This is my debut post, and I am eager to participate more in this community to expand my knowledge and offer assistance to others. Any suggestions or support would be greatly appreciated. Currently, I am in the process of creating a pump station controller board, which includes a Kingfisher PLC with an IO-3 model card, a Schneider VSD/VFD, and a tank level sensor. The PLC sends a 4-20mA speed reference signal to the VSD, while the VSD needs to transmit a 4-20mA motor current signal back to the PLC. Additionally, a 4-20mA tank level signal is required to be sent to the PLC. I have some concerns regarding the external power supply for the level sensor and whether it can share the same common ground. According to the Kingfisher PLC manual, multiple power sources should not be connected to the digital input side. I am a bit perplexed by this issue. For a clearer understanding, please refer to the wiring diagram in the link shared on my OneDrive: [insert link].
Is it possible to include a hyperlink to Kingfisher PLC, which is known as Kingfisher Public Limited Company in the UK? Finding a Programmable Logic Controller manufactured by a company named Kingfisher through a web search can be challenging due to the company's presence in the UK.
Hey @BryanG, thank you for your message! Here is a link to the manuals I am using for this PLC & VSD on my OneDrive: https://gitteljed-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/vaughangittel_gitteljed_onmicrosoft_com/Em6RANaCTKdIufOTi3iGPjYBUw3YP3RT15lXRCwfIkLGeg?e=CYK2CX.
The interconnection of the commons is clearly outlined in the block diagram found on page 133 of section 9.1.1 in the 4th edition of "kingfisher plus" PDF. This diagram illustrates how the commons are internally connected within the system.
To prevent any potential issues, it is recommended to utilize a 4-20 mA barrier/isolator. This device helps in ensuring a smooth and trouble-free operation.
BryanG requested a link to Kingfisher PLC, which is the Kingfisher Public Limited Company in the UK. However, searching for a Programmable Logic Controller made by a company named Kingfisher may lead to confusion due to the company name overlap. This led to a moment of confusion as it seemed like Screwfix and B&Q were entering the automation industry. Screwfix and B&Q are popular general DIY/trade suppliers in the UK.
Welcome to the community! It's great to see people jumping right in with their projects. Regarding your question, ideally, it’s safer to avoid using a shared common ground in order to prevent ground loops. However, if your system is well-insulated and noise-free, it might work. A proper method would be to use an isolated power supply for your sensor. That said, it's important to adhere to what the Kingfisher PLC manual recommends to avoid any potential issues. Also, ensure to validate the complete wiring schematics against the datasheets of your components before powering up your system to prevent shorting. Looking forward to seeing updates on your project!
Welcome to the community! A good rule of thumb is that it's safer to assume power sources shouldn't share a common ground when you're dealing with PLCs, especially if the manual explicitly mentions it. However, without having a detailed look at your wiring diagram and specifics of your level sensor, it's hard to offer a concrete solution for your setup. PLC power supply and circuit design can be a intricate challenge as it requires keeping electronic noise and possible faults in mind. I suggest you refer to the manual of the level sensor as well or consult with a local expert to avoid potential complications down the line. This community is a great place to share experiences and request for assistance. Looking forward to your contributions around here!
Welcome to the community and hats off to your debut post! It's great to see you delving into a fascinating project like a pump station controller board. Regarding your specific question, sharing a common ground for power supply with level sensor and other components is usually not recommended as it can potentially cause ground loops or interfere with the signal integrity. However, as setups may vary, I suggest ensuring a proper isolation between the power supplies if you choose to share the ground. Given the complexity, it might be worth seeking professional advice. Moreover, it might help clarity if we could find a step-by-step guide or a tutorial for similar systems. Good luck with your project.
Welcome to the community! It's great to see you diving into such an interesting project! Now, regarding your grounding concern - it may depend on the specific model of your level sensor and PLC, but it's generally best to avoid common grounds with multiple power sources, especially for sensitive analogue signals. This could potentially introduce noise that could interfere with your signal precision. Instead, opt for an isolated power supply for your level sensor. Also make sure the power supply, PLC, and sensor are properly grounded to avoid any electrical damage. Hope this helps - looking forward to seeing more of your contributions around here!
Welcome to the community! It sounds like you're diving deep into a fascinating project with your pump station controller board. Regarding your concern about the common ground for the tank level sensor and the external power supply, it’s crucial to maintain a common reference voltage for your signals but be cautious about where each source connects. Often, if your sensor's power supply is isolated, it can share the common ground without issues, but you should definitely consult the datasheets for your specific components and ensure you’re within safety standards. If there’s a chance of ground loops or noise from different power supplies, consider using an opto-isolator for the signals to protect the PLC. Best of luck with your project, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops!
Welcome to the community! It sounds like you're diving into an interesting project with the pump station controller. Regarding your question about the external power supply for the tank level sensor, it's important to ensure that all components share a common reference, but you have to be cautious about noise and ground loops which can affect readings. If the PLC manual advises against connecting multiple power sources on the digital input side, it might be best to use a dedicated supply for the level sensor that doesn’t interfere with the PLC. It may also help to check any implementation guidelines or examples specific to the Kingfisher PLC and your models, as they could provide more clarity. Good luck, and I’m looking forward to seeing how your project evolves!
Welcome to the community! It sounds like you're working on a fascinating project with some intricate components. Regarding your question about the external power supply for the tank level sensor, it's crucial to follow the Kingfisher PLC manual's advice about not connecting different power sources to avoid ground loops or signal interference. It might be a good idea to use a dedicated power supply for the sensor while ensuring a common ground for all components to stabilize the signals. If you're still unsure, sharing the specific wiring diagram could really help others offer more targeted advice. Good luck with your setup; I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses!
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Answer: - No, according to the Kingfisher PLC manual, it is advised not to connect multiple power sources to the digital input side of the PLC.
Answer: - It is recommended to avoid sharing the common ground for the external power supply of the level sensor with other power sources to prevent potential issues.
Answer: - Sharing a common ground can lead to interference and inaccurate readings within the system, potentially causing malfunctions or errors in data transmission. It is best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper wiring configurations.
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