Latest Utilities Articles

Categories

SMC Launches Latest Solutions: Vacuum Filters and a Wireless System with IO-Link

SMC Launches Latest Solutions: Vacuum Filters and a Wireless System with IO-Link

SMC has released a new series of vacuum filters to keep vacuum equipment running optimally. The company has also added IO-Link to its existing compact EXW1 wireless system.


News Jan 18, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
How Do You ‘Megger’ a Motor? Understanding Motor Insulation Resistance

How Do You ‘Megger’ a Motor? Understanding Motor Insulation Resistance

Within motors, two very different types of resistance are evident. The resistance of the windings is measured with a normal multimeter. But what is insulation resistance, and how is it measured?


The Automator’s Edge: New Weekly Video Series Comes to Control!

The Automator’s Edge: New Weekly Video Series Comes to Control!

Learn about new manufacturer innovations, useful product highlights, and technical tips in a brand-new weekly video series from Control Automation, designed by engineers, for engineers.


News Jan 16, 2024 by David Peterson
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.


Balluff Launches BMP Magnetic Field Position Measuring System

Balluff Launches BMP Magnetic Field Position Measuring System

The latest magnetic field position measuring system from Balluff features smart factory capabilities with a high degree of customization to fit individual manufacturing needs.


News Jan 14, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Mitsubishi Electric and TXOne Networks Team Up To Expand OT Security

Mitsubishi Electric and TXOne Networks Team Up To Expand OT Security

Mitsubishi Electric and TXOne Networks are addressing growing cyber threats in industrial operations by combining their expertise to strengthen their respective operational technology security businesses.


News Jan 12, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
How to Convert Numbers: Binary, Decimal, and Hex Systems

How to Convert Numbers: Binary, Decimal, and Hex Systems

Converting different numbering systems is quite common in PLCs and structured text codes. Why? Because people read decimals. Computers read binary. Processors read sets of bits. Not so simple.


SMC Releases Dual-speed and Water-resistant Controllers for Flow Control

SMC Releases Dual-speed and Water-resistant Controllers for Flow Control

SMC has released two new flow control valves for controlling the speed of pneumatic devices, one fit for wash-down environments and one that offers metering-in and metering-out in one valve.


News Jan 10, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
What is a Soft Start? Reducing Start-up Load on Motor Circuits

What is a Soft Start? Reducing Start-up Load on Motor Circuits

Controlling the startup of a motor not only reduces the wear on the motor, but eases the burden on the electrical supply, reducing infrastructure demands and the running cost of industrial loads.


Dragos Empowers Utility Providers With Free OT Cybersecurity Software

Dragos Empowers Utility Providers With Free OT Cybersecurity Software

Through its Community Defense Program, Dragos is offering small utility providers free access to Neighborhood Keeper, Dragos Platform, Dragos Academy, and membership in OT-CERT.


News Jan 08, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
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.


HMS Networks To Acquire Red Lion, Expanding North American Presence

HMS Networks To Acquire Red Lion, Expanding North American Presence

HMS Networks is set to expand its influence in the North American market through its definitive agreement to acquire Red Lion Controls. The $345 million deal is expected to close in early 2024.


News Jan 04, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
Star-Delta Wiring for Reduced Voltage Starting of 3-Phase Motors

Star-Delta Wiring for Reduced Voltage Starting of 3-Phase Motors

Digital controls like VFDs and soft starts have advantages by elongating start time, but simple strategies for starting motors with a reduced current draw, like star-delta (or wye-delta) are common.


Doosan Group To Reveal Green, Autonomous Technology at CES 2024

Doosan Group To Reveal Green, Autonomous Technology at CES 2024

Doosan Group will be unveiling its latest innovations at CES 2024. The company will showcase its green-centric, future-thinking technology from Doosan Robotics, Bobcat, Enerbility, and HyAxiom.


News Jan 02, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
SMC Releases New Condensation Checker and Flow Controller for Water

SMC Releases New Condensation Checker and Flow Controller for Water

SMC has released two new components: a digital temperature and humidity switch to monitor moisture in pneumatic systems and a flow controller for water to be used in cooling systems.


News Dec 31, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
PLC Naming Conventions: How Should I Write My Tag Labels?

PLC Naming Conventions: How Should I Write My Tag Labels?

It’s important to consider your PLC tag naming convention when using different styles. Learn when and why you might even use more than one, depending on the circumstances and scope of your project.


Variable Air System Pressure with New AutomationDirect Transducers

Variable Air System Pressure with New AutomationDirect Transducers

When precise pneumatic control is required, on/off valves are insufficient. A new series of variable 4-20 mA valves from AutomationDirect provides more precise linear pressure control.


News Dec 28, 2023 by Austin Futrell
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.


Easing the IT/OT Burden With OnLogic’s New Thin Client PC

Easing the IT/OT Burden With OnLogic’s New Thin Client PC

OnLogic has added to the existing ThinManager-ready PC product line with a new thin client with WiFi boot functionally to add multiple HMI functionality with a central point of maintenance.


News Dec 26, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
ABB Launches Advanced Industrial Process Control with Ability FIM 3.0

ABB Launches Advanced Industrial Process Control with Ability FIM 3.0

ABB enhances connectivity and interoperability for industrial field instruments by releasing its Ability Field Information Manager 3.0, optimizing oversight of operations for improved productivity.


News Dec 25, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida