PLC power supply and safety (emergency) circuits requirements

The source for a PLC power supply is generally single-phase and 120 or 240 VAC. If the controller is installed in an enclosure, the two power leads (L1 hot and… Read more

Mar 15, 2017 | Industrial Automation

Why overmotoring an application is not such a good idea

In many instances, the practice has been to overmotor an application, i.e., to select a higher-horsepower motor than necessary. The disadvantages of this practice are: Lower efficiency Lower power factor… Read more

Mar 13, 2017 | Electric Motor

3 performance factors you must consider when sizing batteries

Batteries need to be sized correctly to be able to feed the required load for the required time, and a number of factors need to be decided to be able… Read more

Mar 10, 2017 | Energy and Power

Never underestimate electrostatic discharge (ESD) while working with data networking equipment

Let’s start with basics you probably already know, but nevertheless. It’s important to explain the basics first. Electrostatic Discharge (or ESD) refers to the transfer of electrostatic charge between bodies… Read more

Mar 08, 2017 | Datacenters

The essentials of synchronous machines in power distribution networks

Synchronous machines can be used as generators or motors. They are of 3-phase construction, even though some special exceptions can be found. A bulk of the applications are within power… Read more

Mar 06, 2017 | Electric Motor

Voltage drop calculation methods with examples explained in details

The first consideration for voltage drop is that under the steady-state conditions of normal load, the voltage at the utilization equipment must be adequate. In addition to steady-state conditions, voltage… Read more

Mar 03, 2017 | Energy and Power

Performing power factor test on dry-type transformer during commissioning

The power factor test is a maintenance test used to determine the insulation system dielectric power loss by measuring the power angle between an applied AC voltage and the resultant… Read more

Mar 01, 2017 | Maintenance

Basic electrical design of a PLC panel (Wiring diagrams)

It is uncommon for engineers to build their own PLC panel designs (but not impossible of course). For example, once the electrical designs are complete, they must be built by… Read more

Feb 27, 2017 | Electric Motor

Measurement of N–PE loop resistance in TN, TT and IT systems

Up-to-date test instruments, with built in modern electronics, can measure loop resistance even between the neutral N and protection PE conductors in spite of possible high currents in the neutral… Read more

Feb 24, 2017 | Low Voltage

Do you know what ground potential rise is? It’s really important.

First of all, ground potential rise is very important and very dangerous event. The grounding engineer will be required to develop safety systems to protect any personnel working where ground… Read more

Feb 22, 2017 | Energy and Power