Latest Connectors, Wire & Cable Articles

Schaffner releases new power connector, expanding on their IEC lock connector offerings to prevent accidental unplugging…

Schaffner releases new power connector, expanding on their IEC lock connector offerings to prevent accidental unplugging and for reducing electrical noise.

Build a low-cost PLC using the Arduino Uno and the open-source industrial controls software, OpenPLC, to learn how to…

Build a low-cost PLC using the Arduino Uno and the open-source industrial controls software, OpenPLC, to learn how to program with ladder logic, beginning with your first OpenPLC project: Hello World.

There are many considerations when selecting a thermocouple type. In this article, we look at the advantages, and…

There are many considerations when selecting a thermocouple type. In this article, we look at the advantages, and limitations, of the eight standard thermocouples and various installation considerations.

The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead…

The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead to the introduction of ‘power factor’ effectiveness in an AC circuit.

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several…

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several common configurations for control transformer grounding.

Three main terminal block styles have dominated the control landscape: screw-down, spring-clamp, and push-in. Although…

Three main terminal block styles have dominated the control landscape: screw-down, spring-clamp, and push-in. Although this last style speeds up troubleshooting and installation, it has been a challenge to accept stranded wires, until now.

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells,…

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.  

Banner releases its latest industrial Ethernet communications extension, the R70 Ethernet Data Radio, to help…

Banner releases its latest industrial Ethernet communications extension, the R70 Ethernet Data Radio, to help manufacturers embed the IIoT within their operations.

Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two…

Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two pieces of industrial equipment and the difference between slow blow and quick blow responses.

The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This…

The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This article covers an explosion at an industrial sawmill.

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when…

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old…

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old protocols like RS232 and RS485. Learn about the importance of converting from serial to Ethernet.

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In…

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.

The HART protocol enables instruments to send analog and digital signals over the same physical wire. This provides…

The HART protocol enables instruments to send analog and digital signals over the same physical wire. This provides multiple advantages for remote configuration, increased accuracy, and more.

Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but…

Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but we can’t ignore other key players: power filters, converters, and backup power modules.

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal?…

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.

What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance…

What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance standards, and these standards can be quite confusing at first glance.

Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware…

Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware and software making these huge automated tractors ready for high-tech ‘field’ work.

The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically…

The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically detect any Keyence branded IO-Link devices for rapid installation and monitoring.