Fundamental PLC Programming

FUNDAMENTAL PLC PROGRAMMING

Q1. Explain with diagram the three steps of processor scan cycle of PLC program execution of standard one rung ladder diagram. Ans.: The ladder relay circuit monitors every input and output device throughout the circuit simultaneously, whereas the PLC performs the same function in a sequence of step called a Processor Scan Cycle. Figure (1) shows one rung of a relay ladder diagram to help explain the following three step that take place during he scanning process. As soon as the PLC is turned on, a Output Input program is fed into the CPU from the Device Device executive memory that runs an internal OD self diagnostic check on the system. If I:2/4 any part of the processor is not O:1/3 functioning properly, its fault indicator Fig. (1) A Standard One Rung Ladder Diagram light illuminates. The diagnostic self check also determines if there is a faulty memory or an improper connection with the I/O module. Once the self diagnostic check confirms that the system is operating properly, it starts its scanning operation. The scanning operation consists of three steps as described here. Step 1: The first step of the scanning process is to Update the Input Image Table by sensing the voltage level of the input terminals. The status of the input field devices is recorded in memory. A 0 or 1 is stored into the bit of the memory location designated for a particular input terminal. In Figure (1) a 0 is stored into memory bit I:2/4 when no voltage is sensed, and a 1 is loaded when a voltage present. Step 2: The second step of the scanning process is to Scan Program Instructions located in file 2 i.e. user program, of the program file in the user memory. The process for each instruction involves three operations for each rung in a sequential order. 1. First, the CPU makes a reference to the input image table to find out the status of the input. In figure (1), it finds out the condition of input I:2/4. 2. Second, the CPU reads the instruction. The CPU makes decisions based on whether the input conditions are met and the type of logic function specified by the program. The program for figure (1) would read: If a 1 is present at memory bit 4 of the module in slot 2, then write a l at bit location 3 of the output module in slot 1. 3. Third, according to the decisions made, the CPU updates the output image table by recording a 0 or 1 at the relevant bit location in memory. The processor executes the entire list of instructions, rung by rung, in ascending rung order. Step 3: The third step of the scanning process is to Update the Output Terminals. The CPU takes data form the output data file and sends it out to the real world through the terminals of the output modules. The input /output updates and the program instruction step are separate, independent functions. Any status changes occurring in an external input device during the program instruction step are not accounted for until the next I/O scan. Similarly, data changes
Dr. Gulam Rabbani

Fundamental PLC Programming

associated with external outputs are not transferred to the output until the next scan. The diagram in figure (2) graphically summarize the three steps of the scan. The three step scanning process Start Scan Cycle Step 1 Determine Status of is continuous and is repeated Input Devices many times each second. The Step 3 time it takes to complete one scan Update ( Turn ON or OFF) depends on the size of the Output Devices program and the clock speed of the microprocessor used by the Fig. (2) Three Steps of PLC. If, for example, a program Processor Scan Cycle is written that uses 1 K words of memory, the time to scan the instruction once may take five milliseconds. Therefore, there will be 200 scan each second. Q2. Explain following relay type Step 2 Interpret Logic of instructions with symbols and Program relay logic diagram: 1. Examine ON 2. Energize Output Ans.: The most frequently used instruction in PLC programming is the relay ladder logic operations. The relay type instructions are Examine ON Contact, Energize Output Coil, Examine OFF Contact, Latch Output, and Unlatch Output. Symbol Examine ON Contact: The symbol for Examine ON instruction is shown Examine ON Contact here. This symbol represents an input condition. It tells the CPU to examine a bit at the memory location specified by the address number listed with the symbol. The referenced address may represent the status of external input affected by the condition of a field device, or the logic states of an internal memory bit. The Examine ON instruction is True when the addressed memory bit is a 1, meaning that a corresponding external input field devices is closed and supplies a voltage at the terminal of input module. The Examine ON instruction is False when the addressed memory bit is a 0, meaning that a corresponding external field device is open and does not supply a voltage at the input terminal. This symbol is also referred to an as Examine If Closed (XIC) instruction because its corresponding memory bit is a logic 1 (True condition) when the field device that control it is closed. An Examine On instruction is often a single input on a rung. Several of them can also be programmed in series to perform an AND operation, or parallel to perform an OR operation. These instructions are located in the left portion of the rung. The field devices that provide input signals include switches, push buttons, and sensors. Energize Output Coil: The symbol for Energize Output Coil instruction is shown here. This symbol represents an output action instruction. This instruction will be performed only if
Dr. Gulam Rabbani

Fundamental PLC Programming

the preceding instruction condition (input) provides a path of logic continuity. The Energize Output instruction tells the CPU to set a bit to Symbol 1 or rest a bit to 0 at the memory location specified by the address listed Energize Output with the symbol. The referenced bit provides the action command Coil signal for the output. The output instruction sets the memory bit to a 1when the rung conditions is True. The result is that the corresponding field device energizes. The output instruction reset the memory bit to a 0 when the rung condition is False. The result is that the corresponding field device de energizes. Output instruction is located on the right portion of the ladder diagram rungs. Most PLCs allow only one output to be programmed on each rung. This instruction is considered as a non retentive output, meaning that once the current passing through the coil stops flowing, it de energizes. Field devices operated by this instruction include lights, motors, and relay coils. When the output in the form of a coil is ON, an Examine On contact with the same address will be True, and a normally closed N.O. (Examine OFF) contact will be False. Push N.O. When the output in the form of a coil is OFF, an Button Float Examine On contact with the same address Switch will be False, and a normally closed (Examine Pump OFF) contact will be True. I:1/2 I:1/3 There can be more than one corresponding O:2/4 contact in the ladder diagram configuration that Figure 1(a) A Rung with Two is activated by only one output coil. Examine ON Inputs and One Output Figure 1(a) shows a one rung relay diagram and its equivalent ladder diagram [figure 1(b)] with two Examine ON inputs and one Energize Coil output. A normally open I:1/2 I:1/3 O:2/4 push button is connected to terminal I:1/2 of the Figure 1(b) A Rung with Two input module and a normally open float switch Examine ON Inputs and One Output is connected to terminal I:1/3. A pump is connected to terminal O:2/4 of the output module. The float switch closes when the level of liquid in a storage tank lowers to a given height, and the pump switch is manually closed by an operator. The action energizes the pump to add more water to the tank. Q3. What are the different relay logic instructions? Explain any one relay logic instruction with Symbol and suitable relay logic diagram. Ans.: The different relay logic instructions are as follows: 1. Examine ON Contact 2. Energize Output Coil 3. Examine OFF Contact 4. Latch Output 5. Unlatch Output. Symbol Examine ON Contact: The symbol for Examine ON instruction is shown Examine ON Contact here. This symbol represents an input condition. It tells the CPU to
Dr. Gulam Rabbani

Fundamental PLC Programming

examine a bit at the memory location specified by the address number listed with the symbol. The referenced address may represent the status of external input affected by the condition of a field device, or the logic states of an internal memory bit. The Examine ON instruction is True when the addressed memory bit is a 1, meaning that a corresponding external input field devices is closed and supplies a voltage at the terminal of input module. The Examine ON instruction is False when the addressed memory bit is a 0, meaning that a corresponding external field device is open and does not supply a voltage at the input terminal. This symbol is also referred to an as Examine If Closed (XIC) instruction because its corresponding memory bit is a logic 1 (True condition) when the field device that control it is closed. An Examine On instruction is often a single input on a rung. Several of them can also be programmed in series to perform an AND operation, or parallel to perform an OR operation. These instructions are located in the left portion of the rung. The field devices that provide input signals include switches, push N.O. buttons, and sensors. Push N.O. Figure 1(a) shows a one rung relay Button Float diagram and its equivalent ladder diagram Switch [figure 1(b)] with two Examine ON inputs Pump and one Energize Coil output. A normally open I:1/2 I:1/3 push button is connected to terminal I:1/2 of the O:2/4 input module and a normally open float switch Figure 1(a) A Rung with Two is connected to terminal I:1/3. A pump is Examine ON Inputs and One Output connected to terminal O:2/4 of the output module. The float switch closes when the level of liquid in a storage tank lowers to a given height, and the pump switch is manually closed I:1/2 I:1/3 O:2/4 by an operator. The action energizes the pump Figure 1(b) A Rung with Two to add more water to the tank. Examine ON Inputs and One Output Q4. Explain Timer ON (TON) instruction format bits with ladder diagram in a PLC. Ans.: Timers are output instructions that are internet to the programmable controller. They are capable of providing timed control of devices that they activate. Timing operations are used in many industrial application PLC timers perform various functions such a delaying an action, causing an operation to run a predetermined period of time, or recording the total accumulated time of continuous or intermittent events. They can also operate as astable or one shot multi-vibratos. A timer is activated by a change in the logic continuity of its rung. The rung condition is most often controlled by an Examine instruction. After the timed interval has expired, the timer output is energized causing a normally open or normally closed contact it controls to change its logic state. These contacts can be used throughout the program as many times as necessary. The contacts associated with a specific timer are identified by using the same address number.
Dr. Gulam Rabbani

Fundamental PLC Programming

Each timing instruction is programmed into the PLC; the following information must be entered as shown in fig. 1 (a). 1. Symbol and Address 2. 2. Time Base TON 3. Preset Value Timer ON Delay EN 4. Accumulated Value Timer T4:0 Time Base 0.01 Each timer instruction occupies three Preset (PR) 500 DN words of an element in the timing file, as Accumulator (AC) 0 shown in figure1 (b). The first word contains three status bits that are used to control various functions in a program. The Figure 1(a) A Timer Instruction for the PLC second and third words store the preset (PR) and accumulator (AC) values. They include: Enable bit (Bit 15) EN: The enable bit the set when the rung condition is True and resets when the rung condition is False. The enable bit is used to energizer or de energize one or more contacts in other rungs. The contacts to be controlled are programmed by entering the address of the timer that controls them, followed by the abbreviation EN. Done bit (Bit 13) DN: This bit is considered the primary output of the 15 14 13 timer. When the accumulated value equals the preset value, the timer has Word 1 EN TT DN INTERNAL timed out. The output bit then sets on or reset off. The on or off condition Word 2 PRESET VALUE depends on the type of timer instruction selected. The output bit is used to energize or de energize one Word 3 ACCUMULATED VALUE or more N.O. or N.C. contacts located TIMER INSTRUCTION (3 Word Element) at other rungs. The contacts to be controlled are programmed by entering Figure 1(b) Timer Instruction in a File the address of the timer that controls them, followed by the abbreviation DN. Timing bit (Bit 14) TT: The timing bit is on anytime the timer is on, but the accumulated value is less than the preset value. The timing bit is used to energize or de energize one or more contacts located at other rungs. The contacts to be controlled are programmable by entering the address of the timer that controls them, followed by the abbreviation TT. There is several type of PLC timer instruction available. These include the Timer on Delay and the Timer off Delay. The choice of which to use is dependent on the type of operation to be performed. Timer On Delay: When the rung condition become True, the timer begins causing the accumulator value to increment and bit 14 to 15 set. When AC = PR, the timer stops timing and the output energizes as bit 13 sets. At the same time bit 14 resets. If logic continuity of the rung is lost before or after the timer has timed out, the accumulate value goes to zero, and any bit hat is set, resets. The Timer On Delay output is used to provide time delayed action or to measure the duration for which some event is occurring. Q5. Explain Counter UP (CTU) instruction format bits with ladder diagram in a PLC.
Dr. Gulam Rabbani

Fundamental PLC Programming

Ans.: Counters are output instructions internal to the programmable controller. Counters simply count the number of events that occur, then stores and display the accumulated value. There are two common types of counter functions performed by PLCs: up counting and down counting. The choice of which one to use depends on the type of application to be performed. Programmable controller counters perform various applications such as counting the quantity of boxes passing a sensor on a conveyor belt, determining the number of parts left in a container, or keeping inventory of items in stock that are loaded into and removed form a storage facility. To activate an up or down counter, either an external device or software command must be used to control the logic continuity of the counters rung. Each count occurs when a False to True transition is detected by the counter. The transition is sensed by the counter when its rung continuity changes form a False to a true logic condition. As each counter instruction is programmed into the PLC, as shown in figure 1 (a) the following information must be entered. CTU 1. Symbol and Address COUNT UP 2. Preset Value CU COUNTER C5:0 3. Accumulated Value. PRESET(PR) 120 Symbol and Address: As a counter DN instruction is entered, a rectangle ACCUMULATOR (AC) 0 appears on the screen along with an abbreviation indicating which type Fig. 1(a) A Symbol for an UP Counter Instruction of counter has been selected. A file address ranging form 0 to 255 must be entered after the word Counter to identify the address location where the instruction is stored. Figure 1 (a) shows that address C5:0 is entered. A file is reserved in memory for counters. It is recommended that the first counter programmed be loaded into the lowest address of the file. Each additional counter should then be entered into succeeding memory locations. Each counter instruction occupies three words of an element in the counter file, as shown in Figur1 (b). The contents of the words 15
CU

14
CD

13
DN

12
OV

11 UN

INTERNAL

Word 1 Word 2 Word 3

15

PRESET VALUE ACCUMULATED VALUE Counter Instruction (3 Word Element) Figure 1(b) Counter Instruction in a File

two and three are the same as for timer instructions. They hold the preset and the accumulated value.
Dr. Gulam Rabbani

Fundamental PLC Programming

Preset Value: After the address has been programmed, a number ranging form 0 to 32, 767 at the right of the word PRESET can be selected. The value entered indicates the number of counts that occur before action is taken by the counter. Accumulated Value: After the preset value has been entered, the cursor prompts the use to enter a multi - digit number form 0 to 32, 767 at the right of the abbreviation ACCUM. Every time the counter is activated by a False to True state in its rung condition, it changes by one count. An up counter increment and a down counter decrement. The first word of element in a memory file contains five status bits. Each bit is assigned a number. These bits are often used t change the logic states of an input contact symbol in another rung. The address of the counter controlling it, along with the abbreviation of the bit, is placed above the symbol. Up Counter Enable bit (CU): This enable bit (15) is set when the condition of a rung where an up counter is located becomes True and resets when the rung condition is False. Down Counter Enable bit (CD): This enable bit (14) is affected by a down counter and sets anytime the rung where its symbol is located is in a True condition. Count Complete bit (DN): The Done bit (13) logic status is determined by comparing the accumulated value to the preset value. It sets when these two values are equal. This bit 0, is usually considered the primary output bit of the counter, its status can cause a device that the controls to turn on or off after reaching a certain count. Overflow (OV) / Underflow (UN) bit: Unlike timers, which stop counting when the accumulator values equal the preset value, a counter will continue to count up (or down). The Overflow bit sets when the accumulated value is grater than the maximum count of 32,767, and the Underflow bit sets when it falls below the count of 32,768. Up Counter: The Up Counter instruction will increment by one each time a counted event occurs. The number of events is recorded in the accumulator. The counts are activated by a False to True change of the counters rung condition. When the accumulated value reaches the preset value, the count complete bit (13) will set. Bit 14 will remain set if the counting continues beyond a value greater than the preset number. If the count goes beyond 32,767, the overflow bit (12) will set. A reset instruction is required to clear the accumulated value. An application of an up counter is counting the desired cereal boxes into a case to indicate when it is filled to capacity. Q6. What are the arithmetic status bits? Explain ADD and SUB arithmetic instructions of PLC. Ans.: Most PLCs have the ability to carry out arithmetic operations. Instructions are used to tell the processor to perform the four basic mathematical functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To make the calculation, the numbers form two sources are used. The source can be a word address or a program constant. All of the math operation will accept program constant at one source, but not at both of them. The content is taken directly form specific memory addresses, counters, timers, or any other accessible word location. After each math instruction is performed, the arithmetic status bits in the status file of the data table are update as follows: C (Carry) S: 0/0. Bit 0 is set if a carry is generated; otherwise it is reset. V (Overflow) S: 0/1. Bit 1 is set if the result does not fit in the destination register, otherwise it is reset. The maximum numbers that can be loaded into the register are +32,767 or 32,768.
Dr. Gulam Rabbani

Fundamental PLC Programming

Z (Zero) S: 0/2. Bit 2 is set if the result of the math calculation is zero. Otherwise it is reset. S (Sign) S: 0/3. Bit 3 is set if the result is negative; otherwise it is reset. S:13 and S :14. These are multiple bits containing 16 bit registers. They store word values generated by multiplication and division instructions. Together, they will store a full 32 bit integer result of the multiplication operation. The least signification word is stored in S: 13, and the most significant word is stored in S: 14. Additional Instruction (ADD): The addition operation adds two values specified after the source A source B indicators. The sum is stored at the destination address. The following status bits are affected: Bit0: The C (Carry) bit sets if a carry is generated. Bit1: The V (Overflow) bit sets if the sum does not fit into the destination address. Bit2: The Z (Zero) bit sets if the result is zero. Bit3: The S (Sign) bit sets if the result is negative. An example of an addition operation is shown ADD in figure 1 (a). When the input instruction I: ADD 1/2 is True, the PLC will enable the ADD SOURCE A 5 instruction. The data in source A (a program I: 1/2 SOURCE B C5:10.ACC constant of 5) will be added with the data in 5 DEST N7:0 source B (the accumulated value of counter C5:10), with the result being placed in the Figure 1(a) ADDITION OPERATION DEST (destination), N7:0. Subtraction instruction (SUB): The subtraction operation calculates the difference between two values specified after the source A and source B indicators. The value at source B is subtracted form the value at source A and sorted at the destination. The following bits are affected: Bit0. The C (Carry) bit is set if a borrow is generated. Bit1. The V (Overflow) bit is set if the result underflows. Bit2. The Z (Zero) bit is set if the result is zero. Bit3. The S (Sign) bit is set if the result is negative. An example of subtraction operation is shown SUB in figure 1 (b). When the input instruction I: SUBTRACT SOURCE A C5:10.ACC 1/3 is True, the PLC will enable the SUB I: 1/3 instruction. The data in source B (the program SOURCE B 5 constant) will be subtracted form the data in DEST N7:1 source A (the accumulated value of counter C5:10), with the result being placed in the Figure 1(b) SUBTRACTION OPERATION DEST (destination), N7:1.

Dr. Gulam Rabbani

Fundamental PLC Programming

Q7. Ans.: 1.

2.

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

3.

4.

Explain with symbols any five types of switches and their subcategories used as input devices to programmable logic controller. Following are the different switches that are used as Input Devices: Manual Switches: Manual switches are used in the input section of ladder diagram to cause an action to occur at a desired time. These switches are activated by a machine operator or technician. Momentary Switches: A momentary switch is usually a push button that actuates a contact when it is pressed and reverts the contact back to its original position when the pressure on the buttons is released. Types of momentary switches are as described here: Normally Open Pus Button: This type of push button is spring loaded and N.O. closes its contacts for whatever period of time the button is held down. Start buttons are commonly made of a normally open (N.O.) push button. Normally Closed Push Button: This type of push button consists of contacts N.C. which open for whatever period of time the button is held down. Stop buttons are commonly made of a normally closed (N.C.) push button. Multiple Pole Push Button: These push buttons are available with more than one set of contacts. For example, the double pole style push button N.O. & shown below has one set of contacts that are normally closed and one set that N.C. are normally open. Palm Operated: This push button is internally designed the same as normally closed push button devices. Also called mushroom head switches, they are often used for emergency stop switches when the operator needs physically hit this switch hard and not be injured. Foot Switches: Many machine or processes require frequent actuation of a pilot device to energize a circuit. If the operators hands are engaged n performing some function of the process, a foot switch is N.O. N.C. often used to activate the pilot device in the same way as a push button. Foot switches are heavy duty devices usually found in a normally open (N.O.) and normally closed (N.C.) configuration. Maintained Switches: These witches make contact when pressed and remain in position until released by pressure from another button through a mechanical linkage. Selector Switches: Selector switches are multi positional devices that connect more than one set of contacts. The two Two Position J K and the three position selector switches are most common. The A1 X K symbols for the switches label the two sets of contacts as J A1 A2 A1and A2. They also have an arrow that points to positions J X A2 and K for a two position selector, or J, K, and L for a three position switch. A truth table indicates which contacts are Three Position J K L J K L made by placing and X in a column that shows the A1 X corresponding position. A1 For example, the A1 contacts of the two position switch A2 X are made the switch is in position J and A2contacts are A2 X Contact Closed made when the switch is in position K. the K position for
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Dr. Gulam Rabbani

Fundamental PLC Programming

the three position switch allows for a shut off condition. 5. Automatic Switches: Automatic switches activate N.O. or N.C. contact when they sense the presence or absence of some physical material or condition. Such devices include. a. Mechanical Limit Switches: These switches detect the presence of an object when physical contact is made. Figure show a limit switch that combines N. O. and N. C. contact. The broken line indicates that they are Mechanical limit switch mechanically joined together. b. Proximity Limit Switches: These switches detect the Open Closed absence or presence of solid or liquid material without making physical contact. There are two types of proximity switches, inductive and capacitive. Inductive proximity switches can only detect ferrous (magnetic) and nonferrous metals. Capacitive proximity switches can detect any type of solid or liquid material. These detectors use solid state components that are inside the sensor body. A diamond is placed around the limit switch symbol to indicate that it is a proximity device. c. Pressure Switches: Pressure switches are commonly used in pumps, air compressors, and lubrication systems. They are used to detect the N.C. N.O. pressure of a medium, such as air, water, or oil. d. Flow Switches: These switches are used to detect the flow of liquids (i.e. water, oil) and gases in a pipe or duct. One application example of a flow switch is to detect if a clogged air filter is not allowing enough air flow to properly cool a heating coil. Another example of a flow N.C. N.O. switch application is to detect if enough lubricating oil is being supplied to a drill on a drilling machine. e. Level Switches: These switches are used to detect the level of liquids, slurries, or solids such as powder or paste. One application example of a level switch is to turn off an electric motor when it has pumped a N.C. N.O. required amount of water into a storage tank. Level switches are sometimes referred to as float switches. f. Temperature Switches: These switches are used to detect the temperature of a solid, liquid, or gas. One application of a temperature switch is to open and cause a heater to turn off when the heat has reached a certain level, or to close the heater to turn on when the heat N.C. N.O. is below a certain temperature. Q8. Explain with suitable diagrams the direct and indirect output devices used with programmable logic controller. Ans.: The input device provides a path of continuity form a power line source to an output device when a rung is energized. Output device are also referred to as actuators. Their function is to produce some type of action, such as turning on an indicator lamp or running a motor. Output device are located in the right portion of each rung. There are two types of output devices, direct and indirect.
Dr. Gulam Rabbani

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Fundamental PLC Programming

DIRECT OUTPUT DEVICES: Direct devices actuate when its rung is energized. The most common types of direct output devices are as follows: Motor: Figure shows the schematic symbols of DC and AC motors. AC MOTORS DC MOTORS
Shunt Field Series Field Comm. or Compens. Field Single Phase Three Phase

(Show 4 loops)

(Show 3 loops)

(Show 2loops)

Pilot Lights: A light can be used as an indicator to show the status of a ladder diagram rung. A stand alone lamp indicates that the rung is energized. Another type of lamp in combines with a A R switch and illuminates when it is closed. The letter b inside the circle indicates the color of the lamp. a Pilot Lights G = Green A = Amber R=Red Y = Yellow Heating elements: These actuators are used for heating H such things as containers of liquid or to liquefy solids into liquids (such as plastics). Indirect Devices: These output devices actuate normally open or normally closed contacts when they are energized. Also referred to as auxiliary contacts, they are electrically isolated from the input and usually control output devices at a different location in the ladder diagram. Indirect components include. Relay: This is an electromechanical device that acts basically as a communication carrier. Relay is used to control fluid power valves Relay Coil Normally Open Normally Closed and as machine sequence control for Instanteneous Instanteneous operations such as drilling, boring, milling, Contact Contact and grinding. a b Being an electromechanical device, the relay has a coil and a plunger that move through an opening coil. There are contacts, which are connected to the plunger. These contacts move from a closed to an open position, or form an open to a closed position. Contact are referred to as normally closed (N.C.) or normally open (N.O.) in relation to the condition of the de energized coil. When the coil is energized N.O. contacts closed and N.C. contacts opens. (Figure (a) Show the symbol of the energized coil located at the output rung. Figure (b) shows the symbol of the normally open contact, which closes if the corresponding coil is energized, and the normally closed contact, which opens if the coil is energized. Time Delay Relay: Timing devices are used in industry to regulate many types of machine operations. This function is often performed by a timing relay that causes contacts to open or close a certain period of time after its coil is energized or de energized. The symbols for the timing relays are shown in Figure.

Dr. Gulam Rabbani

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Fundamental PLC Programming

When power is applied to the coil of an on delay relay, a period of time passes before the contact N.O. N.O. changes states. For an N.O. type, a period time passes before the contact is closed. For an N.C. type, a period of time passes before the contact N.C. open. N.C. The off delay relay also controls N.O. and N.C. contacts. When a voltage is applied to the coil, the contacts changes states immediately, as they do in On-delay Relay Off-delay Relay the normal control relay. An N.O. contact closes Time delay after Time delay after energizing de-energizing and remains closed as long as voltage is applied to the coil. After the voltage is removed, the contact Time Delay Relays remains closed for the delay period of the timer and then open. An N.C. contact opens when the coil is energized. When the coil is de energized the contact remains open until the relay times out. Contactor: In general, a contactor operates in a similar fashion to the relay. Like the relay, it is an electromechanical device. The major difference between them is that the contactor is capable of carrying larger amounts of current than a control relay. The most common function of a contactor is to switch power that is applied to resistance heating elements, magnetic brakes, or heavy industrial solenoids. Contactors are also used to switch motors, but require separate overload protection. They are then called Motor Starters. Published ratings on these devices are generally given in continuous amperes (usually 9 or 10 amps). Solenoid: Like the relay and contactor, the solenoid is an electromechanical device. It is made up of three basic parts: (1) the frame (2) the plunger, and (3) the coil. The frame and plunger are made up of lamination of a high grade silicon steel. The wound coil is made of an insulated copper conductor. When the coil of a solenoid is energized; a magnetic field is produced around the coil. This magnetic field produces a force that acts on the solenoid plungers. Due to this force, the plunger moves inside the coil. The force on the plunger is called Pull. This pull may be as low as a fraction of an ounce or as high as nearly 100 pounds. The schematic symbol of a solenoid is shown in figure.

Dr. Gulam Rabbani

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