【Daily Question 20090401】Management of PLC systems in factories
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In our chemical enterprises, PLC systems are widely used, and their application areas are equally extensive. While improving the automation of production processes, there are also some negative effects. In some PLC systems, it is not clear which field is responsible for their management and maintenance – whether it is the instrumentation field or the electrical engineering field – which leads to mutual shirking of responsibility between the two departments. Let’s discuss how management boundaries are defined in each of our respective organizations
I think that for the control of integrated mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic equipment, electricity should be used for management, such as in case of ice makers； If electrical equipment is not under control, it should be managed by instruments, such as packaging scales.
If only electrical equipment is to be controlled, the PLCs fall under the responsibility of the electrical maintenance team; those PLCs with analog signal inputs are under the responsibility of the instrumentation maintenance team
Here, we make a distinction between high-voltage and low-voltage systems; that is, when high-voltage power needs to be controlled, the boundary lies at the low-voltage cabinet. In general electrical facilities or sites, people without an electrical operation certificate are not allowed to carry out work or operations there.
It is classified into high-voltage and low-voltage systems; that is, when high-voltage power needs to be controlled, it is handled at the low-voltage cabinet. In general electrical facilities or sites, people without an electrical operation certificate are not allowed to carry out work or operations there.
In production, the reality is that as long as the PLC’s inputs/outputs contain parameters related to the instruments, those instruments must definitely be managed.
There is another scenario: in the field of low-voltage systems, there are two separate departments, namely instrumentation and automation, which have no direct connection to electrical engineering. Even within these two departments, conflicts can arise, and such issues need to be resolved administratively
For single-control electrical equipment, PLCs are under the responsibility of the electrical maintenance team
One department takes the lead, while another provides support.
Here, they’re not separated; the instruments and electrical components are all together
Personal opinion: PLCs should actually be handled by electrical technicians. The PLC itself evolved from the electrical industry.
Bickering? It shouldn’t exist; as an advanced and effective control device, electrical and instrumentation technicians should strive to learn how to use it and maintain it. By constantly limiting themselves to a specific scope of work, their professional skills will not improve. Here, only electrical and instrumentation technicians with high technical skills are qualified to carry out this work, and they receive significantly higher salaries; as a result, such technicians are motivated to learn the relevant knowledge, and even if it isn’t allowed to do this work in their area, they still strive to do it. However, the technical issue at present is that there are various PLC brands, and no programs are available, which makes it difficult to handle faults.
In fact, in foreign companies, electrical and instrumentation tasks are not separated.
Strongly support it – your approach is good. Electrical and instrumentation technicians with high skill levels are qualified to carry out this work. Different technical levels within a department warrant different salaries; in any case, if those few people do the job, the poster’s problem will be solved! This can also stimulate others’ enthusiasm for learning; after all, it’s motivating to be part of a minority, and there are no limits to technology! Idol!