Up next in 10
Exposing the Secrets of PLC Programming Myths!
23 views
Jun 30, 2025
In today's rapidly evolving world of manufacturing and automation, it's essential to understand how Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) operate. However, many common misconceptions about PLCs can create confusion. We will clarify five widespread myths about PLCs, focusing on their unique functions, programming challenges, and the need for a thorough approach to their use. By addressing these myths, we can gain a deeper understanding of how PLCs enhance efficiency and precision in modern manufacturing. Let's explore the realities of PLCs and discover the facts that highlight their essential role in today's industry. Continue until the end to clarify a bonus myth. Detailed information and links can be found in the corresponding post here. https://accautomation.ca/exposing-the-secrets-of-plc-programming-myths/ 00:00 Exposing the Secrets of PLC Programming Myths! 01:00 Myth 1: PLCs and CNCs are the Same 02:20 Myth 2: PLC Programming is Just Simple, Outdated Ladder Logic 04:25 Myth 3: PLC Programming is Just About Coding 05:51 Myth 4: Debugging (Troubleshooting) is Like IT 06:32 Myth 5: Naming, Comments, and Sound Coding Practices are Not Necessary in PLC Programming 07:42 Bonus Myth: PLCs are Not Vulnerable to External Factors Creating a Virtual PLC Programming Environment https://accautomation.ca/creating-virtual-plc-programming-environment/ https://youtu.be/fQ_DlOm3HZU Retrieving Your Windows 11 Product Key https://accautomation.ca/retrieving-your-windows-11-product-key/ https://youtu.be/DVaLRgKbgsM
View Video Transcript
0:03
in today's rapidly evolving world of
0:05
manufacturing and automation it's
0:07
essential to understand how programmable
0:09
logic controllers PLC's operate however
0:12
many common misconceptions about PLC's
0:15
can create confusion we will clarify
0:17
five widespread myths about PLC's
0:20
focusing on their unique functions
0:21
programming challenges and the need for
0:23
a thorough approach to their use by
0:26
addressing these myths we can gain a
0:27
deeper understanding of how PLC's
0:29
enhance efficiency and precision in
0:31
modern manufacturing let's explore the
0:34
realities of PLC's and discover the
0:35
facts that highlight their essential
0:37
role in today's industry continue until
0:40
the end to clarify a bonus myth detailed
0:43
information contained in this video can
0:45
be found at accoamation.ca
0:47
a link has been put in the description
0:48
below
0:50
the website offers extensive links
0:52
references and coding samples making it
0:55
a one-stop shop for all your automation
0:57
queries accutomation.ca
1:01
myth one PLC's and CNC's are the same
1:05
while both programmable logic
1:07
controllers PLC's and computer numerical
1:10
controls CNC's play pivotal roles in the
1:12
realms of manufacturing and automation
1:14
they cater to distinctly different
1:16
functions and are not interchangeable
1:18
plc's are sophisticated systems
1:20
engineered to control and automate a
1:22
wide range of industrial processes they
1:25
excel at managing a variety of inputs
1:26
and outputs orchestrating the seamless
1:28
collaboration of numerous components
1:30
within a production environment these
1:32
versatile controllers are frequently
1:34
employed in assembly lines where they
1:36
monitor and regulate the flow of
1:37
operations ensuring efficiency and
1:39
consistent performance their
1:41
applications extend to complex process
1:44
control and general industrial
1:45
automation making them indispensable for
1:47
maintaining smooth and coordinated
1:49
workflows on the other hand CNC's
1:52
specialize in the meticulous control of
1:54
machining tools providing the precise
1:56
management of movements required to
1:58
fabricate components with exacting
1:59
specifications
2:01
these systems are integral to modern
2:03
machining processes where they translate
2:05
computer aided designs into tangible
2:07
products by commanding the intricate
2:09
motions of cutting drilling and milling
2:11
tools CNC's enable manufacturers to
2:13
produce highquality parts with
2:15
remarkable accuracy meeting the
2:17
stringent demands of today's engineering
2:18
standards
2:21
myth two PLC programming is just simple
2:24
outdated ladder logic
2:27
while basic ladder logic can be pretty
2:28
straightforward for simple tasks the
2:30
reality of modern industrial processes
2:32
often demands more intricate and
2:34
sophisticated programmable logic
2:36
controller PLC programs today's
2:39
programmable logic controllers PLC's
2:41
utilize a variety of programming
2:43
languages as established by the
2:45
International Electrotechnical
2:46
Commission IEC 611313
2:50
these languages include structured text
2:52
which resembles conventional programming
2:53
languages like C or Pascal function
2:56
block diagram sequential function chart
2:58
and of course the traditional ladder
2:59
diagram ladder logic was developed in
3:02
the 1960s to facilitate the work of
3:04
electricians with electrical relays even
3:07
today it may surprise you that this old
3:08
method remains popular despite the
3:10
availability of new software options
3:12
such as Python or C-based systems many
3:15
factories still prefer the traditional
3:17
ladder style where the logic is laid out
3:19
step by step as industrial applications
3:21
become increasingly complex a solid
3:24
understanding of these various
3:25
programming languages is more important
3:27
than ever this technical knowledge
3:29
enables engineers and technicians to
3:31
design and implement advanced solutions
3:34
that address the specific needs of
3:35
modern manufacturing and processing
3:37
environments far from being obsolete
3:40
programmable logic controllers PLC's are
3:42
continually evolving to meet the demands
3:44
of industry they are becoming more
3:46
integrated with higher level systems
3:48
such as SCADA supervisory control and
3:50
data acquisition and MEES manufacturing
3:53
execution systems enabling improved
3:56
monitoring control and optimization of
3:58
processes additionally many modern PLC's
4:01
incorporate advanced functionalities
4:03
that enhance their performance and
4:04
versatility
4:06
their intrinsic reliability and robust
4:08
ability to function in harsh and
4:09
challenging environments make PLC's
4:11
indispensable across a wide range of
4:13
industries from automotive and
4:15
pharmaceuticals to food processing and
4:17
energy these versatile controllers are
4:19
critical to ensuring efficient safe and
4:21
consistent operations in diverse
4:23
applications
4:26
myth three PLC programming is just about
4:28
coding
4:30
one of the biggest misconceptions about
4:32
PLC programmable logic controller
4:34
programming is that it's simply about
4:36
writing code in reality it requires a
4:39
strong understanding of the physical
4:40
processes being controlled here are a
4:42
few key areas a PLC programmer needs to
4:44
focus on understanding the process a
4:48
good PLC programmer needs to know how
4:50
the machines work this includes
4:51
understanding their mechanics the
4:53
electrical and hydraulic components
4:54
pneumatics use of gas and systems and
4:57
basic physics
4:58
without this knowledge it's challenging
5:00
to create effective programs safety
5:02
considerations when programming PLC's
5:04
safety is crucial mistakes can lead to
5:07
equipment damage injuries or even
5:08
serious accidents therefore it's
5:10
essential to test programs thoroughly
5:12
follow safety standards such as SIL
5:14
ratings and ensure that strong error
5:16
management is in place troubleshooting
5:18
skills programmers need to be good at
5:20
identifying and fixing problems that can
5:22
arise in real world scenarios this
5:24
includes dealing with electrical issues
5:26
mechanical failures and logical errors
5:28
in the programming successful PLC
5:31
programming goes far beyond just coding
5:33
it requires in-depth knowledge of the
5:35
machinery and a strong commitment to
5:37
safety and reliability
5:39
if you are enjoying this video please
5:40
hit the like button below keeping up
5:42
with all the latest automation
5:43
innovations can be difficult so hit the
5:45
subscribe button remember to hit the
5:48
bell beside your subscription to receive
5:49
the notifications
5:52
myth four debugging troubleshooting is
5:54
like it
5:56
when debugging programmable logic
5:58
controllers PLC's the process is
6:00
different from traditional programming
6:03
plc's operate in real time and
6:05
continuously scan for inputs and outputs
6:07
this means you can't easily pause the
6:08
system to examine your code without
6:10
disrupting the ongoing processes instead
6:13
of stopping the execution debugging
6:15
requires you to monitor the system while
6:17
it is running this often involves
6:19
monitoring tag values in real time
6:21
understanding how the system scan cycles
6:23
work and making precise adjustments to
6:25
the live system it's essential to be
6:28
cautious as changes made during
6:29
operation can affect the entire process
6:33
myth five naming comments and sound
6:35
coding practices are not necessary in
6:37
PLC programming
6:40
plc programmable logic controller
6:43
programs are often perceived as simpler
6:45
and more self-contained compared to
6:47
other types of programming this
6:49
perception can lead some people to
6:50
believe that adhering to good
6:51
programming practices such as using
6:53
clear naming conventions providing
6:55
comments and employing a modular design
6:57
is less critical however the truth is
7:00
quite the opposite when you overlook
7:02
these essential practices your code can
7:04
become difficult to understand
7:05
troubleshoot and modify this challenge
7:08
becomes even more pronounced if someone
7:10
else needs to work on the code or if a
7:12
significant amount of time has passed
7:13
since you last interacted with it
7:16
neglecting good programming practices
7:17
can lead to an increase in errors and
7:19
inefficiencies if the logic in your
7:21
program is poorly structured the
7:22
likelihood of encountering bugs rises
7:25
additionally making updates or changes
7:27
can become a cumbersome task which slows
7:29
down the entire process maintaining high
7:32
standards in your PLC programming not
7:34
only improves code quality but also
7:36
enhances the overall efficiency and
7:37
reliability of the system benefiting
7:39
both current and future users
7:43
bonus myth plc's are not vulnerable to
7:45
external factors
7:48
plc's are tough but they can still face
7:51
several issues electrical noise
7:53
interference electromagnetic
7:55
interference EMI and radio frequency
7:58
interference RFI can disrupt PLC
8:01
operations good shielding and grounding
8:04
are essential environmental factors
8:06
extreme temperatures humidity dust and
8:08
corrosive substances can wear down
8:10
hardware over time power issues power
8:13
surges fluctuations or outages can
8:16
corrupt memory or damage components io
8:19
module failures faulty input output
8:22
modules can lead to incorrect readings
8:24
or malfunctioning devices cyber security
8:28
programmable logic controllers PLC's can
8:30
be targets for cyber attacks so it's
8:32
essential to protect them to maintain
8:34
the safety of critical infrastructure
8:36
plc programming is a multidisciplinary
8:39
skill that integrates software
8:40
development principles with a
8:42
comprehensive understanding of
8:43
industrial processes electrical systems
8:46
and essential safety considerations
8:49
this field requires ongoing learning and
8:51
a practical hands-on approach
8:54
there are many different PLC
8:55
manufacturers with their own hardware
8:57
and software all programmable logic
9:00
controllers share similar basic features
9:02
to learn how to approach learning about
9:03
basic PLC's click here
9:07
click here to learn more about how PLC
9:09
simulators can be used to help your
9:11
programming skills
9:15
[Music]
#Programming