Brief Description
- To understand exactly how a PLC works
- To understand basic PLC concepts
- Be able to troubleshoot a ControlLogix/CompactLogix and/or FlexLogix PLC systems in a competent and confident manner
- Be able to understand ControlLogix hardware configuration and be able to add or replace modules when a fault occurs.
- Understand Basics and be able to troubleshoot EtherNet Network
- Be able to operate the Allen Bradley software to make it perform common tasks.
- Understand basic instruction set and be able to make minor modifications to software.
- Be able to backup and restore a PLC program when required.
- Be able to perform basic system diagnostics when a problem occurs.
- Be able to understand and back track through a simple programs
- Configure and troubleshoot Flex IO over EtherNet
- Understand PLC to HMI communications
- Make alterations to existing HMI screens
Course Content
To fault find a system you need to know EXACTLY how it works
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Am I getting the input to the PLC?
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The Led on the output card means i am getting voltage out right? does it?
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What exactly happens in between? theres more than just a program in the CPU
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How exactly does it scan the program?
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What is this Watchdog Timer? Is it that important?
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Can I use the same output twice? That’s bad programming isn’t it?
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A PLC is a logic controller, so use a logical approach to fault find it.
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What are the 8 simple test points to check?
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The PLC is in RUN, that means theres a program right? does it?
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FORCING a bit and toggling a bit is pretty much the same yeah? depends on which PLC
Then you need to know the specifics
- Check power is ON and PLC is in right mode (RUN or Program)
- Check LEDs for fault definition ( what exactly does the LED tell me)
- Check and Change Modules if required (with spares and without spares)
- Removing modules with power ON ( will I blow anything up)
- Basics of EtherNet, IP addresses, Subnet Mask
- Configure drivers to establish link to PLC (RSLinx)
- Link to CPU via Ethernet
- Checking Ethernet connections using PING instruction (very useful)
- Using RSLinx to diagnose comms problems
- Create a blank project and take a backup (just in case I mess up)
- Open the correct project Off Line and link to PLC
- Interrogate errors in Controller Properties, common faults
- Identify if it is a hardware or software fault?
- Identify if it is a PLC or Comms fault
- Access fault information about I/O cards
- Change the battery, (with power ON of course)
- Working with CPUs with Non Volatile (EEPROM) memory
- Check all settings against a template, Node Address etc.
- Check Hardware Configuration, I/O errors
- Clear Memory and Download program
- Monitor program
- Is it Latched or Unlatched I’m never quite sure?
- Altering values in Tag tables
- Back tracking through a program to establish where power flow stops
- Searching for specific operands and instructions
- Using Bookmark function
- Changing timer, counter values On Line
- Making minor mods Off Line and On line
- Create a Trend to trend address status or values
- Altering timer, counter and other values if required
- Force a parameter if required
- Toggling addresses to move program on in sequence
- Call up documentation to assist with software diagnostics
- Printing Cross Reference / Program Listings etc.
PANELVIEW PLUS
- Understand PLC to HMI communications
- Add Screens to and existing HMI application
- Add Push buttons, Data display and Additional Alarms
ETHERNET
- An appreciation of EtherNet cabling options, hubs, routers
- Configure EtherNet Flex I/O modules
- Understanding data mapping
- Verify operation of the network
- Troubleshoot EtherNet Network
Background information also covered
Understanding of the following:
- Number formats, bits,words,double words
- Binary, Real, Integer, DINT
- Basic Ethernet Communications
- Network Basics
- Setting up a simple Ethernet network
- Tasks, Programs and Routines
- How to monitor various blocks
- Understand basic Ladder programs
- Basic Instructions, contacts, Latch, Unlatch etc.
- Timers, Counters
- Comparators, Maths
- Fault finding tips
Course Documentation
- Allen Bradley RSLogix5000 Reference Guide
- RSView Machine Edition Reference Guide
Course Equipment (per delegate)
- ControlLogix, CompactLogix or FlexLogix PLC (systems designated to suit delegates requirements)
- PanelView Plus HMI (shared 1 per 2 delegates)
- PC or Laptop
- Simulator
City & Guilds Accreditation Upgrade
City & Guilds Accreditation upgrade is avaliable for this course.
Accreditation cost: £110.00 (exc. VAT)
Reviews
Plc overview with James
Course: Introduction to PLCs
Fantastic course, really friendly and helpful trainer, I now feel much more confident writing and troubleshooting code.
Overall would definitely recommend the course.
Well explained and efficiently executed in an easy to understand format. Thanks James.
- Michael Alfie Blundell (July 25, 2025)
Fantastic Course
Course: Introduction to PLCs
James was patient and very clear with his teaching style – brought our group up to speed with the basics of PLCS in a week.
- Jamie Power (July 25, 2025)
Allen Bradley EAL Level 3Unit
Course: Schneider M221 EcoStruxture Basic
Excellent course, gained a lot of knowledge. The tutors are great and very helpful would highly recommend
- Sam Yeoman (February 14, 2023)
Excellent Course
Course: Siemens S7 1200/1500, ProfiNet & HMI Level 1
Course covered TIA Portal introduction and programming. Instructor has sound knowledge and experience in the field and is able to pass this on. Highly recommended.
- Sean (October 27, 2021)
Great course
Course: Siemens S7 300/400 PLC & Networks Level 2
Very good and in depth course with lots of information we covered a range of PLCs and programs. Mick made it very simple to understand and answered all questions we had. Very knowledgeable and friendly instructor
- Harry Tredaway (October 1, 2021)
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