Here is a collection of AutomationDirect’s eBooks filled with information and references to deepen your understanding of everyday industrial automation topics. Whether you’re an industry beginner or have years of experience in the field, we guarantee there is something of value for you in these e-Books. Click on the links below for a free download!


Practical Guide to Electrical Enclosures for Industrial Applications

AutomationDirect’s Enclosures Handbook delves into the world of enclosures with informative chapters on selecting the correct enclosures for your environment. You’ll also see dedicated chapters to NEMA and IP ratings as well as thermal management solutions and selections. This Enclosures Handbook is a great resource for those new to enclosures, those looking for a refresh on NEMA ratings, or those looking for some helpful tips and tricks for choosing and maintaining their enclosure.

What’s Inside

  • Chapter 1: Electrical Enclosure Types
  • Chapter 2: Understanding Enclosure NEMA and IP Ratings
  • Chapter 3: Enclosure Construction Materials
  • Chapter 4: Selecting an Enclosure
  • And Much More!

Practical Guide to HMI Selection, Design and Operation

AutomationDirect’s HMI Handbook delves into the world of human machine interfacing with informative chapters on selecting, designing and installing HMIs. But that’s just the first half, the back half of the book focuses specifically on C-more HMIs with chapters covering how to use screen objects, how to configure events, simulation basics, recipe functions and so much more.

What’s Inside:

  • What is an HMI and What Can It Do for You?
  • Good HMI Software: What Capabilities to Look for
  • Pick and Place Your HMI
  • Remote Monitoring with Embedded HMIs
  • And much more!

Practical Guide to Discrete Sensors

AutomationDirect’s Practical Guide to Discrete Sensors is now available! It covers a wide range of topics such as limit switches, proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors and more.

What’s Inside:

  • Introduction to Different Types of Sensors
  • Common Terms Used for Discrete Sensors
  • What Type of Sensors Do I Need?
  • Reviews of Different Types of Sensors
  • And much more!

Practical Guide to AC Motors

 AutomationDirect’s Practical Guide to AC Motors and Control Options is now available with detailed info on these ubiquitous motors and the numerous methods used to control them.  The basics of AC motors and how to replace or repair them are covered along with the most common application types.

What’s Inside:

  • What are AC Motors and How Do They Work?
  • Selecting Motors for Industrial Applications
  • Overview of AC Motor Control Options
  • All About Variable Frequency Drives! (VFDs)
  • And much more!

Plus, an entire chapter on selecting the right soft starter for your motor!


Practical Guide to Pneumatics

This eBook is for users who wish to advance their pneumatic knowledge. It covers a wide range of topics such as circuit symbols, component capability, integrating pneumatics with controls as well as improving pneumatic efficiency.

What’s Inside:

  • Why Use Pneumatics
  • Circuit Symbols Explained
  • Electro Pneumatic Systems in Action
  • Energy Efficient Pneumatic Systems
  • And much more!

Plus a collection of pneumatic application stories to see what others are doing with their pneumatic components to inspire you!


PLC Handbook

This easy-to-read eBook is for users who wish to learn how to do more with their PLC or simply refresh their understanding. It covers the basics and dives into ladder logic, PID loops, communication protocols, and motion control.

What’s Inside:

  • Chapter 1 – What is a PLC
  • Chapter 2 – History of the PLC
  • Chapter 3 – How to Choose a Controller
  • Chapter 4 – PLC Hardware
  • Chapter 5 – PLC Software
  • Chapter 6 – PLC Communication
  • Chapter 7 – Practical PLC Topics

Along with a collection of PLC application stories to see what others are doing with their PLCs to inspire you!


An Industry Guide to Control System Engineering

This eBook is a general guide on the specification, design and installation of automated control systems. Whether an expert or a novice at electrical control devices and systems, the information presented should give you a check list to use in the steps to implementing an automated control system.

What’s Inside:

  • Chapter 1 – Consider Safety First
  • Chapter 2 – Identifying Processes for Automation
  • Chapter 3 – Specify Devices
  • Chapter 4 – Design
  • Chapter 5 – Build
  • Chapter 6 – Install and Start-up
  • Chapter 7 – Maintain

Plus additional resources like a PLC selection guide, equipment specification template, a maintenance check list template and much more!