Latest Power Technical Articles

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.

LiDAR and SLAM enable AMRs and drones to effectively navigate dynamic industrial environments. The right selection of…

LiDAR and SLAM enable AMRs and drones to effectively navigate dynamic industrial environments. The right selection of high-power laser diodes is critical for accurate performance of LiDAR/SLAM systems

Control engineering is integrally woven together with electricity and electrical circuits. Even so, sometimes the most…

Control engineering is integrally woven together with electricity and electrical circuits. Even so, sometimes the most basic scenarios become misunderstood through lack of training or experience.

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.

In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery…

In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how…

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?

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?

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?

Power delivered to devices can be changed by raising or lowering the voltage and current. But this method does not always…

Power delivered to devices can be changed by raising or lowering the voltage and current. But this method does not always produce intended results. Pulse width modulation (or PWM) can be used to better control variable loads.

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.

What is Power over Ethernet (PoE), how does it work, and how can industrial facilities benefit?

What is Power over Ethernet (PoE), how does it work, and how can industrial facilities benefit?

This article takes a look at several products that can help you make your fluid power systems smarter.

This article takes a look at several products that can help you make your fluid power systems smarter.

Smart connected devices are providing savings and increasing productivity for companies. Let's dive into using connected…

Smart connected devices are providing savings and increasing productivity for companies. Let's dive into using connected devices for hydraulic and pneumatic power solutions.

Power plays a vital role in manufacturing. But, what are industrial energy systems (IES) and recent trends impacting the industry?

Power plays a vital role in manufacturing. But, what are industrial energy systems (IES) and recent trends impacting the industry?

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines…

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!

Building automation systems run commercial offices and factories. These systems have subsystems, broken into even smaller…

Building automation systems run commercial offices and factories. These systems have subsystems, broken into even smaller parts. All of these parts need power. This article will review the parts of a building automation system and its power needs.

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

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

Solenoids and linear actuators provide similar movements in industrial applications. What are the main similarities and…

Solenoids and linear actuators provide similar movements in industrial applications. What are the main similarities and differences, and how are they each used?