critical of all safety devices.

We depend on circuit breakers all the time, even when you have a day off or work from home. These overcurrent protection…

We depend on circuit breakers all the time, even when you have a day off or work from home. These overcurrent protection devices keep machines running safely, reducing the risk of fires and arcing.

Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but…

Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but what are these lineups, and what function do they serve?

A flasher can easily be implemented using interlocking timers in a PLC environment on an Arduino Uno using OpenPLC,…

A flasher can easily be implemented using interlocking timers in a PLC environment on an Arduino Uno using OpenPLC, UiFlow Blockly Code, and a programmable HMI-based LCD unit.

When troubleshooting AC outputs driven by TRIACs, some confusing meter readings can result from the solid state…

When troubleshooting AC outputs driven by TRIACs, some confusing meter readings can result from the solid state properties of a series circuit. In this article, learn proper troubleshooting techniques.

There are two types of winding designs inside three-phase industrial motors: Wye and Delta. Although the motors and…

There are two types of winding designs inside three-phase industrial motors: Wye and Delta. Although the motors and connections look similar on the outside, this article discusses the internal construction for Delta wound motors.

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse…

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) is not brand new, but still unknown to many engineers.

This article includes a list of some common definitions for industrial networking concepts, described in simplified terms…

This article includes a list of some common definitions for industrial networking concepts, described in simplified terms to provide a baseline understanding of the concepts.

Most engineers are familiar with the basic control system terms of sinking and sourcing, or the NPN and PNP terms from…

Most engineers are familiar with the basic control system terms of sinking and sourcing, or the NPN and PNP terms from which they are derived. But how exactly do those transistors play a role in inputs or outputs?

Many signal sources and process transmitters do not include isolation, which can cause problems when the instruments are…

Many signal sources and process transmitters do not include isolation, which can cause problems when the instruments are at different locations. A loop powered isolator is often the solution.

Have you ever needed to know the temperature, pressure, flow, or other measurement on location, but the readout is way…

Have you ever needed to know the temperature, pressure, flow, or other measurement on location, but the readout is way off in the control room? Here’s an easy way to add a readout in the field.

Additional rules for the grounding and bonding of industrial control panels include the sizing of ground conductors and…

Additional rules for the grounding and bonding of industrial control panels include the sizing of ground conductors and the conditions that dictate when power supplies and transformers must be grounded.

Sequential function charts (SFCs) are a great tool when processes require sequence control, but things can get…

Sequential function charts (SFCs) are a great tool when processes require sequence control, but things can get complicated fast. Here are some ways to create better SFC programs and applications.

Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and…

Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and how does it differ from the familiar ladder logic programs?

Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other?…

Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?

Whether working with measurement tools or process controllers, it is important to recognize faulty display values and the…

Whether working with measurement tools or process controllers, it is important to recognize faulty display values and the best ways to fix them.

Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although…

Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors.