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action
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The third step of a control circuit. Actions are the physical work performed as loads are energized.
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AND
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A type of circuit logic where both normally open control devices must be closed to energize the load. Control devices are connected in series in AND logic.
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automatic signal
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A type of signal that is sent when an input device detects a change in conditions such as flow, pressure, or temperature.
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auxiliary contact
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An additional motor starter contact used to provide memory to control circuits. When energized, the motor starter closes the auxiliary contact, maintaining a closed circuit.
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control device
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Any input device that controls the flow of current in a circuit. Control devices determine when loads are energized or de-energized.
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counter
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A device that keeps track of the number of entering inputs and provides an output when a preset count is reached. Counters also usually display the counted value.
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cross-reference number
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The numbers on the right side of a line diagram that reference contacts in other circuit lines that electrically connect the load in the referenced line. Numbers that cross-reference normally closed contacts are underlined.
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dashed line method
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A method of cross-referencing mechanically connected contacts that operate together but on different lines of the diagram. The dashed line method is used on simple diagrams when the contacts are close together.
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decision
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The second step of a control circuit. Decisions are based on the signals received and the logical functions designed in the circuit.
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digital multimeter
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A device that can measure voltage, current, or resistance. A multimeter is the most versatile and common meter used today.
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dual palm buttons
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Two separate buttons that must be pressed simultaneously in order to power stamping presses. This is an example of AND logic.
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hard-wired
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Having physical connections that are designed to act the same way over and over.
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ladder diagram
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Another name for a line diagram, due to its resemblance to a ladder. In this sense, each circuit line is a "rung" of the ladder.
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limit switch
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A mechanical input that requires physical contact of the object with the switch actuator.
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line diagram
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A diagram that shows the logic of an electrical circuit or system using standard symbols. Also known as a ladder diagram because the diagram appears as individual lines or "rungs" connected between two vertical lines.
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line number
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The sequential numbers running down the left side of a line diagram. Each line, or rung, of the line diagram has its own number.
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load
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Any device that converts electrical energy to motion, heat, light, or sound. A motor starter coil and a pilot light are both examples of loads.
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logic function
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The sequence of operations performed by a circuit. Logic functions such as AND and OR follow a set, predictable pattern.
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manual signal
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A type of signal that you send to a circuit through physical action. Flipping a light switch or pressing a pushbutton are manual signals.
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mechanical signal
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A type of signal that is sent through the mechanical motion of a machine. A gear contacting a limit switch is an example of a mechanical signal.
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memory
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The ability of a circuit to store a charge and keep the load energized even after the signal is removed.
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momentary contact
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A contact that returns to its original position immediately after sending a signal.
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motor starter
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An electrically operated switch that uses magnetic induction to provide the startup current for a motor.
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NAND
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A type of circuit logic where both normally closed control devices must be opened to de-energize the load. Control devices are connected in parallel in NAND logic.
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NOR
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A type of circuit logic where only one normally closed control device must be opened to de-energize the load. Control devices are connected in series in NOR logic.
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normally closed
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An electrical contact that regularly allows electricity to flow.
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normally closed contact
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An electrical contact that regularly allows electricity to flow until it is signaled to open.
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normally open
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An electrical contact that rarely allows electricity to flow.
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NOT
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A type of circuit logic that uses normally closed contacts.
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numerical cross-reference method
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A method of cross-referencing mechanically connected contacts that operate together but on different lines of the diagram. The numerical cross-reference method is used on complex diagrams when the connected contacts are several lines apart.
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OR
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A type of circuit logic where only one normally open control device must be closed to energize the load. Control devices are connected in parallel in OR logic.
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overload contact
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A normally closed contact placed in series between a load and the neutral line of a circuit. Overload contacts open only when an overload condition is present.
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pushbutton
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A manual control device that opens or closes a circuit when pressed. Pushbuttons can be normally open or normally closed.
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relay
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A device that controls one electrical circuit by opening and closing contacts in another circuit.
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signal
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The first step of a control circuit. Signals are inputs that change the condition of a circuit.
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specification
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A description of the essential physical and technical properties of a machine. Specs are the principle indicator of machine capability.
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switch
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A control device that can make or break a circuit by closing or opening. A switch can be either manual, mechanical, or automatic.
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terminal number
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A number assigned by a manufacturer to a device's contact points. Terminal numbers help identify the connection points in a circuit.
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tie-down method
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Connecting one probe of a DMM to the neutral side of a circuit and moving the other probe systematically along the sections of a circuit to find the malfunctioning part.
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timer
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A device that delays the signal sent by a control device to a load for a preset amount of time.
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troubleshooting
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The systematic elimination of the various parts of a system, circuit, or process to locate a malfunctioning part.
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wire number
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A reference point on a line diagram used to keep track of the different wires that connect the components in the circuit. Wire numbers are circled and start with 1 from the top left of the diagram.
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