Robotic Beer Dispenser Hits the Ground Running
ApplicationCircuit ProtectionElectrical PowerFood and BeverageProcess ControlProductRelays & TimersTerminal Blocks & Wiring

Robotic Beer Dispenser Hits the Ground Running

Reliable, rugged, and economical automation components are essential building blocks for bringing high-tech into consumer-facing applications. After working for more than a decade on industrial and automation projects, Grayson Dawson founded Hop Robotics to bring high-technology robotic serving systems to the food & beverage and hospitality sectors. He wrote a success story article that ran…
What is Needed for Industrial Control Panels?
Electrical PowerEnclosures & AccessoriesProductProgrammable ControlRelays & Timers

What is Needed for Industrial Control Panels?

What is Needed for Industrial Control Panels? Industrial control panels are fundamental for protecting electrical, instrumentation, and control devices. The AutomationDirect portfolio of enclosures and components can help users obtain everything they need to create control panel solutions. Industrial control panels are commonly used for distributing power, housing pneumatics, and protecting automation electronics associated with…
What is a Contactor?
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesMotor ControlsOnline BlogProductRelays & Timers

What is a Contactor?

Contactor Definition Contactors are a specialized form of relay capable of switching higher power loads such as motors, lighting and electric heaters. Turning large electrical power loads such as motors, lighting and heaters on and off is a common automation requirement. Applications are found in commercial buildings, industrial equipment and vehicles. The fundamental device for…
What is a Relay?
ProductRelays & Timers

What is a Relay?

When used in electrical power and control circuits, relays allow lower power circuits to operate higher power circuits, while providing isolation. Relay Definition Relays are a fundamental device for switching an electrical circuit on or off, much like a toggle switch or a limit switch. But a relay is operated based on an electrical control…
What a Drag!
ApplicationAutomationDirect SpotlightDiscrete SensingEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 28 - 2014Machine ControlNotebook IssueProductRelays & TimersStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

What a Drag!

CO2 powered drag strip teaches students the science of speed. John Harpell’s 9th grade class at Moira Secondary School in Belleville, Ontario, Canada has built and automated a model racecar track for CO2 powered “dragsters” using various components from AutomationDirect. A CO2 powered dragster is a small lightweight vehicle fitted with a CO2 cartridge; think “pine-wood-derby on…
Electromechanical Relays Versus Solid-State: Each Has Its Place
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductRelays & TimersTechnical Review

Electromechanical Relays Versus Solid-State: Each Has Its Place

Since the introduction of solid-state relays some decades ago, the debate over which is better, solidstate relays (SSRs) or electromechanical relays (EMRs), has gone on. The general answer is neither, as each one has good and bad points. But in terms of specific application requirements, clear winners emerge. The Argument for Solid-State Relays When used…