Age of those who can build a control panel and control a process

[netblindpaul]

Not quite 50, though some days I feel 70, but a heck of a lot closer to 50 than I would like to be perhaps.

By the time my daughter finishes Uni after going there straight from A levels I'll be 50, so that could be a party!

 

[shanky887614]

i couldnt i know that, the only things i know about plc's etc ive learned online for my own curiousity, wouldn't have a clue about building a panel, i can read the drawings but that doesnt mean i would know what to connect where

 

[netblindpaul]

The thing is panel building is no more difficult than wiring a house, IF you have the information, and the design, OK it's a bit different, but no more difficult, different yes.
I have done both.
However, panel design, and thus design of control systems is something completely different.
I would wager that almost all "normal" electricians/electrical contractors are not even insured for that work.

 

[rapparee]

Im under 30 but my skills would be quite basic compared to other members on here but then again give me another 20 years and i'll get there lol

 

[rapparee]

The thing is panel building is no more difficult than wiring a house, IF you have the information, and the design, OK it's a bit different, but no more difficult, different yes.
I have done both.
However, panel design, and thus design of control systems is something completely different.
I would wager that almost all "normal" electricians/electrical contractors are not even insured for that work.

Exactly i was hesitant to answer that i do panel building, certainly i can do what i'm told by following schematic drawings but to design a complex system from scratch would be a bridge too far for me

 

[jon4381]

33, done some panel building, cat 1, cat 3 safety circuits and I know basic Plc. Operated a robot welder and problem solved basic problems.

 

[7029 dave]

Never have never will, installation all my time, now metering nice little job for somebody in my years. 51

 

[Rockingit]

I *did* it all at college, and wouldn't feel apprehensive about tackling it again now despite the years in between, but the reality of actually being asked is remote. The South West isn't exactly a buzzing hub of manufacturing installations.

 

[Adam W]

I wouldn't know where to begin programming a PLC, but it's something I'd like to learn about. Same with most things - I can't think of anything worse than just going around doing domestic remedials and alterations like some kind of glorified van driver.
I don't know if it's necessarily a case of the skill dying out - it seems to me a lot of people entering the trade with a fixed idea of only doing domestic are older, having previously been in other occupations.

 

[Darkwood]

The thing is panel building is no more difficult than wiring a house, IF you have the information, and the design, OK it's a bit different, but no more difficult, different yes.
I have done both.
However, panel design, and thus design of control systems is something completely different.
I would wager that almost all "normal" electricians/electrical contractors are not even insured for that work.

I added machine control systems and 3phase to my PLI and it tripled it .... most dabblers out there are non competent and not covered without even knowing they aint, so many times i've asked the customer to check the sparkies coverage they use and all of a sudden they are history lol ....quickest way to win a customer IMHO

 

[Darkwood]

I wouldn't know where to begin programming a PLC, but it's something I'd like to learn about. Same with most things - I can't think of anything worse than just going around doing domestic remedials and alterations like some kind of glorified van driver.
I don't know if it's necessarily a case of the skill dying out - it seems to me a lot of people entering the trade with a fixed idea of only doing domestic are older, having previously been in other occupations.

Crouzet Automatismes - M3 Soft Download
Download this and and have a play its easy to pick up simple programs ... its gets very complex though very quickly

 

[tazz]

Software is a great forefront ...and can give a full matrix, the idea being program inputs to program outputs...we can time them, nor, and or nand them.
But unless we follow old school mechanical/electrical safety devices, and these features can only be taught by experience. System can be dangerous as the designers ...

 

[gnuuser]

writing a program is not difficult but incorporating all possible safety measures can drive a program designer a bit daft.
you have to be so careful with your program to make sure the walking brain farts don't earn a darwin award ( by all means stupidity must be protected) (most normal workers have the common sense not to mess with stuff)

 

[ferg]

Am 41 now but covered basic ladder logic etc during apprenticeship.

Did some panel building for a while but always to a spec. With the exception of some VERY basic stuff.

No design skills whatsoever and haven't done any of the above for a good few years now.

Apprenticeships Are oinly for 4 years not long enough to teach everything from scratch and so are biased towards whatever the company employing you needs you to do.

I would say it is quite exceptional to have a good grounding in all aspects of electrical work and those who have it have worked long and damned hard to get it and should be able to charge accordingly.

The kind of work being discussed here is not run of the mill stuff and by nature will be down to relatively few sparks.

Consequently more susceptible to skill shortage.

I'm not convinced this is a new phenomenon TBH.

 

[UNG]

Not built any control panels for a few years now at one time built a lot of control panels for Pilkington's that were shipped all over the world for the float glass plants they supported quite interesting labelling and legending panels in foreign languages and checking and double checking to make sure they functioned as the labels and legends stated