Brief Description
- Be able to troubleshoot an SLC 500 PLC system in a competent and confident manner
- Be able to recognise SLC500 hardware and be able to replace modules when a fault occurs.
- Be able to operate the Allen Bradley software to make it perform certain 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.
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
- Check and Change Modules if required (with spares and without spares)
- System connection
- Establish link to PLC (RSLinx, a major problem area these days)
- 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 Status table
- Identify if it is a hardware or software fault?
- Identify if it is a PLC or Comms fault
- Change the battery
- Check all settings against a template, Node Address etc.
- Check Hardware Configuration
- Clear Memory and Download program
- Check software against latest copy (Compare function)
- Monitor program
- Searching for specific operands and instructions
- Changing timer, counter values On Line
- Making minor mods Off Line and On line
- Check or create a Custom Monitor table to establish parameter status
- Create a Histogram to monitor address transitions
- Create a Trend to trend address status or values
- Altering timer, counter and other data table 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.
Background information also covered
Understanding of the following:
- Number formats, bits,words
- Binary, floating point, integer
- Program blocks and Data Tables, B3, T4, N7 etc
- How to monitor various blocks
- Understand basic Ladder programs
- Basic Instructions, contacts, Set, reset etc.
- Timers, Counters
- Comparators, Maths
- Altering values in a data table
- Toggling v Forcing
- Back tracking through a program to establish where power flow stops
- Overall reset procedure
- Fault finding tips
Course Documentation
- Allen Bradley RSLogix500 Reference Guides
Course Equipment (per delegate)
- SLC500 PLC
- 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: 2225
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: 2225
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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