The training manual for this course is being revised with publication and sale scheduled for mid-2010.

We are no longer offering this course - The information provided here is for reference only and is made available to assist
supervisors, training personnel, and craftsmen in the selection, evaluation, and establishment of effective hands-on programs.

Basic Motor Control Course Description

Course Length – 3 Days

Synopsis – This course is a continuation of our Electrical Fundamentals Seminar.  The program is designed to provide attendees with additional hands-on troubleshooting of basic electric motor control systems and includes an introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) and Variable Frequency Drives (VFD's).  Three days of intensive lab work.

Who Should Attend - Apprentice Electricians, Instrument Technicians, Multi-Skill Maintenance Personnel, Field Service Technicians, Supervisors.
 
Curriculum – Day 1: Attendees will wire and troubleshoot a variety of electro-mechanical relay logic circuits used in typical electric motor control systems including: phase failure protection, time delay relays, and interlocking circuitry.  Day 2: Typical Programmable Logic Controller ( PLC ) applications, hardware, programming, and ladder logic will be presented.  Students will program a basic electric motor control scheme using both a hand-held programmer and a laptop computer.  PLC's will then be connected into a electric motor control lab panel, tested for proper operation, and reprogrammed to implement several operational variations.  Troubleshooting practice will include how to isolate Programmable Logic Controller and electric motor control system problems and how to repair the specific problem. Day 3: Curriculum will include an introduction to Variable Frequency Drive Theory, wiring a VFD into an electric motor control panel, VFD programming and system troubleshooting.

Note on PLC curriculum: This is an introductory Programmable Logic Controller course, not an advanced programming seminar.  Once the basics of electrical system troubleshooting and PLC programming are mastered, attendees will have the necessary background to attend, and receive maximum benefit from, advanced PLC programming schools offered by the various equipment manufacturers.

Note on VFD curriculum: This program contains a comprehensive introduction to Variable Frequency Drive theory. Students will learn to wire and program a typical VFD and perform basic operational troubleshooting.  Individuals wanting additional in-depth information on VFD components, system operation, and component troubleshooting techniques will want to enroll in the Kilowatt Classroom Basic Industrial Electronics Seminar.  Both these seminars provide valuable background information for individuals who wish to attend advanced training on specific VFD equipment offered by the various equipment manufacturers.

Prerequisites – Electrical Fundamentals Seminar or equivalent experience.

Included Materials – All participants in the Basic Electric Motor Control Seminar will receive specially developed text and lab material from The Industrial Electrician's Notebook™.

Student Provided Equipment - Students will need: a digital multimeter (volts, ohms, milliamps), electricians' hand tools, and safety glasses.  A clamp-on ammeter is optional; if you have one, bring it. Attendees are encouraged to bring schematic diagrams of equipment they encounter in the field.
 

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