Latest Enclosures and Control Panels Technical Articles

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Digital Education for Hands-On Manufacturing Skills

Digital Education for Hands-On Manufacturing Skills

Learn about the future of manufacturing education and potential digital solutions to help people gain hands-on skills.


Controlling VFDs with Manual Inputs

Controlling VFDs with Manual Inputs

To increase the flexibility of a motor control system, a variable frequency drive (VFD) is a common device that solves many motor control problems. In this article, learn how to control manual input of VFDs.


Introduction to Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drives with Ethernet I/P

Introduction to Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drives with Ethernet I/P

An overview of the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex variable frequency drive with Ethernet I/P protocol.


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.


What is Six Sigma and How is it Used in Manufacturing?

What is Six Sigma and How is it Used in Manufacturing?

Six Sigma can be used to effectively manufacture highly standardized products. This article covers Six Sigma's philosophy, implementation, and certifications while looking at why it works for control systems engineers.


Introduction to Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

Introduction to Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

Distributed control systems (DCS) evolved out of control systems for facilities, but their scope can be difficult to fully understand. This article explores the role of a DCS and how it fits in with PLCs and PACs.


The Difference Between Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Soft Starters

The Difference Between Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Soft Starters

The following will examine how to reduce the wear on motors during startup and compare soft starters and variable frequency drives (VFDs). 


Using Sensors with Open Collector Outputs

Using Sensors with Open Collector Outputs

This article discusses how to use sensors with open collector outputs and learning some of the module connections involved.


Understanding Different IP Enclosure Ratings

Understanding Different IP Enclosure Ratings

This article will provide an overview of the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, IEC standard 60529, sometimes referred to as International Protection code.


Orifice Plate Sizing for Flow Measurements

Orifice Plate Sizing for Flow Measurements

Learn about orifice plates and specifically how to size orifice plates for flow measurements and the different flow rates associated with them.


How to Reduce Electrical Noise on Sensors and Control Systems

How to Reduce Electrical Noise on Sensors and Control Systems

Electrical noise is a common problem inside industrial facilities. The following will explain a few simple strategies for reducing this noise.


Common NEMA Enclosure Ratings 

Common NEMA Enclosure Ratings 

This article discusses several different types of NEMA enclosure ratings and which one may be the right one for your specific applications.


Overview of Motor Contactors and AC Drives

Overview of Motor Contactors and AC Drives

This article discusses motor contractors and how they play an essential role in most robotic cells.


An Overview of Integral Gain

An Overview of Integral Gain

This article discusses the meaning of integral gain and how to calculate integral gain to achieve better control results.


What is Redundancy in Control Systems?

What is Redundancy in Control Systems?

Learn about redundancy and why it's an important part of protecting control systems and a key part of avoiding costly system failures and malfunctions.


How to Measure AC Voltage With a Multimeter

How to Measure AC Voltage With a Multimeter

Simple voltage measurements from a multimeter are the most frequently used function in these tools. Some of them are more difficult to understand than others, and this is definitely the case when comparing AC to DC voltage.


How To Measure DC Voltage With a Multimeter

How To Measure DC Voltage With a Multimeter

The simplest and most common measurement to obtain using a multimeter is voltage, in fact, they are often called ‘voltmeters’ for this reason.


The Importance of Multimeters

The Importance of Multimeters

The voltmeter, or more often the multimeter, is an incredible tool, capable of troubleshooting nearly every electrical system and fault in existence.


Grounding DC Power Supplies

Grounding DC Power Supplies

Should you connect a DC power supply to ground or not? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of grounding DC power supplies.


Grounding for Signal Conditioning

Grounding for Signal Conditioning

Grounding electrical systems can lead to problems with interference and noise, affecting signal clarity. This article looks at these problems and how to avoid them.