Instrumentation & Controls Blogs
Troubleshooting Thursday: Predicting Maintenance Downtime with PdM
August 8, 2024
Predictive Maintenance is a powerful strategy, but it might not be practical for all devices in your facility. For example, if a machine isn’t critical – short periods of downtime are manageable – or repairs can’t be predicted, then it might not be worth maintaining with a predictive model.
Troubleshooting Thursday: Establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition
February 28, 2024
According to Article 120 of NFPA 70E® Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, establishing an electrically safe work condition is a necessary, effective, and multi-step process that encompasses a much higher level of safety than a simple lock & tag.
Adopting Industrial Automation: 5 Factors to Consider
December 28, 2023
With aggressive growth in the sector over the past decade, industrial automation has been proven to improve facility safety and productivity and drive the demand for skilled tradespeople and the technician workforce.
Troubleshooting Thursdays: Identifying Malfunctions Through a Multimeter and Other Tools (Tip 8)
October 8, 2021
For the past few Troubleshooting Thursday posts, we have been discussing TPC’s systematic troubleshooting methodology to build a solid foundation for learning troubleshooting. It is now time to start looking into the multimeter and other tools used to execute this approach.
How to Find a Short Circuit With a Multimeter
October 8, 2021
A short circuit occurs when an accidental connection is created when a wire carrying current comes in contact with a neutral wire or the ground in a circuit. d
Troubleshooting Electrical Faults in a Manufacturing Environment
October 8, 2021
Open circuit faults are most common and are relatively easy to troubleshoot. Typically, this type of fault can be identified quickly as some part of the circuit will not be operating since it is not receiving the voltage required for correct operation.
What Are Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) And Why Do Your Employees Need to Be Trained on It?
February 5, 2021
PLCs continuously monitor information from analog or digital input devices. The PLC makes decisions based on the input received, which are delivered to monitored equipment through the PLC’s output interface.
How to Draw Electrical Diagrams
January 15, 2021
knowing how to do schematic diagrams is an important skill in such cases, as accurate and accessible electrical drawings are required for safety compliance.
How to Read an Electrical Schematic Drawing
November 10, 2020
Learning how to read an electrical schematic drawing is an important skill for maintenance workers and managers even if they aren’t licensed electricians. Understanding schematic drawings helps identify faulty components, troubleshoot systems, and improve safety.
How Automation Can Help Improve Workplace Safety
October 21, 2019
Automating hazardous operations can greatly improve workplace safety, but the relationship between automation and safety goes far beyond distancing employees from dangerous tasks.
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) Theory and Troubleshooting
April 18, 2018
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), also referred to as Adjustable Speed Drives, are prominent in today’s workplace. They are used in elevator, water pump, high-volume air compressor applications and material-handling systems wherever speed and torque characteristics of AC motors are regulated.
Basics of an Industrial Electrical Control Panel
February 5, 2018
The National Electric Code defines industrial electrical control panels as an enclosure or open panel containing two or more power circuit components, control circuit components, or a combination of the two.
The Value of Variable Frequency Drives
May 1, 2017
Electric motors operating on alternating current often run at unnecessary speeds, waste power, and heat up due to excessive harmonics. Variable frequency drives resolve these issues by controlling AC motor speed and torque by varying the frequency (hertz) and voltage delivered to the motor.
Does My Switchgear Need Replacing?
June 27, 2016
Regularly scheduled servicing and maintenance of your switchgear can greatly increase its lifespan, but eventually, you’ll find yourself wondering if simply replacing the system isn’t a better investment.