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Motor Starter Wiring Infographic

Motor Starter Wiring Infographic

Complete wiring guide for 3-phase motor starters with and without overload (OL) relays.


What is a Safety PLC?

What is a Safety PLC?

This article investigates the basic qualities that make up a safety PLC, what distinguishes a safety PLC from a standard model, and the reasons for which a safety PLC may be critical.


Electrical Drawings, Schematics, and Wiring Diagrams: How to Read Them

Electrical Drawings, Schematics, and Wiring Diagrams: How to Read Them

In order to trace control system problems to the core, the ability to read and interpret various resources, from facility-level diagrams to machine-level wiring layouts, is critical.


What is a Fuse? The Skinny On Overcurrent Protection

What is a Fuse? The Skinny On Overcurrent Protection

Protecting equipment and personnel from overcurrent dangers, like sparks and fires, is the primary job of the humble fuse, one of the most basic, yet critical of all safety devices.


AutomationDirect Adds Compact Data and Signal Surge Protectors to Offerings

AutomationDirect Adds Compact Data and Signal Surge Protectors to Offerings

AutomationDirect now offers DEHN BLITZDUCTORconnect yellow/line compact data and signal surge protectors for universal system protection. The surge protectors feature a modular, compact design for ease of use.


News Dec 29, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
What is a Circuit Breaker?

What is a Circuit Breaker?

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.


Mennekes Announces New Range of Ganged Motor Disconnect Switches

Mennekes Announces New Range of Ganged Motor Disconnect Switches

Mennekes has released a multi-gange 30 to 60-amp disconnect assembly, featuring a modular design for ease of engineering and a sloped top for protection in harsh washdown environments.


News Dec 14, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Info Byte: What Do NC and NO Mean?

Info Byte: What Do NC and NO Mean?

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.


Phoenix Contact 24 V Power Supplies With Optional Multichannel Circuit Breakers

Phoenix Contact 24 V Power Supplies With Optional Multichannel Circuit Breakers

Compact, 3rd-generation TRIO POWER supplies are targeted at machine-building applications with power output up to 960 W.


News Nov 06, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Using Loop Powered Isolators to Solve Ground Loop Problems

Using Loop Powered Isolators to Solve Ground Loop Problems

Many signal sources and process transmitters do not include isolation, which can cause problems when the instruments are at different locations. A loop powered isolator is often the solution.


KEB Promotes High-RPM Servo Motor Health via the Z2 Sinusoidal Filter

KEB Promotes High-RPM Servo Motor Health via the Z2 Sinusoidal Filter

KEB Automation has introduced Z2 Sinusoidal Filters to control and optimize the servo control loop for high-speed systems, leading to longer service life for the equipment.


News Sep 28, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 2, Sizing and Power Supplies

Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 2, Sizing and Power Supplies

Additional rules for the grounding and bonding of industrial control panels include the sizing of ground conductors and the conditions that dictate when power supplies and transformers must be grounded.


Carlo Gavazzi Introduces Level 1 And 2 EV Energy Level Meter

Carlo Gavazzi Introduces Level 1 And 2 EV Energy Level Meter

Carlo Gavazzi has released a single-phase electrical monitor device that is compact and has a backlit display to gather data about electrical system usage and real-time performance.


News Sep 25, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
What Can Go Wrong With Electrical Process Measurements?

What Can Go Wrong With Electrical Process Measurements?

Whether working with measurement tools or process controllers, it is important to recognize faulty display values and the best ways to fix them.


Wood You Look at That? The Incredible Automation Controlling Lumber Mills

Wood You Look at That? The Incredible Automation Controlling Lumber Mills

From forest to felling, logging road to mill, finished lumber’s adventure on its way to market is filled with control and automation. Learn about the process from start to finish and how lumber mills ensure the world has access to high-quality lumber thanks to control technology.


What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?


What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.


Schneider Announces Enhancement to Square D VisiPacT Safety Switches

Schneider Announces Enhancement to Square D VisiPacT Safety Switches

Schneider Electric improves the Square D VisiPacT product line with safety and convenience features designed to set the paradigm of heavy-duty switches, meeting or exceeding the demands of OSHA and NEMA.


News Jul 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A standard must understand how, when, and why to properly ground and bond circuits.


Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

After an amazing first half in 2023, with site records being broken in many categories, we have you, our viewers, to thank! But what content have you been enjoying most? Articles, forums, the textbook?


News Jun 28, 2023 by David Peterson