Chapter 6 - Wiring Techniques

would be no power to energize the output relays in the PLC. In the ladder diagram,
OUTPUT 3 could be programmed as an always ON coil. The result would be that while the
PLC was powered and running, lamp LT2 would not be lit. If the PLC lost power lamp LT2
would light and provide the operator with an indication that the PLC had a problem. This
method could also be provided as a maintenance tool to allow maintenance to troubleshoot
and repair the system faster. Also in the drawing of Figure 6-12, a coil K1 is shown
connected to OUTPUT 2. This could be a solenoid which drives a plunger into a slide to
lock it in place or it could be the coil of a motor starter used to control power to a motor
which requires more current than the relay in the output unit can safely carry. Note that to
be used in this situation, the coil K1 would have to be rated for AC use at the voltage
available from the AC power source. The wiring of these outputs may each be thought of
in terms of a switch controlling a lightbulb. A normally closed switch or a normally open
switch may be used. The switch is placed in series with the lightbulb and the power source
to control current to the light.

Figure 6-12 - Common Relay Wiring

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Chapter 6 - Wiring Techniques

A PLC relay output unit with three isolated FORM C contacts is shown in
Figure 6-13. In this type output unit, the relay contacts have no connection between them.
These output contacts may be used for any purpose to drive any three output devices with
no concern for connection between power sources. Each output has three terminals. The
C terminal is the common terminal of the relay. The NO terminal is the normally open
contact and the NC terminal is the normally closed contact of the relay. The NC and NO
terminals have a number following them that is the associated output number and the same
number is indicated for each C terminal as well as indicating that it is associated with a
particular output. As with the common relay output unit of Figure 6-11, the NO contact only
closes when the output is ON and the NC contact only opens when the output is ON.

Figure 6-13 - Isolated Relay Output

Figure 6-14 shows a typical system output wiring diagram using an output unit
having three FORM C isolated outputs. In Figure 6-14, the three outputs are controlling
devices with three different power requirements. OUTPUT 1 is controlling a DC lamp, LT1,
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Chapter 6 - Wiring Techniques

which has it's own DC power source. Notice that lamp LT1 will be lit whenever OUTPUT
1 is turned OFF. This could possibly be a fault indicator for the system. Lamp LT2 is an
AC lamp having it's own AC source. LT2 is also lit when OUTPUT 3 is turned OFF. This
could be used as a fault indication. OUTPUT 2 is connected to a release valve which has
an internal power source and only needs a contact closure to release. In this case, the
release valve is connected to the normally closed terminal for OUTPUT 2. This connection
provides for the release valve to be in the release condition should the PLC lose power.
This may be the requirement to provide for the machine being in a safe condition in case
of system failure. Notice that in the wiring of INPUT 1 and INPUT 3, the wiring provides for
a power source, switch and light all in series, with the switch controlling the flow of current
to the light.

Figure 6-14 - Isolated Contact Wiring

6-8.

Solid State Outputs

There are several types of solid state outputs available with PLC's. Three popular
types are transistor, triac and TTL. All three of these output units will generally have a
common terminal although triac output units are available in an isolated configuration.
Transistor output units are usually open collector with the common terminal connected to
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