We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal,…
We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.
Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be…
Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.
Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the…
Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.
Protection systems are critical in today’s fast-paced industrial revolution for the safety of people and processes.…
Protection systems are critical in today’s fast-paced industrial revolution for the safety of people and processes. This article discusses electronic protective relay types and how they differ from standard relays.
Learn how one small farm in a rural community is upgrading production with advanced technology in several ways to…
Learn how one small farm in a rural community is upgrading production with advanced technology in several ways to overcome staff shortages, product demand, and regulatory compliance.
Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in…
Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in reverse? How can an alternating voltage attract and hold the load consistently?
Industrial control panels are at the heart of control systems. Learn about the standards and regulations that dictate…
Industrial control panels are at the heart of control systems. Learn about the standards and regulations that dictate industrial control panel design for safety and efficiency, including NFPA 70, UL 60947-4-1, and NFPA 79.
Whether open or closed, industry standard or built for tough environments, or modular or customized, it is important to…
Whether open or closed, industry standard or built for tough environments, or modular or customized, it is important to follow a set of repeatable tasks when designing industrial control panels for efficiency and safety.
The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead…
The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead to the introduction of ‘power factor’ effectiveness in an AC circuit.
Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several…
Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several common configurations for control transformer grounding.
Today’s digital multimeters (DMMs) are inexpensive, accurate, and easy to use, but sometimes a problem with the circuit…
Today’s digital multimeters (DMMs) are inexpensive, accurate, and easy to use, but sometimes a problem with the circuit or the measurement can cause incorrect readings. Learn to interpret and fix these problems.
Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two…
Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two pieces of industrial equipment and the difference between slow blow and quick blow responses.
The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This…
The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This article covers an explosion at an industrial sawmill.
DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when…
DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.
Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but…
Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but we can’t ignore other key players: power filters, converters, and backup power modules.
Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different…
Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different specific applications, and should not be used interchangeably.
Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how…
Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?
Labels are such a small detail in the world of robotics and automation, they are often given very little attention.…
Labels are such a small detail in the world of robotics and automation, they are often given very little attention. However, they play a vital role in proper system function - from installation to troubleshooting.
Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching…
Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching devices, causing costly downtime. The solution is cheaper than you think.
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