Introduction to Relays and Relay Logic

Manufacturers are constantly in need of people who can interpret and design ladder or relay logic and trouble shoot relays and contactors contactors at the component level.  Understanding relays and relay logic is fundamental in learning Programmable Logical Controllers (PLCs) and helps maintenance technicians to trouble shoot and install relays, contactors, and PLCs.  It helps the technician decide whether to us relays or PLCs depending on the size and type of installation and operation.  In this course the students will learn what a general purpose relay is, how it is constructed, how to apply it to relay logic.  They will learn also what a contactor is, how it is constructed, and how it is used in motor control operations. They will learn by observing the Constructor software, which is the state-of-the-art software program that helps engineers and technicians develop and design ladder logic programs. It is an interactive software program that really works and if your program works on the computer it will definitely work on real discrete components.  The instructor will also wire a relay and a contactor so that the student can see the actual operation of the relay and contactor.  Students then will be able to appreciate the operation as they can see through the plastic of the ice cube relay.  They will also observe the instructor reading voltages and continuity of the contacts and the coil itself.