The basic design of a plant electrical system.

System Integration December 5, 2016

VFD efficiency: Three best practices

The use of VFDs has many benefits including improved process control, energy savings, higher reliability and reduced wear and tear.

By Gary Jacott, Motion Industries
Mechanical & Electrical July 20, 2015

Three ways to prevent food plant electrical system malfunctions

The electrical system is sometimes overlook at food processing facilities. Here are three ways to maintain the plant's electrical well-being and prevent potential malfunctions and safety hazards.

By Jud Walker, Stellar
Mechanical & Electrical February 10, 2005

Basics of tuned circuits

The tuned circuit is a fundamental building block among electrical and analog electronic circuits. Understanding how it functions provides insight to power quality, communications, controls, electronic equipment, and many other systems found in industrial manufacturing plants. This article provides a brief tutorial on tuned circuit theory and operation.

By Wendell S. Rice
Mechanical & Electrical December 10, 2003

A physical analogy for ac electrical power

Electricity cannot be seen physically; only its effects can be seen or felt. At times, some aspects of electricity can be difficult to understand. One such phenomenon is the presence of different types of power in ac electrical systems. This article presents a physical analogy of electrical power as a refresher to help you understand these concepts further.

By Shanmuga S. Pandian, Electrical Engineer, Design Services Division/PD&CD, Saudi Aramco, Ras Tanura, KSA
Mechanical & Electrical October 10, 2003

Basics of how to minimize harmonics

The August 14, 2003 blackout emphasized that power quality should not be taken lightly. The blackout was caused by, and affected the power grid — our nation's electrical infrastructure. The issues raised by this event should and will come under scrutiny. Just as the nation looks at its power quality issues, plant engineers must look at power quality issues inside the plant.

By Jack Smith, Senior Editor, Plant Engineering Magazine
Mechanical & Electrical March 15, 2003

Basics of low-voltage circuit breakers

A circuit breaker is designed to keep an undesirably large amount of current, voltage, or power out of a given part of an electrical circuit. Industrial circuit breaker categories tend to follow voltage classes, which are divided according to magnitude. The IEEE divides voltage systems into four classes listed in the table titled "IEEE voltage classifications.

By Jack Smith, Senior Editor, Plant Engineering Magazine