KNOWLEDGE
How to read electrical schematics? #8 PLC Controller Part 1/2
BY ADRIAN WAŚKO POSTED ON NOVEMBER 16, 2022
PLC is used in almost every automation system these days. In wiring diagrams, the representation of a PLC can be realized in several w
although similar to each other. In confronting this topic I will try to explain as much as possible.
Download wiring diagram
You will need a sample diagram for the course. On the net I found a diagram of electrical and Control and
Measurement Instruments and Automation of a sewage pumping station. I think enough to start with.
DOWNLOAD WIRING DIAGRAM
Documentation also includes description and drawings.
Introduction
Most simple wiring diagrams are constructed very similarly. Typically, such diagrams consist of a cluster of the basic functions of an objec
its control system:
1. Power supply and protection.
2. High Current Circuits.
3. Control and measurement systems.
4. PLC Inputs.
5. PLC outputs.
6. I/O overview of PLC + communication.
7. Summaries and Tables.
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While the order may vary, in many cases this is how it goes. To make you assimilate this more I have prepared a drawing that briefly illust
the construction of a simple electrical diagram:
Fig. 1. An example of how the wiring diagram is constructed.
PLC in the wiring diagram
A PLC in a wiring diagram may consist of several components:
1. Digital and analog inputs.
2. Digital and analog outputs.
3. Input/Output List.
4. Power supply for the PLC and its modules.
5. Communication links.
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Fig. 2. PLC elements in electrical diagrams
The configuration and order of the PLC components listed above depends on many factors. Large wiring diagrams may contain all or even
of these components, while smaller ones may consist of only a few. The order and style of presentation of PLC components, in turn, depend
the designer’s habits, the company’s standard, and the program in which the electrical documentation is created (e.g., Eplan, WSCAD
Electrical, etc.).
I/O in the wiring diagrams
What is this I/O? From the English language Input/Output. I/O on wiring diagrams is represented in many ways. I honestly feel that each dia
is drawn in a different program and style. Why does this happen? Not only are there many programs available to help you draw the schem
but each of them provides several ways to represent inputs and outputs of the PLC or its I/O modules.
Inputs – Digital or analog inputs come from the input devices and are converted into logic signals understood by the PLC. The digital input t
PLC will be a binary state of 0 or 1 while the analog input will be stored in the controller register as a range of numbers e.g. 0 to 27684.
Outputs – digital or analog outputs are controlled by the PLC to a form that can be used to control devices (actuators).
PLC inputs
One representation of PLC inputs in wiring diagrams is to divide the inputs into modules and place them on one side. Such a module us
consists of 8 inputs, although there are also 4,16 and 32 inputs or others.
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Fig. 3. Modular representation of PLC inputs
The input is almost always drawn with the connection facing up, i.e., the signal to the PLC input is drawn from the top to the input (see Figu
However, one should be careful because, although rare, there are various creative inventions in the diagrams.
Another example is the representation of the PLC inputs each individually (see Figure 3). In such diagrams, inputs may be drawn separate
several different pages, not necessarily in order. This method is used when the schema is divided into functions and locations – used mo
schemas for facilities with multiple devices.
Fig. 4. Representation of PLC inputs on several pages.
It is very common for the diagrams to show the transition of potential between pages. This also applies to PLC inputs and outputs. In Figur
have included an example where the logic (control) for the digital input is on page 22 and the digital input itself is on page 36. The transiti
potential between pages is symbolized by arrows and description.
The description of the potential transition between pages usually includes the device names and the connection number, as well as the page
column on which the potential transitions are placed.
Now I have a request for you to stop for a moment and carefully examine first Figure 5 and then Figure 6. Potential transitions between p
appear in every electrical diagram!
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Fig. 5. Example of a potential transition between the pages of an electrical diagram
In Figure 6, I have included a hint on how to interpret the notations at the transition of potential between pages. In orange, I have marke
description of the device and its connection to which the potential is connected. I have marked the page and column in red as the location o
potential transition arrows.
Fig. 6. Example of reading a potential transition between the pages of an electrical diagram
PLC outputs
PLC outputs are drawn in the same way as digital inputs. The only difference is that the outputs are drawn in reverse, that is, the ou
connection is placed at the bottom of the input symbol. The following figures explain that difference:
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