Sinking and Sourcing Concepts and their differences

Sourcing and sinking are the core terms of PLC wiring and can greatly affect the reliability and functionality of your control system. In this article, we will explore these fundamental concepts and ensure the success in design and installation of a PLC system. What is sinking and sourcing? Sinking and sourcing refer to two distinct … Read more

Differences between GTO and SCR

Gate turn-off thyristors (GTO) and Silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR) are semiconductor switching devices used in converters, rectifiers, charging circuits, etc. in order to control the current flow. This article illustrates the key differences between GTO and SCR. What is an SCR? An SCR is a unidirectional semiconductor device that can be triggered into conduction by … Read more

Difference between AC contactors and DC contactors

The AC contactors differ from the DC contactors in their construction, arc extinction, and usage in a circuit. In this article, let us discuss the major differences between AC contactors and DC contactors. Contactors are electrically controlled switching devices. They are used to switch electric motors, lights, reactors, capacitors, heating loads, EV charging systems, UPS, … Read more

Ingress protection rating or IP rating (IEC 60529)

IEC 60529 has classified the degree of protection offered by an enclosure against solid particles and liquid. This classification is known as the ingress protection code/ IP code/ IP rating/ index of protection. To ensure the correct protection of the internal components and to suit the environment where the enclosure is installed, these codes are … Read more

Are earthing and grounding the same?

Ground and/or Earth are generally used to define a common reference point for power/signal. While IEC (IEV ref 195-01-01) defines this reference point as earth, IEEE (Standard Std 142-2007) defines the same point as ground and NEC defines ground itself as a connection to the earth. But are earthing and grounding the same, let’s find … Read more

Neutral-to-Earth/ground Voltage- Causes, effects, and solution

Ideally, the voltage measured across the neutral and the earth/ground must be zero. But sometimes there exists some measure of potential difference between them. Here, in this article let us analyze the causes of neutral to earth/ground voltage, its effect, and how to mitigate it. Note: If you are an electrician troubleshooting your wiring or … Read more

Difference between grounding/earthing and bonding

Earthing and bonding are two terms very closely related but are different. Even though earthing and bonding are meant to prevent electric shock, they have a subtle difference that needs to be understood. This article explains the concepts and the difference between earthing and bonding. Note: The terms earth and ground refer to a common … Read more

Electric current collectors

What are current collectors? Current collectors are components fitted to an electric equipment in motion to collect electric current required for its operation from a stationary busbar. They can be found in electric locomotives, cranes, trams, overhead conveyors, travelling cranes etc. Another place where you may see them is in those bumper cars in amusement … Read more

Interview questions on PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers)

Here are the most frequently asked Interview questions on PLC. This article aims to cover most of the interview questions on programmable logic controllers so as to prepare you to crack a job interview. List of Interview questions on PLC What is a PLC? PLC stands for ‘Programmable Logic Controller’. It is an industrial computer … Read more

Interview question – Induction Motors

Here are the most frequently asked questions on Induction motors. This article aims to cover most of the interview questions on induction motors so as to prepare you to crack a job interview. Interview questions on induction motors What is an induction motor? An induction motor is an electric machine that converts electrical energy into … Read more