Latest Electromechanical Components Technical Articles

Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different…

Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different specific applications, and should not be used interchangeably.

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.

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…

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?

Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive,…

Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive, capacitive, and many rely on a property called magnetostriction.

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position,…

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position, velocity, and acceleration control, and provide feedback to ensure product quality and tolerance compliance.

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC…

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?

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the…

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the speed of computers introduces some new challenges but brings solutions as well.

The objective of predictive maintenance is to foresee potential machine failure with the help of machine learning…

The objective of predictive maintenance is to foresee potential machine failure with the help of machine learning algorithms provided with vast quantities of data.

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching…

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.

Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried…

Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried properly, it can lead to serious failures.

Failures of I/O systems are a common source of headache for control engineers. Troubleshooting those devices that have…

Failures of I/O systems are a common source of headache for control engineers. Troubleshooting those devices that have polarized connections (source vs sink, and NPN vs PNP) is a technique worth refining.

Measuring pH is a critical task of many chemical processes and systems. Learn the definition of pH, the measurement…

Measuring pH is a critical task of many chemical processes and systems. Learn the definition of pH, the measurement tools, and the calibration steps for proper operation and care of these meters.

Digital control systems are particular about the direction of current flow from sensors and input devices. The terms…

Digital control systems are particular about the direction of current flow from sensors and input devices. The terms sourcing and sinking (often abbreviated source and sink) are among the more confusing ratings found on I/O module datasheets. Part 1 of a 3-part series.

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered…

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

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…

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.

Learn about quality control in manufacturing using 3D Inspection, an essential method to achieve quality targets.

Learn about quality control in manufacturing using 3D Inspection, an essential method to achieve quality targets.

Servo motors are widely utilized in industry for numerous applications. How do you use fuzzy logic to control a servo motor?

Servo motors are widely utilized in industry for numerous applications. How do you use fuzzy logic to control a servo motor?

AVEVA Solutions, formerly Wonderware, is a popular service that offers HMI, SCADA, and MES. How is each solution used in…

AVEVA Solutions, formerly Wonderware, is a popular service that offers HMI, SCADA, and MES. How is each solution used in industrial automation?

Learn about obstacles businesses face implementing predictive maintenance and how to overcome them.

Learn about obstacles businesses face implementing predictive maintenance and how to overcome them.