After wiring the first set of terminal blocks, with the PLC still disconnected, close the breaker and check for shorts that could damage the PLC. Take extra care to label grounds and “hot” wires to prevent short circuits and arcs. After wiring the breaker attach the outputs of the breaker to their respective terminal block clusters and any DC power supplies that may be necessary for the job. Always ensure the breaker is open to avoid prematurely energizing the system. Next, begin wiring a circuit breaker using local safety standards. Use only as many terminal blocks as is necessary for each input or output being utilized by the PLC. Build the terminal blocks in a way that meets safety standards as well as provides access to all terminals. Next, begin laying out the industry standard terminal blocks around the PLC on the DIN rail. Micro-controllers are a much simpler and much safer solution to enthusiast level automation and control needs. Do not attempt to utilize a PLC based system without the proper training as they are much more dangerous than a run of the mill micro-controller based system. PLCs are much more expensive and designed to handle large industrial processes where thousands of volts and amps of current must be managed over an entire facility and potentially hundreds of inputs and outputs.

Hobbyist level users looking for a guide to small to medium grade control systems should consider a micro-controller based system such as an Arduino or Raspery Pi. PLC controlled systems are used almost exclusively in highly controlled industrial manufacturing. This guide will explain how to program a basic Micrologix series Allen Bradley PLC using the micrologix 500 architecture.Īdditional notes: This guide is done under the assumption that the reader not only has the tools and components necessary to install a PLC controlled system but has a background understanding of safety standards and current flow in electronics.

PLCs require multiple different skills from wiring to networking all the way down to a fundamental understanding of ladder logic systems. By knowing how to accurately and quickly set up and program a PLC one can effectively streamline any industrial process. Programming a PLC is an incredibly important aspect of any position in industrial automation.

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