Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a control cabinet door, the reality of the…
Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a control cabinet door, the reality of the interface extends far beyond this device.
A practical look at how 2NO/2NC contactors and auxiliary contacts can clean up command, feedback, and fault logic in…
A practical look at how 2NO/2NC contactors and auxiliary contacts can clean up command, feedback, and fault logic in motor circuits.
Learn about the various codes and wiring colors for the M12 family of industrial communication and networking cables.
Learn about the various codes and wiring colors for the M12 family of industrial communication and networking cables.
Showcase, manufacturing, repair, and research: Join Control.com for a recap of our team’s recent visit to the US HQ of…
Showcase, manufacturing, repair, and research: Join Control.com for a recap of our team’s recent visit to the US HQ of Mitsubishi Electric Automation, and see where the magic happens.
Learn about precharge circuits, inrush current, and understand why VFD and servo drives may trip during power-up.
Learn about precharge circuits, inrush current, and understand why VFD and servo drives may trip during power-up.
Tackling some of the world's most hostile environments with real-time data. That’s the mission of Septilink, supported…
Tackling some of the world's most hostile environments with real-time data. That’s the mission of Septilink, supported by WAGO, in this prime example of predicting failures to avert disaster.
A practical, experience-driven guide to designing and wiring electrical cabinets for machine-tending robotic cells.
A practical, experience-driven guide to designing and wiring electrical cabinets for machine-tending robotic cells.
You’ve seen it a thousand times: 24 volts powering a device or representing a trigger signal, but what makes 24 VDC…
You’ve seen it a thousand times: 24 volts powering a device or representing a trigger signal, but what makes 24 VDC such a versatile voltage, and what about the other voltages in control cabinets?
The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep…
The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep dive into the venerable illuminated signal tower.
Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often,…
Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.
When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is…
When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.
What is the purpose of a variable frequency drive? How do they work? And why would we prefer using VFDs over basic motor…
What is the purpose of a variable frequency drive? How do they work? And why would we prefer using VFDs over basic motor starters for heavy loads?
Explore how modular hardware, predictive diagnostics, and fault-isolating technologies are transforming control panels…
Explore how modular hardware, predictive diagnostics, and fault-isolating technologies are transforming control panels into resilient, self-healing systems.
Dynamic braking resistors stop motors more quickly by converting the rotational energy, but how do we select the correct…
Dynamic braking resistors stop motors more quickly by converting the rotational energy, but how do we select the correct one and configure a PowerFlex drive to utilize the resistor effectively?
When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting…
When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting culprit, but how do you make the best judgments for quickly locating the problem?
Filters and reactors can protect your electrical devices, but what is the difference between these two kinds of devices,…
Filters and reactors can protect your electrical devices, but what is the difference between these two kinds of devices, and are they supposed to be installed before or after a VFD?
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.
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.
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