71:(HMIs). PLC technicians maintain backups, documentation, and software revisions as part of maintaining these computer-based control systems. Scheduled maintenance and the commissioning of systems are also important aspects of the work. PLC technicians consult technical documentation, drawings, schematics, and manuals. They may assist engineering in plant design, modification and hazard analysis, and work with plant operators to optimize plant controls.
131:. When performing their duties, PLC technicians must comply with federal, jurisdictional, industrial, and site-specific standards, codes, and regulations. They must ensure that all processes operate and are maintained within these set standards, codes, and regulations. Keeping up-to-date with advances in technology in the industry is important. Key attributes for PLC Technicians are
87:, level, motion, force, and chemical composition. PLC systems designed and maintained by PLC technicians range from high-speed robotic assembly to conveyors, to batch mixers, to DCS and SCADA systems. PLC systems are often found within industrial and manufacturing plants, such as food processing facilities. Alternate job titles include PLC engineer,
179:, and process control equipment) and write PLC programs for a wide variety of automated control systems, ranging from simple on–off controls to robotics. PLC technicians also find employment in the industrial engineering field where they are actively involved in the design and implementation of PLC control systems.
197:
PLC Technicians work mainly indoors, on the plant floor and sometimes in cramped conditions. They may be required to stand for prolonged periods of time and be exposed to high noise, fumes and heat levels. Because this is such an important job, they must pay close attention to safety and may be
147:, offer an online PLC Technician program that uses simulation software, PLCLogix, to complete PLC lab projects and assignments. Certification by accredited schools and third-party organizations can enhance employment opportunities and keep PLC technicians current and up-to-date. In addition to
194:, and transportation. Other career prospects include areas such as machine assembly, troubleshooting, and testing, systems integration, application support, maintenance, component testing and assembly, automation programming, robot maintenance and programming, technical sales and services.
59:, repair, adjustment, and replacement of components, PLC technicians inspect and test the operation of instruments and systems to diagnose faults and verify repairs. They establish and optimize process control strategies, and configure related systems such as
38:
PLC technicians are knowledgeable in overall plant systems and the interactions of processes. They install and service a variety of systems including safety and security, energy delivery (hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical), communication, and
142:
Employers generally prefer applicants who have completed a PLC technician certificate or related associate degree. These programs can be completed at
Colleges and Universities in either an in-class or online format. Some Colleges, such as
43:
systems. They also install and service measuring and indicating instruments to monitor process control variables associated with PLCs, and monitor the operation of PLC equipment. PLC technicians work with final control devices such as
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PLC technicians use hand, power, and electronic tools, test equipment, and material handling equipment. They work on a variety of systems including primary control elements, transmitters, analyzers, sensors, detectors,
99:
PLC technician educational courses and programs integrate PLC programming with mechanics, electronics and process controls, They also commonly include coursework in
79:, recorders, controllers, and final control elements (actuators, valve positioners, etc.). These instruments measure and control variables such as
123:. Typical courses include math, communications, circuits, digital devices, and electrical controls. Other courses include robotics, automation,
182:
Career opportunities for PLC Technicians include a wide range of manufacturing and service industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical,
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26:(PLC) systems used within manufacturing and service industries ranging from industrial packaging to commercial car washes and
160:
155:, other organizations and companies also offer credential programs in PLCs, including equipment manufacturers such as
139:, attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, communication skills, and mathematical and scientific aptitude.
52:, and fluid connections. They also work on network and signal transmission systems such as fibre optic and wireless.
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PLC technicians install and repair industrial electronic equipment (including input/output networks, data highways,
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Primarily work in this area is full-time and can be in shifts. Employers who hire PLC Technicians include:
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called out in emergencies. Constant learning may be required to keep up with new technology.
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Cox, Richard (2006) Technician’s guide to
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Nuclear, Wind, Thermal, and Hydro
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63:(DCSs), Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (
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119:, electrical circuits, electrical machinery and
220:Mining, petrochemical and natural gas companies
167:and the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council.
127:controls, programmable logic controllers, and
91:, Field Technician, or Controls Technician.
159:and professional associations, such as the
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22:design, program, repair, and maintain
223:Pulp and paper processing companies
161:Electronics Technicians Association
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208:Industrial manufacturing companies
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205:Automation equipment wholesalers
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273:Typical Competency requirements
165:Robotics Industries Association
318:Programmable logic controllers
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95:Education, training and skills
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295:Online PLC Technician program
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135:skills, manual dexterity,
234:Industrial Control System
217:Pharmaceutical companies
121:human-machine interfaces
69:Human Machine Interfaces
262:PLC Technician overview
211:Water Treatment plants
313:Industrial automation
284:Employment statistics
177:variable speed drives
129:computer-aided design
89:Automation Technician
171:Career opportunities
145:George Brown College
137:mechanical aptitude
77:signal conditioners
184:power distribution
133:critical thinking
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307:Categories
240:References
105:pneumatics
101:hydraulics
16:Profession
50:pneumatic
228:See also
157:Rockwell
149:Colleges
109:robotics
83:, flow,
81:pressure
67:), and
192:mining
46:valves
117:SCADA
65:SCADA
151:and
113:DCS
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