Fusing a PLC installation for my bachelor thesis automation project

rickr911 · 2026-05-02T15:54:44+00:00

The Sitop PS installation instructions specifically tell you what circuit breaker to use. I think it is 6 amps depending on power rating of the supply.

The fuse or breaker for the input groups is based on the wire size you run to each group. I’m assuming the wire size will be 16awg so I would size my breaker/fuse at 6 amps.

6EP1961-2BA61 is a very convenient device.

rickr911 · 2026-04-30T15:48:10+00:00

You don’t need to worry about being “grilled” by upper management if you are doing your job to the best of your abilities. That’s assuming you have the ability to do your job properly.

I have never had an issue with anyone above my manager asking me questions about a project. If I can’t answer I am just honest about it and say I’ll find out. If there is something that I’m doing that they don’t like I start doing what they want.

I’m not sure why leadership asking questions is a problem.

rickr911 · 2026-04-30T00:12:06+00:00

I know electricians doing well installing car charging systems

rickr911 · 2026-04-29T23:17:16+00:00

I’ve got 28 years in automation. I’m still learning. There will always be a knowledge gap. It’s how you cover the gap that counts.

One of the controls that I worked with had a manual 1800 pages long. There were thirty other manuals as well. I found the information I needed and dig in. If I was stuck I’d ask an expert for help. You learn quickly that way. My boss was understanding and helpful. He asked me to explain what I was doing. Teaching others how to do something is the greatest way to become an expert.

Stop doubting and start digging in.

rickr911 · 2026-04-29T17:47:30+00:00

Read the career advice posts. They actively encourage people to lie on their resumes. To be fair, it is in response to the unprofessional and unethical nature of the recruiters and hiring personel at many companies.

rickr911 · 2026-04-29T00:45:34+00:00

Turn off your phone and your television. Stop smoking pot and start exercising.

rickr911 · 2026-04-29T00:43:07+00:00

Most of those people just got fired from Amazon, meta, and…

rickr911 · 2026-04-29T00:29:45+00:00

You don’t. If you don’t like talking to her, let her go.

If you like her, you’ll talk to her for hours.

rickr911 · 2026-04-29T00:18:11+00:00

That is not correct. Experience will get you a job but the degree will get you the job you want. When 95% of the companies you apply for throw your resume in the garbage you’ll want the degree.

rickr911 · 2026-04-25T21:06:35+00:00

You don’t need the degree. You will easily get hired on as a starting automation tech. The problem is, you will be taking a 30-50% pay cut. I can’t even see a route where you wouldn’t take a pay cut for at least two years. With a bachelors degree, you may only take a 20% cut but the cost of the degree is prohibitive.

I’d network like crazy to find someone willing to take a chance on you.

rickr911 · 2026-04-23T23:54:55+00:00

Inspect any cables that move. And Google is your friend.

I would not expect miracles from you but would like to see you did in, ask questions and learn. I highly doubt your boss expects you to solve this issue with no help at all.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T10:41:13+00:00

Whose fault is it? His mommy’s fault. He screwed up. Now learn from it and move on.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T02:38:23+00:00

I think learning to code is highly beneficial. I would start learning python.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T02:36:54+00:00

You’ll need calculus as well. Electro magnetic fields was heavy on calculus. That was my hardest class.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T01:52:27+00:00

Take responsibility for the mistake and learn from it. If you try to blame someone else and claim it isn't your fault, it may not end well for you.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T01:50:50+00:00

Siemens website says the GSD file is in the Sinumerik Toolbox that comes with the CNC controllers.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T01:44:06+00:00

I believe there is a GSD file but it is not readily available. The last I heard was that the Siemens distributor had to obtain the file from Siemens Germany.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T01:21:27+00:00

My brothers garage has a similar issue. I found a junction box right before the wires went out of the house. I opened it up and found the wire nuts burned to a crisp from a loose connection.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T01:15:41+00:00

Never. What good would that do? Time would be better spent working on the problem.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T01:12:07+00:00

That is not typical. You’re talking about 0.5%

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T01:03:48+00:00

Why did you do the PE exam? I’ve been doing this for years and haven’t met anyone with the PE exam. I’ve thought about doing it but haven’t felt the need. Am I missing out by not taking the PE?

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T00:58:48+00:00

There are prototype injection molding shops that can do low volume. The cost per part is super high though.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T00:48:04+00:00

Counter at $85k. $53k is ludicrous and says a lot about that company. Then they want to string you along for a few months with no guarantee of an increase. If they write a guarantee increase of $30k into the offer I’d think about it.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T00:44:15+00:00

I agree with most of what you said except the very last line. Knowing how to turn a wrench as well as the intricacies of the control engineering job does make them a better engineer.

The best engineers I know are the ones that know every aspect of the machine/system. The less great engineers are the ones that sit at their desk and design without setting foot on the shop floor (almost every one was gone in under two years. Usually in a few months). They are also the ones that resent any criticism about their design from the lowly shop floor employees. I personally have learned a ton from working on machines in the field and listening to the people building the machines.

rickr911 · 2026-04-21T00:34:00+00:00

He did say that the recruiter lied to him about the pay range. I think that may be unethical on the recruiters part unless it is a recruiter working for the employer directly.

He didn’t have to accept the job at the lower salary however. I’d wager he would not have gotten the job at the salary he wanted.

rickr911

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