12.
PLC WIRING
The PLC – programmable logic controller – is an
industrialised computer designed specifically for
industrial control systems.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10
There are two main styles:
d A small so-called all-in-one type, designed to be
mounted directly into the panel on a DIN rail.
These are wired in a similar way to contactors.
Mounting slots
d A modular type, which consists of a frame or
rack and a number of separate, plug-in modules.
The rack is first fixed on to the chassis – the
smaller type fit on to a DIN rail, the larger type
require bolts. The separate modules are then
plugged into this rack.
Cable connections may be to screw terminals mounted
Plug-in modules
on the rack or use multi-way connectors that plug into
each module. The rack should be connected to the
Wire connecting strip protective bonding circuit.
Cable sockets
Chassis or rack
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12. PLC WIRING
12.1. Installation
PLC input wiring d They are generally robust but they contain
electronic components and printed circuit boards
PLC
L N E + 0
INPUTS
Programmable Logic Controller
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13
so have to be fixed into a control cabinet away
from heat, moisture, dust and corrosive atmos-
OUTPUTS
pheres. Avoid mounting the PLC close to vibra-
P tion sources, such as large-sized contactors and
P L
O PLC Output Wiring C circuit breakers.
W
E W
R Power Wiring I
R
d Ensure that the mounting surface is uniform to
I
W
I
CONTACTORS
N prevent strain. Excessive force applied to the
R 1 3 13 1 3 13 G
I
5 5
1 3 5 13
printed circuit boards could result in incorrect
N
G 2 4 6 14 2 4 6 14 2 4 6 14 operation.
A A
2 4 6 95 2 4 6 95
96 96
Power Wiring
PLC Wiring
PE L1 L2 L3 N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Door
d If equipment that generates electrical noise or
Minimum 100mm
PLC heat is positioned in front of the PLC (as when
such equipment is mounted on the back of a
panel door), allow a clearance of 100 mm or
more between the PLC and such equipment.
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12. PLC WIRING
12.2. Power supply wiring
When wiring AC supplies:
Live – L
Neutral – N
Earth – E or symbol
With DC supplies:
Positive cable to +
Negative cable to –
DC power supply connections must never be
reversed.
12.3. Earthing
d Use 2 mm2 wire or larger.
d The PLC’s earth should not be directly connected
To operational earth
to the same terminal as power devices, but
should go to the operational earthing circuit. The
L N E + 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 L N E + 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 PLC will work without an earth connection but it
INPUTS INPUTS
Programmable Logic Controller Programmable Logic Controller
may be subject to malfunction due to electrical
interference.
OUTPUTS OUTPUTS
d Where several PLCs or expansion units are used,
link all the earth terminals together then connect
to the operational earth terminal.
d Where the PLC connections are by screw
terminals, use an insulated crimp eyelet or spade
terminal on the cable end.
d Where the connections are to a terminal block
type connecter, use an insulated ferrule on the
cable end.
d Make sure the terminal screws are tightened
correctly.
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12. PLC WIRING
12.4. Wiring of inputs and outputs
d It is advisable to keep the input and output (I/O)
lines separated from each other if possible.
d When the I/O signal wires cannot be separated
from the power wiring, use shielded multi-core
cable earthed at the PLC end.
d I/O signal wires should be kept at least 100 mm
away from high-voltage and large-current, power
circuit wiring.
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