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Reversing Motor Contactors: Interlocking Methods That Prevent Short-Circuits

Reversing Motor Contactors: Interlocking Methods That Prevent Short-Circuits

Installing a reversing contactor is only half the project; ensuring safety and reliable performance under load is a top priority for motor control designs.


Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

When motors drive in parallel from a single main power source, do they each need an individual VFD? Check out why this is useful in some cases, and take note of some necessary precautions.


Parallel Load Devices: Multiple AC Motors on One Control Circuit

Parallel Load Devices: Multiple AC Motors on One Control Circuit

Requiring multiple AC motors to start simultaneously is a common need for conveyors within manufacturing plants, but can we really reduce costs and panel space by eliminating redundant components?


The Science of Mechanical Motion: Gears and Pulleys

The Science of Mechanical Motion: Gears and Pulleys

The choice of load device and transmission method often dictates what kind of control system is used, so it’s important to be familiar with the mechanical and electrical components of a system.


Fail‑Safe Motor Circuits: When Loss of Power Moves You Toward Safety

Fail‑Safe Motor Circuits: When Loss of Power Moves You Toward Safety

Part 1 of a 2-part series. A practical look at the failures that plague motor drive systems, even those that are rated to be fail-safe.


Industrial Motor Health Tips | Modern Maintenance Solutions

Industrial Motor Health Tips | Modern Maintenance Solutions

Learn a few tips and solutions to promote long-lasting electric motor health, explaining why some maintenance practices are a better fit for certain devices and situations.


The Spectrum Between Human and Machine: The Industrial HMI

The Spectrum Between Human and Machine: The Industrial HMI

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.


Using 2NO/2NC Contacts to Make Motor Starters More Fail‑Safe

Using 2NO/2NC Contacts to Make Motor Starters More Fail‑Safe

A practical look at how 2NO/2NC contactors and auxiliary contacts can clean up command, feedback, and fault logic in motor circuits.


The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

Why do "forever" LEDs fail? A technical guide on L70 standards, multi-voltage IC drivers, and a comparison of industry-leading LED manufacturers.


A Legacy of Factory and Motion Control: Mitsubishi Electric Automation

A Legacy of Factory and Motion Control: Mitsubishi Electric Automation

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.


How to Measure Resistance with a Multimeter

How to Measure Resistance with a Multimeter

When the power is removed to a circuit, the common measurements of voltage and current prove meaningless. The only remaining option is to use resistance testing to determine which components and conductors are working.


Modernizing Septic Systems with Proactive Innovation

Modernizing Septic Systems with Proactive Innovation

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.


Electrical Cabinet Best Practices: A Field Guide for New Integrators

Electrical Cabinet Best Practices: A Field Guide for New Integrators

A practical, experience-driven guide to designing and wiring electrical cabinets for machine-tending robotic cells.


Automation Questions: Why Do We Choose Certain Control Voltages?

Automation Questions: Why Do We Choose Certain Control Voltages?

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 Role of Electrical & Automation Products in Modern HVAC Systems

The Role of Electrical & Automation Products in Modern HVAC Systems

Electrical and automation components drive modern HVAC efficiency and reliability. Sensors, relays, and controls enable predictive maintenance and efficiency while keeping systems running smoothly.


All About The Legendary Stack Light

All About The Legendary Stack Light

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.


Methods of Precision Alignment: Mechanical, Laser, and Vibration Analysis

Methods of Precision Alignment: Mechanical, Laser, and Vibration Analysis

Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs alignment with vibration analysis to both prevent and predict these downtime events.


How Do You Stack Up? A Look Into Robotic Palletizing

How Do You Stack Up? A Look Into Robotic Palletizing

Explore the art of automated palletizing and the different ways you can accelerate the packaging process using PLC and robotic controls.


Force Control | An Adaptive Method of Robotic Navigation

Force Control | An Adaptive Method of Robotic Navigation

Learn about force control in robots and what sets it apart from typical point-to-point programming. This feedback method can overcome many small irregularities in manufacturing processes.


Can Control Panels Self-Heal? A Look at Smart Fault Design

Can Control Panels Self-Heal? A Look at Smart Fault Design

Explore how modular hardware, predictive diagnostics, and fault-isolating technologies are transforming control panels into resilient, self-healing systems.