Hello everyone, I am dealing with a Force Light issue on our CompactLogix PLC. I have thoroughly examined the PLC ladder program and control tags list, but I cannot find any forces present. I have checked the force mask and program tags as well, but I am now uncertain of what else to investigate. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas that could assist me in resolving this issue, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you, Stu.
When the LED displays a "SOLID GOLD" color, it indicates that forces are enabled. However, it is important to note that ControlLogix and CompactLogix systems may not always have forces installed despite the LED being on. To ensure accuracy, check that the tag listing has the "Can Be Forced" legend visible before reviewing the "Force Mask" column. It is also acceptable if it shows "Show All," but make sure you are viewing the complete list. If it is safe to do so, try disabling the forces. If the LED turns off completely, there are no forces present. However, if the LED starts flashing gold on and off, forces are present elsewhere and further investigation is needed.
If you're looking for the "Force Mask" column in your controller tags, simply right click on any column header and choose "Toggle Column" to enable it. By checking off "Force Mask," you'll only see data related to physical I/O that can be forced.
Is the light truly solid gold? Also, I wanted to clarify your statement about forces possibly not being installed with ControlLogix and CompactLogix. Can you please elaborate on that? Thank you, Stu.
I want to thank Stu for helping me with the "Force Mask" column under controller tags. I appreciate the assistance!
Enable forces in ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs even without any forces installed, just like in most MicroLogix processors where forces are always enabled, regardless of installation. However, in PLC-5 or SLC-500 platforms, forces cannot be enabled when none are installed.
Hi Stu, one hidden culprit that often gets overlooked is if an output is stuck in the 'on' position due to a hardware failure or, occasionally, a force applied on an output module. It might worth to cross-verify the physical state of your hardware. Also, ensure that you are logged in with an account with 'full access' rights in your PLC, as some forces are only visible with higher access levels. You may also want to try cycling power to the PLC - I've seen a case where a phantom force was cleared this way.
Hey Stu, it seems like you've covered all the common areas where the issue might lie, impressive! Have you updated the CompactLogix firmware recently? Sometimes these problems are caused by firmware related issues that may have been resolved in later versions. Also, try going online with RSLogix 5000 and then select "Forces" in the controller tag properties. If there are any forces set, they should be visible there. Just one more thing, check for any corruption in your PLC program, it could be another source of the issue. Keep us updated!
Hey Stu, it sounds frustrating to deal with that Force Light issue! One thing you might want to double-check is whether there are any other connected devices or networked PLCs that could be forcing the outputs remotely. Also, sometimes the issue can be tied to a specific module—make sure to look at the diagnostics for any modules that might be causing the force without being obvious in the ladder logic. Have you tried going through the event logs for any clues? Good luck, and let us know what you find!
Hey Stu, it sounds frustrating to be stuck on that! Have you tried looking at the status of any input or output tags that might be affecting the Force Light? Sometimes, even if the ladder logic looks clean, there can be external factors like hardware issues or communication errors that trigger it. Also, double-check if any previous versions of the program or backup files have different force settings. Good luck, and hope you get it sorted out soon!
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Answer: The Force Light issue could be caused by forces present in the PLC ladder program or control tags list. It's important to thoroughly examine the program tags, force mask, and other relevant areas to identify any unintended forces.
Answer: To troubleshoot a Force Light issue, check for forces in the ladder program and control tags list, review the force mask and program tags, and investigate any other areas where forces might be present. Seeking assistance from others with experience in CompactLogix PLCs can also be helpful.
Answer: If you have thoroughly examined the PLC program and control tags list but cannot find any forces, consider reviewing the logic in the ladder program for any hidden or complex conditions that might be causing the Force Light to appear. Additionally, reaching out to forums or communities for advice and troubleshooting tips can provide new insights.
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