We depend on circuit breakers all the time, even when you have a day off or work from home. These overcurrent protection devices keep machines running safely, reducing the risk of fires and arcing. Circuit breakers are overcurrent protection devices found in commercial, residential, industrial, and agricultural applications. In the manufacturing environment, these are most … Read more
We know what a circuit breaker is meant to do: stop the flow of electricity in case of a fault or failure. But just like fuses, breakers and overloads respond differently depending on the load. Circuit breakers and motor overloads are designed to open a circuit under dangerous overcurrent conditions. This is often less about … Read more
Protection against faults is crucial for any electrical system. This article examines various protective devices, highlighting their roles and best use cases to ensure system integrity and longevity. Overcurrent conditions from short circuits, power surges, and other anomalies can cause damage to sensitive components, leading to costly repairs and downtime. The absence of proper protective … Read more
Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system. Power Supplies in Industry Alternating current (AC) power is created in a generator or alternator and continuously switches polarity as the generator … Read more
Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs – linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand. Variable frequency drives are the industry-standard method of controlling 3-phase induction motors. The output of a VFD creates a DC pulse … Read more
Logic is critical for industrial control, and it usually looks like ladders, function blocks, or structured text. I/O controllers are designed to automate simple logic tasks and data functions. Modern PLCs are capable of many thousands of tasks, including communication across many protocols, setting algorithms for motion and vision systems, and performing incredibly complex arrangements … Read more
Learn how to use Festo’s FluidSIM software to design and simulate electro-pneumatic systems, featuring a reciprocating actuator example using solenoid valves and limit sensors. Modern basic automation systems comprise sensors, controllers, and actuators. The actuation technique often depends on the application and the design of an automated system. For more actuation flexibility in your automated … Read more
Variable frequency drive units can be found inside tons of control cabinets, but what happens if you disassemble one to see what’s inside and how it works? We did just that. The results might surprise you. Here at this, we’ve been on a bit of a variable frequency drive (VFD) kick recently, but who can … Read more
Nearly all industrial engineers have heard of a VFD. But what does VFD stand for, how do they work, and why would we prefer using a VFD to control motors for heavy loads? The VFD solves the challenges of driving a 3-phase motor with careful speed control and efficiency, without being overly cost-prohibitive in most … Read more
An age-old debate in PLC programming: investigating the uses and caveats of latching software commands versus seal-in ladder logic for industrial control applications. One of the most popular programming languages used with industrial automation controllers today is called ladder logic, following in the footsteps of the previous method of control which used interlocking electrical relays. … Read more