N/C contact (Normally Closed contact): A contact that remains closed (allowing current flow) when the device is not energized. It opens when the device is activated, often used in safety circuits.
N/O contact (Normally Open contact): A contact that remains open when the device is not energized and closes upon activation, allowing current to flow. Commonly used in control and signal circuits.
Network quality: A measure of the stability and cleanliness of the electrical power supply. It includes parameters such as voltage consistency, harmonic distortion, and the absence of interruptions or surges.
Normal AC induction motor: A standard three-phase asynchronous motor that operates using electromagnetic induction. Known for its simplicity, reliability, and widespread use in industrial applications.
Number of pole pairs: Refers to the number of magnetic pole pairs in a motor. It determines the synchronous speed of the motor—more pole pairs result in lower speed for a given frequency.
Mains chokes: Inductive components installed in the power supply line to reduce harmonics and smooth electrical noise. Often used with motors or drives to improve power quality.
Maintenance switches: Safety switches used to disconnect equipment from power sources during maintenance or servicing, ensuring operator protection.
Marking: The process of labeling electrical components, terminals, and wiring paths for identification, clarity, and maintenance purposes.
Measuring contactor: A contactor equipped with features or interfaces for electrical parameter measurement, aiding diagnostics and system monitoring.
Measurement and monitoring relay: A relay that combines electrical parameter measurement (e.g., voltage, current, phase) with control or alarm functions.
Mechanical interlock: A mechanical device that physically prevents simultaneous activation of two or more components (e.g., reversing contactors), enhancing operational safety.
Minimum cross-sections for protective conductors: Defined minimum wire sizes required for protective earthing conductors to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Mirror contact: A mechanically linked auxiliary contact that reflects the state of the main contact, used for monitoring and safety feedback in control circuits.
Modbus RTU: A widely used industrial communication protocol that transmits data between controllers and field devices over serial lines in a compact binary format.
Modular switchgear system: A customizable system composed of modular electrical components (such as breakers and disconnects) that can be arranged to fit specific installation needs.
Monitoring relays: Devices that supervise electrical variables such as voltage, current, phase, or insulation resistance, and take protective action when values are outside specified limits.
Motor
Anticlockwise operation: Motor rotation in the opposite direction of the clock when viewed from a defined reference point.
Circuit documents: Technical diagrams and specifications associated with motor circuits.
Clockwise operation: Motor rotation in the same direction as a clock’s hands.
Control circuit devices for direct-on-line start: Components used to directly start motors with full supply voltage.
Engineering: The design, analysis, and implementation of motors in electrical systems.
General symbol: The standard schematic representation used for motors in diagrams.
Information on the rating plate: Nameplate data such as voltage, frequency, current, and efficiency.
Operating direction: The rotational direction in which a motor operates.
Star-delta of three-phase motors: A motor starting method that initially connects windings in star, then switches to delta to reduce starting current.
Switching capacitors: Capacitors used to support motor operation, improve power factor, or assist with starting.
Switching on three-phase motors: The act of energizing motors connected to a three-phase power supply.
Motor chokes: Inductors placed in motor circuits to filter harmonics or limit current.
Motor overload relay, motor protection: A relay that interrupts the circuit when a motor draws excessive current, preventing damage.
Motor power: The rated mechanical output power of a motor.
Motor protection: The application of devices and techniques to prevent motor damage due to faults.
Motor rating: The standardized performance and safety limits for a motor.
Motor reactors: Inductive components that help control current and voltage transients in motor circuits.
Motor starter RAMO 5: A specific designation for a motor starter, likely a product line or series.
Motor torque: The amount of rotational force a motor produces.
Motor-protective circuit-breaker: A circuit breaker designed to protect motors against overload, short circuit, and phase loss by automatically disconnecting power.
Motor-protective circuit-breakers
For starter combinations: Circuit breakers integrated into motor starter assemblies for combined protection and control.
Operating principle schematics: Diagrams explaining how motor breakers function and respond to faults.
Motor-protective trip blocks: Add-on modules for breakers that provide thermal and/or magnetic protection tailored to motor characteristics.
Motor-starter combination MSC: A compact unit that combines the functions of starting and protecting a motor, usually made of contactors, breakers, and relays.
Multi motor applications: Electrical setups where multiple motors are used together, requiring coordinated control and protection.
Multifunction relay: A relay capable of performing several different monitoring or protection tasks in one unit.
Multi-speed switches: Switches used to control motors with more than one operational speed, typically by switching windings or supply paths.
Light barriers: Optoelectronic devices used for object detection or position monitoring. They work by transmitting a light beam from an emitter to a receiver, triggering a signal when the beam is interrupted.
Liquid level monitoring relay: A relay designed to monitor and control the level of liquids (like water, oil, or chemicals) in tanks or containers. It detects high or low levels and can activate pumps, alarms, or shutoff systems.
Load Torque: The torque required to keep a mechanical system running at a constant speed. It represents the resistance the motor must overcome during operation and is a key factor in motor sizing.
Load-shedding contact: A contact used in load-shedding systems, which disconnect non-essential loads during peak demand or power shortages to preserve critical operations.
JSON API: A type of web-based Application Programming Interface (API) that uses JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) as its data format. In the context of industrial or electrical systems, a JSON API may be used to exchange data between controllers, monitoring software, or cloud-based platforms, enabling integration, automation, and remote diagnostics.
I/O module: Input/Output module used in control systems to interface between the controller (e.g. PLC) and field devices like sensors and actuators.
In-delta connection: A wiring method for soft starters or current transformers where the device is connected within the delta loop of a three-phase motor, reducing the current flowing through the starter.
Indicator light, General symbol: The standardized schematic symbol used to represent visual indicator devices such as pilot lights.
Individual compensation: Power factor correction method where capacitors are installed directly on each individual load or motor, ideal for decentralized systems.
In-line connection: A straight-through wiring method where conductors or devices are connected end-to-end, minimizing installation space and complexity.
Input modules: Components in a control system that receive signals from external devices (e.g. switches, sensors) and pass them to a controller.
Insulated enclosures: Protective housings made from insulating materials that prevent electric shock and provide environmental protection for electrical components.
Insulated monitoring relays: Relays that monitor insulation resistance in a system to detect degradation or faults, ensuring safety in critical installations.
Interface: The point or protocol through which two systems or components communicate, such as between a PLC and a sensor.
Interlock circuits, cam switches: Electrical safety systems that prevent conflicting operations (e.g. forward and reverse) from occurring simultaneously, often integrated into rotary switch configurations.
International Unit System (SI): The globally accepted system of measurement units (e.g. meters, amperes, seconds), used for consistency in engineering documentation and component ratings.
Inverter module: A power electronics module that converts DC to AC, used in variable frequency drives (VFDs) to control the speed of motors.
IP20: A classification under the Ingress Protection (IP) code indicating protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm but no protection against liquids.
IP66: A high level of enclosure protection indicating total dust tightness and protection against powerful water jets, suitable for harsh environments.
Isolating point, General symbol: The standard symbol used in diagrams to represent a disconnection or isolation point, typically for maintenance or safety shutdown purposes.
Heat sink: A passive component that dissipates heat away from electronic devices such as relays, drives, or power modules, helping maintain safe operating temperatures and prolonging lifespan.
Heater switches: Switches designed specifically to control electrical heaters, often able to handle high current loads and temperature-related cycling.
Heavy starting duty: A classification for motors or equipment that must start under high load conditions or with frequent start-stop cycles, requiring robust thermal and electrical protection.
HMI–PLC: A combined Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), integrating user control and programmable logic into a single device for efficient automation and control.
Housing: The external enclosure of electrical components, providing physical protection, insulation, and sometimes environmental sealing (e.g., dustproof, waterproof).
Generator: A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, typically used as a backup or primary power source in industrial and commercial applications. It can be driven by engines, turbines, or other rotating machines.
General symbol: A standard schematic representation used in electrical diagrams to denote a common or generic function/component, such as a connection, grounding, or device terminal.
Global Codes, Standards Authorities worldwide: A reference to the international regulatory bodies and standards organizations (like IEC, UL, CE, etc.) that define safety, performance, and compliance criteria for electrical components and systems.
Global reference guide: A resource compiling technical standards, installation practices, and compatibility information for global markets, useful for engineers working across different regions.
Group compensation: A method of power factor correction where multiple loads are compensated simultaneously using a shared capacitor bank.
Group protection, Motor-protective circuit-breakers: Coordinated protection of a group of motors or loads using motor-protective circuit breakers that monitor and interrupt current flow under overload or fault conditions.
Feedback Circuit: A control circuit that sends information from the output of a system back to its input, used to maintain stability or respond to changes in load or conditions.
Feeder System MSFS: A modular feeder system (likely the Eaton MSFS series) designed for distributing power efficiently in control cabinets and industrial switchboards.
First environment: A classification under EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) standards referring to environments like residential, commercial, or light industrial spaces with less electrical noise.
Flashing: The repeated turning on and off of a light or signal, often used as a warning or indicator function in control panels and machinery.
Fleeting contact: A momentary contact that closes or opens for a short duration.
On de-energization: The contact activates briefly when the circuit is turned off.
On energization: The contact activates briefly when the circuit is turned on.
Fleeting pulse: A short-duration electrical signal used for triggering a single action, such as a pulse to latch or unlatch a relay or to step a counter.
Float switch, general symbol: The standard schematic symbol representing a float switch, a device that uses a buoyant float to open or close a circuit based on liquid level.
Floor-standing Distribution board: A power distribution panel designed to be installed on the floor, typically larger in size and used in industrial or commercial installations for housing breakers and protective devices.
Formulae: Mathematical expressions and equations used in electrical engineering to calculate values such as current, voltage, power, resistance, and more.
Free-wheel diode suppressor: A diode placed across a coil (e.g., in a relay or contactor) to allow current to circulate after the coil is switched off, preventing voltage spikes (also called flyback diode).
Fuseless, Reversing contactor DIUL: A specific Eaton contactor type (DIUL series) that allows motor direction reversal without fuses, integrating protection and switching in a compact unit.
Early-make auxiliary contacts: Contacts that close slightly earlier than the main contacts during switching operations, allowing pre-signal or early activation in control circuits.
Earth, general symbol Ground: The standardized schematic symbol representing the earth or ground connection, used to indicate a safety grounding point in electrical diagrams.
Earth-fault release circuit-breaker: A protective device that trips when leakage current is detected to earth, helping to prevent electric shock and equipment damage.
Earth-fault ZEB: A specific model or function in the Eaton ZEB series that handles earth fault detection and response, typically part of modular motor protection systems.
easySoft: Eaton’s configuration and programming software for the easy series of programmable relays, allowing users to design logic, simulate, and download to devices.
Efficiency: A measure of how effectively a device converts input power to useful output power, usually expressed as a percentage.
Electrical connector: A component used to join electrical circuits together, either temporarily or permanently, ensuring safe and efficient current flow.
Electrical equipment of machines: All electrical components and systems installed in or on a machine, including control panels, motors, sensors, and wiring, usually governed by international safety standards.
Electronic motor-protective relays: Digital relays that provide precise motor protection by monitoring parameters such as current, voltage, and temperature, often with programmable settings.
Electronic overload relays ZEB: Part of the ZEB relay series, these devices protect motors from overloads using electronic sensing instead of thermal methods.
Electronic relays: General category of relays that use semiconductor components (rather than mechanical movement) to perform switching operations.
EMC compliance in PDS: Adherence to electromagnetic compatibility standards in Power Drive Systems, ensuring that equipment does not emit or is not affected by electromagnetic interference.
EMC filter: A component that suppresses electromagnetic interference from a power line, improving compliance with EMC regulations.
Emergency switch, general symbol: The standard symbol used in schematics to represent an emergency stop switch.
EMS2: A designation for a specific Eaton system or series, likely related to safety or energy management systems.
Engineering: The application of scientific and mathematical principles to the design and operation of electrical systems and automation processes.
Equipment protection level: Classification indicating how well a device is protected from environmental conditions like dust, water, and mechanical impact.
Error message, differential: A diagnostic or fault message indicating a differential error, often in current or pressure in a system.
Ethernet interface: A communication port or module that enables data exchange over Ethernet networks, often used for industrial automation and system integration.
External motors: Motors installed outside of the main equipment housing, often for driving auxiliary components.
External overload relays PKZM0, PKZM4: Eaton’s external overload relay models used with motor-protective circuit breakers to detect and respond to overcurrent conditions.
Explosion groups: Classifications that define the type of explosive atmosphere for which a device is rated, usually based on gas or dust properties.
Explosive atmospheres: Environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dust are present, requiring specially certified electrical equipment.
Explosive dust atmospheres: A subset of explosive environments where fine combustible dust particles create a risk of ignition or explosion.
External diameters, cables: The outer measurement of a cable, important for determining fit with cable glands, conduits, and routing systems.
Datalogger: A device or software that continuously records data over time, such as temperature, voltage, or current, for analysis or diagnostics in industrial systems.
DC motors: Motors powered by direct current, commonly used where precise speed control is needed. They offer good torque at low speeds and are found in automation, robotics, and battery-powered systems.
Deceleration ramp: A programmed or controlled reduction in motor speed over time, used in drives and motor controllers to prevent mechanical stress or abrupt stops.
Deceleration time: The actual time it takes for a motor or system to slow down to a complete stop; can be controlled electronically via a drive.
Delta circuit: A three-phase wiring configuration where the ends of each phase coil are connected in a triangular (delta) shape, allowing full line voltage across each winding.
Dielectric constant: A material property indicating its ability to store electrical energy in an electric field. It affects insulation performance and capacitance.
DIL contactors: A specific line of modular contactors from Eaton, designed for compact installation, motor control, and integration with auxiliary devices.
Direct motor start: A simple starting method where the motor is connected directly to the power supply, allowing immediate full-voltage startup.
DOL starter (Direct-On-Line starter): A type of motor starter that connects the motor directly to the line voltage, typically including a contactor and overload relay. It’s simple but can cause high inrush current.
Double-frame terminal: A terminal design that uses two clamping frames to ensure secure connection of conductors, improving safety and contact reliability.
Drive system: An electronic or electromechanical system used to control the speed, torque, and direction of an electric motor. Commonly includes frequency converters or variable speed drives.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 