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Introduction to Safety Relays

Introduction to Safety Relays

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?


DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain applications?


Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the speed of computers introduces some new challenges but brings solutions as well.


Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.


Protecting Control Systems with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Protecting Control Systems with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines work together. Learn all about Safety Instrumented Systems and what it takes to keep workers safe, and the system running smoothly!


Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?


Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Different conveyance systems have different ways to calculate speed. Let’s dive into these systems, their speed, and some determining factors.


How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors versus limit switches.


Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get production back on track.


Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and what are the types of controls involved?


Using LabVIEW for Motor and Motion Control

Using LabVIEW for Motor and Motion Control

Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.


Common Servo Motor Feedback Devices

Common Servo Motor Feedback Devices

Learn about specific components used in feedback devices and some of the jargon you may encounter when working with servo motion systems.


Overcurrent Protection: Motor Starter Trip Classes for Industrial Motors

Overcurrent Protection: Motor Starter Trip Classes for Industrial Motors

Trip classes protect motors from overcurrent, but when will an overload relay trip, why, and what trip class should you use?


Comparing Electrical and Mechanical Motor Soft-start Methods

Comparing Electrical and Mechanical Motor Soft-start Methods

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


The Link Between VFD Skip Frequency Parameters and Harmonics

The Link Between VFD Skip Frequency Parameters and Harmonics

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.


Three-Phase Motors with Twelve Wires

Three-Phase Motors with Twelve Wires

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-Wire vs. Six-Wire Three-Phase Motors

Three-Wire vs. Six-Wire Three-Phase Motors

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.


Controlling VFDs with Manual Inputs

Controlling VFDs with Manual Inputs

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.


Common Motor Windings and Wiring for Three-Phase Motors

Common Motor Windings and Wiring for Three-Phase Motors

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


Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

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