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Introduction to Safety Relays

Introduction to Safety Relays

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?


DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain applications?


How-To: Building a PLC Project with Modbus Communication

How-To: Building a PLC Project with Modbus Communication

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two example implementations of Modbus transactions will get you started.


Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching devices, causing costly downtime. The solution is cheaper than you think.


Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?


Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.


Protecting Control Systems with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Protecting Control Systems with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines work together. Learn all about Safety Instrumented Systems and what it takes to keep workers safe, and the system running smoothly!


How Remote Access is Advancing in the Process Industries

How Remote Access is Advancing in the Process Industries

Due to the robust nature of process industries, there is a vast amount of data to read. Remote access can help parse data and has many additional benefits in these industries.


Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?


Overcurrent Protection: Motor Starter Trip Classes for Industrial Motors

Overcurrent Protection: Motor Starter Trip Classes for Industrial Motors

Trip classes protect motors from overcurrent, but when will an overload relay trip, why, and what trip class should you use?


Top Five Machine Safety Risks and Automated Solutions for the Shop Floor

Top Five Machine Safety Risks and Automated Solutions for the Shop Floor

Each machine on the factory floor comes with risk; learn common safety risks and corresponding automation solutions.


Protocols for Industrial Remote Monitoring

Protocols for Industrial Remote Monitoring

Dive into why protocols are essential in industrial remote monitoring along with the most common types of open protocols seen in facilities.


Comparing Electrical and Mechanical Motor Soft-start Methods

Comparing Electrical and Mechanical Motor Soft-start Methods

Learn about the different types of electrical and mechanical soft-start methods as well as devices to use for each method.


Three-Phase Motors with Twelve Wires

Three-Phase Motors with Twelve Wires

Of all types of three-phase motors, the twelve-wire motor provides the most options for connecting based on voltage and system configuration (wye or delta). Learn the details and wiring options of these versatile motors.


Three-Wire vs. Six-Wire Three-Phase Motors

Three-Wire vs. Six-Wire Three-Phase Motors

Three-phase motors with three or six wires have limited options for wiring, but are easier to use and have important roles to play. Learn the difference between three- and six-wire three-phase motors for low and high voltage applications.


Comparing Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Motors

Comparing Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Motors

In this article, learn the differences between single- and three-phase motors, including how each one works and applications best suited for each type.


Common Motor Windings and Wiring for Three-Phase Motors

Common Motor Windings and Wiring for Three-Phase Motors

This article looks at some common windings and wirings for three-phase motors, including internal Wye windings and low and high voltage wirings.


Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

This article looks at a few of the more advanced motor control circuits for a three-phase motor.


Securing SCADA Systems from Cyber Attacks

Securing SCADA Systems from Cyber Attacks

Learn about the many ways cyber-attacks threaten SCADA systems, and what can be done to keep manufacturing and utility plants protected.


Digital Twinning and its Use in SCADA Systems

Digital Twinning and its Use in SCADA Systems

Learn all about Digital Twinning, and how this new technique can change the way we do a number of industrial operations!