Latest Power Technical Articles

Learn about the different types of electrical and mechanical soft-start methods as well as devices to use for each method.

Learn about the different types of electrical and mechanical soft-start methods as well as devices to use for each method.

Learn about some common implementation strategies of UPS in control systems and important design considerations.

Learn about some common implementation strategies of UPS in control systems and important design considerations.

Learn the general functionalities and different types of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and why they are important…

Learn the general functionalities and different types of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and why they are important in control systems.

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) can output simulated waveforms of nearly any frequency. However, in order to be truly…

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) can output simulated waveforms of nearly any frequency. However, in order to be truly useful, harmonics and resonance in the system must be avoided and frequency parameters should be put in place.

Of all types of three-phase motors, the twelve-wire motor provides the most options for connecting based on voltage and…

Of all types of three-phase motors, the twelve-wire motor provides the most options for connecting based on voltage and system configuration (wye or delta). Learn the details and wiring options of these versatile motors.

Three-phase motors with three or six wires have limited options for wiring, but are easier to use and have important…

Three-phase motors with three or six wires have limited options for wiring, but are easier to use and have important roles to play. Learn the difference between three- and six-wire three-phase motors for low and high voltage applications.

In this article, learn the differences between single- and three-phase motors, including how each one works and…

In this article, learn the differences between single- and three-phase motors, including how each one works and applications best suited for each type.

To increase the flexibility of a motor control system, a variable frequency drive (VFD) is a common device that solves…

To increase the flexibility of a motor control system, a variable frequency drive (VFD) is a common device that solves many motor control problems. In this article, learn how to control manual input of VFDs.

This article looks at some common windings and wirings for three-phase motors, including internal Wye windings and low…

This article looks at some common windings and wirings for three-phase motors, including internal Wye windings and low and high voltage wirings.

This article looks at a few of the more advanced motor control circuits for a three-phase motor.

This article looks at a few of the more advanced motor control circuits for a three-phase motor.

In this article, learn how variable frequency drives make use of the principle of pulse width modulation to create…

In this article, learn how variable frequency drives make use of the principle of pulse width modulation to create analog-type signals from a digital source, such as with motor drives.

Learn about three-phase voltage arrangements to better understand the systems that drive nearly every industrial motor…

Learn about three-phase voltage arrangements to better understand the systems that drive nearly every industrial motor and smaller branch circuits that feed every one-phase receptacle and lighting system.

This article explores resistors, capacitors, and inductors when it comes to AC applications and how voltage is affected…

This article explores resistors, capacitors, and inductors when it comes to AC applications and how voltage is affected in circuits using these components.

As electronics become smaller and more energy-efficient, wearables are getting more attention in manufacturing. Learn…

As electronics become smaller and more energy-efficient, wearables are getting more attention in manufacturing. Learn about some of the research involved in developing these wearables.

In circuit theory, voltage drops of resistive type devices are relatively simple because they do not change over time.…

In circuit theory, voltage drops of resistive type devices are relatively simple because they do not change over time. But there are two types of devices that do create changes over time: capacitors and inductors.

Often the concept of voltage drop or voltage difference in circuits is taught without much explanation as to how or why…

Often the concept of voltage drop or voltage difference in circuits is taught without much explanation as to how or why volts drop. This article explores volts, including characteristics and the laws that govern them.

Learn to discern between textbook and real-life scenarios and use consistent troubleshooting methods to simplify and…

Learn to discern between textbook and real-life scenarios and use consistent troubleshooting methods to simplify and correct errors in parallel circuits common in industrial control systems.

The following will examine how to reduce the wear on motors during startup and compare soft starters and variable…

The following will examine how to reduce the wear on motors during startup and compare soft starters and variable frequency drives (VFDs). 

In nearly every machine with motion, a selection of gears, belts, and chains sends power to the final mechanisms and…

In nearly every machine with motion, a selection of gears, belts, and chains sends power to the final mechanisms and power must be transmitted from the motor to the final load(s) device. Choosing between transmission methods isn’t always simple, but a few key properties can help to make the choices easier.