PLC Latch (Flip-Flop) Logic Function – Like a Sticky Switch!
More complex systems cannot be controlled with combinatorial logic alone. The main reason for this is that we cannot (or choose not to) add sensors to detect all conditions. In… Read more
Aug 24, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Kirchhoff’s Laws For Electrical Engineers – Beginners
Two extremely important principles in electric circuits were codified by Gustav Robert Kirchhoff in the year 1847, known as Kirchhoff’s Laws. His two laws refer to Voltages and Currents in… Read more
Aug 19, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Few advice for improving integrity of protective conductor
Most modern electronic equipment uses switched mode power supplies (SMPS) which draw pulses of current from the mains supply rather than a continuous sinusoidal current. The fast rise time edges of the… Read more
Aug 14, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Practical Considerations of Transformer Heat and Noise
In addition to unwanted electrical effects, transformers may also exhibit undesirable physical effects, the most notable being the production of heat and noise. Transformer noise is primarily a nuisance effect,… Read more
Jul 31, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Essential Basics of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
For a signal y, the total harmonic distortion (THD) is defined by the equation: This definition complies with that of standard IEC 61000-2-2. Note that the resulting value may exceed… Read more
Jul 22, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
What can a PLC do? Why do we use them?
“PLC” means “Programmable Logic Controller”, that’s clear. The word “Programmable” differentiates it from the conventional hard-wired relay logic. It can be easily programmed or changed as per the application’s requirement…. Read more
Jul 15, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
4 Main Means For The Generation Of Reactive Power
The four main means for the generation of reactive power are: synchronous alternators, synchronous compensators (SC), static var compensators (SVC) and banks of static capacitors. Contents Synchronous alternators Synchronous compensators… Read more
Jun 29, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Basics of DC Motors For Electrical Engineers – Beginners
Separate field excitation DC motors are still sometimes used for driving machines at variable speed. These motors are very easy to miniaturize, and essential for very low powers and low… Read more
Jun 15, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Cable sizing of sub-main electrical circuits (working examples)
A sub-main electrical circuit can be defined as a circuit connected directly from the main LV switchboard to a sub-main distribution panel or a rising main for final connection of the minor… Read more
Apr 29, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Back To School – Let’s Calculate Current I3
Referring to the following circuit, calculate direct current I3: Using Kirchhoff’s laws; Using nodal analysis; Applying Thévenin’s theorem at nodes A and B. – KCL stands for Kirchhoff’s Current Law… Read more
Apr 10, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) For Beginners
This technical article focuses on the widely used miniature circuit breakers rated for 240 V or less. These are smaller and lower-rated versions of industrial-grade molded-case circuit breakers rated for… Read more
Jan 26, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
The choice of system voltage according to ANSI standard C84.1
The selection of system voltages is crucial to successful power system design. Reference lists the standard voltages for the United States and their ranges. The nominal voltages are given in Table… Read more
Aug 20, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
2 Most Common Contributing Factors In Motor Insulation Failure
The most frequent failure in electrical equipment is the degradation and breakdown (flashover) of the insulation. Electrical insulation can be liquid or solid, organic or inorganic. Organic insulation material consists… Read more
Jun 25, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
What is the short-circuit switching (making / breaking) capacity?
The switching capacity is the r.m.s value of a current at a given power factor cos φ as well as a given rated voltage at which a switchgear or a… Read more
Feb 10, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Important in role of capacitors in distribution systems
Should the voltage on a circuit fall below a specified level for some reason, a device called a capacitor can momentarily maintain the voltage at line value. Basically, a capacitor… Read more
Nov 27, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi