OEM PLC Training Tips : On this page we will continue to post tips useful to the machine designer OEM. So best to bookmark and check back often. "Tips plc controller training and ladder programming PLCs for the OEM Company and maintenance personnel." Some of these PLC training tips may be from an equipment manufacturer association, OEM PLC news, etc.. If you are asking what does a field service technician do, some of the field service technician training about PLCs here will offer insight. New PLC Training Podcast: For those new to PLCs and managers of companies using PLCs.

PLC Programming tips: Start with the industry standard program structure. Provide a cross-reference subroutine, a startup subroutine, keep the main PLC program file clean with mostly just jump to subroutine rungs and critical safety rungs. (Have a structure in the first place.) Use common PLC programming conventions like plugging timers in forward / reversing motor logic. Use variable (memory location) instead of constant for all source and destination fields. Only use real-world I/O addresses in cross-reference subroutine. Provide 20% additional resources (memory allocation, etc.) in case online programming is required. Use common industry naming conventions like AFI (Always False Input), and XREF (Cross Reference). Keep symbols/tags as short as possible, element descriptions as detailed as possible. Great advice on which PLC programming language to use in which application can be found in Control Design magazine article "Learning IEC 61131-3 programming language" Extra advice ...

Control Panel Design tips: * Have an outside-the-panel PLC communication port and fused 120-V outlet.

* If it's an ac-powered PLC, have the line filter on 120‑V control power come off the transformer's secondaries.

* Bring critical warning lights, such as PLC fault, battery, force, comm, outside the panel or to the HMI.

* Use aux contacts on E-stops and disconnects to detect them in the PLC and/or HMI.

* Consider providing PLC program backup on a PLC EEPROM in a PLC that reloads the program automatically on memory fault. Read more ...