5 Steps to Master Electrical Control Systems

Summary

This video outlines a five-step path to becoming a control system specialist in automation, emphasizing the importance of mastering each step sequentially. The journey begins with understanding system schematics, followed by control panel building, wiring, and fault finding. It then moves on to specifying and designing systems, and finally culminates in PLC programming. The guide is designed for individuals at any skill level, providing valuable insights for those seeking to work in control systems, whether as an employee or business owner. Mastering these steps is crucial for delivering successful automation projects in any industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 The five-step approach to becoming a control system specialist is designed to be logical, efficient, and applicable across various industries like smart homes, commercial BMS, and industrial automation.
• 😀 Step 1: Mastering system schematics is the most crucial and foundational step, providing a conceptual understanding of control systems and allowing you to approach projects effectively.
• 😀 Step 2: Building and wiring control panels teaches you the hands-on skills necessary to assemble and wire control systems, bridging the gap between theory and practical application.
• 😀 Step 3: Testing and fault finding ensure that you can verify and troubleshoot systems, making it essential for roles like commissioning engineers and maintenance technicians.
• 😀 Step 4: Understanding system design and specifications allows you to grasp the 'why' behind a system's design, which is critical for roles like design engineers and project managers.
• 😀 Step 5: PLC programming, though often seen as the most glamorous, requires the knowledge from the previous steps to avoid overwhelm and ensure successful project delivery.
• 😀 Each step in the training path builds upon the previous one, meaning that skipping ahead can lead to confusion and inefficiency, particularly in complex areas like PLC programming.
• 😀 The approach is suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals, allowing you to start from the basics or jump in at a higher level depending on your current skillset.
• 😀 Business owners and entrepreneurs in the control and automation space must understand all five steps to effectively deliver and manage projects in this field.
• 😀 The training program is designed to not only help individuals acquire technical skills but also to master each topic systematically, ensuring well-rounded expertise in control systems and automation.

Q & A

What are the five essential steps to becoming a control system specialist?

The five essential steps are: 1) Understanding system schematics, 2) Control panel build and wiring, 3) System testing and fault finding, 4) Specifying and design, 5) PLC programming.

Why is understanding system schematics considered the most important first step?

Understanding system schematics provides a conceptual understanding of any control or automation project, allowing you to grasp how systems work, which is crucial before moving on to more complex stages like building, wiring, or programming.

What types of roles require knowledge of system schematics?

Roles such as maintenance engineers, electrical contractors in BMS or industrial fields, service engineers, and business owners managing automation projects all benefit from understanding system schematics.

What does the second step, control panel build and wiring, involve?

This step focuses on learning how to physically assemble and wire control systems, including understanding the components and how they interact. It is essential for roles like control panel wiremen, panel builders, and electrical fitters.

Why is it important to master system testing and fault finding in step three?

Mastering system testing and fault finding is necessary to ensure the control system functions as intended. It's a critical skill for commissioning engineers, maintenance technicians, and electrical contractors.

What is the difference between step three and step four in the process?

Step three involves understanding how a system works and how to diagnose problems, while step four focuses on the 'why'—why systems are designed in specific ways and how to specify parts and design a system to meet certain needs.

How does the design and specifying step relate to the other stages?

Although design and specifying come early in a project’s life cycle, they can’t be fully understood without first mastering system schematics, panel wiring, and testing, as these steps provide the foundational knowledge needed to understand design decisions.

What does step five, PLC programming, require that others don't?

PLC programming is the final step and requires you to have a thorough understanding of the entire process—system schematics, panel wiring, fault finding, and design—so that you can program effectively and troubleshoot issues.

Why do some engineers struggle when jumping straight to PLC programming without mastering the previous steps?

Jumping straight to PLC programming without understanding the foundational steps often leads to overwhelm and confusion, especially when issues arise. It’s crucial to understand the underlying system and its components to effectively program and troubleshoot.

Who benefits from this five-step training program?

This program is designed for anyone looking to become a well-rounded control and automation engineer, whether you're starting out with little experience or already have some knowledge. It's useful for those aiming to work in smart home, BMS, industrial controls, or even as business owners delivering automation projects.