Electrical Automation Explained: A Beginner’s Guide For Career Starters

Electrical automation combines electrical automation technologies with electrical engineering principles to create systems that can perform tasks with minimal human involvement. These systems are used across various industries, from manufacturing to smart homes, to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.

Understanding Electrical Automation

Electrical automation involves using technology to perform tasks without or with minimal human intervention. Electrical engineering serves as the foundation, dealing with electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical automation applies electrical engineering knowledge to design, develop, and implement automated systems using control systems, sensors, and actuators. A thorough understanding of electrical automation is needed to start this career.

Key Components And Technologies

Automation and electronic systems technicians learn skills and knowledge in key components and technologies to succeed in this field. The essential ones include:

  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are computerized devices that control and monitor automated industrial processes using programmable logic.
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems are used for real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes, often across geographical locations.
  • Human-Machine Interfaces, such as dashboards, allow humans to interact with and monitor automated systems.
  • Manufacturing Robotics work with tasks, such as making parts, assembly, material handling, and inspecting parts and products.
  • Sensors are devices that detect and measure physical quantities, such as temperature, pressure, and motion, providing data to the control system.
  • Actuators serve as components to convert electrical signals into physical actions, such as motors, valves, and relays.

“Electrical automation combines electrical automation technologies with electrical engineering principles to create systems that can perform tasks with minimal human involvement.”

Benefits Of Electrical Automation

A significant benefit of electrical automation is increased productivity. Automated systems can operate continuously and perform tasks with greater speed and efficiency compared to manual processes. Another is improved quality, consistency, minimal human error, uniform and accurate quality output in 24/7 settings.

Still, other benefits include enhanced safety and cost reduction. Automation reduces risks for human workers by automating dangerous or repetitive tasks. It can provide emergency alerts and system shutdowns to protect workers. This technology can decrease costs, waste, and improve resource utilization.

Automation allows for remote monitoring and control of systems, enabling more efficient troubleshooting and maintenance. These systems generate valuable data that can be used to optimize processes, improve decision-making, and predict future needs. Automation can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing production demands.

Key Skills For Career Starters

Key skills for electrical automation career starters are developed in technical training and experience. A practical way to gain them is by graduating from a technical college that provides hands-on training from skilled instructors. Essential skills include:

  • Strong understanding of electrical and electronic principles
  • Computer and programming skills
  • Working knowledge of control systems
  • Strong math skills
  • Industrial networking
  • Troubleshooting abilities
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Adaptability to new technologies

Entry-Level Career Opportunities

Entry-level electrical automation jobs involve designing, testing, and implementing automated systems, often in manufacturing, processing, and other technical fields. Entry-level career opportunities include automation technicians who install and maintain systems. PLC programmers and industrial electricians collaborate on electrical system installations and repairs. Other in-demand jobs include:

  • Industrial Control System Technician
  • Manufacturing Automation Technician
  • Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) System Technician
  • Home Automation System Technician
  • Alarm System Technician
  • Video Monitoring System Technician
  • Electronic System Technician
  • Medical Equipment Technician
  • Communications Equipment Technician

The Future Of Electrical Automation

The field is expanding with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), edge computing, and the internet of things (IOT). They have direct applications in smart manufacturing and predictive maintenance. This growth is increasing the demand for skilled professionals who can work with these sophisticated systems.

While automation is affecting some tasks in electrical engineering, it is also creating new roles focused on complex problem-solving and AI integration. This technology will continue to revolutionize manufacturing processes by enabling more flexible production, customized products, and optimized resource allocation.

Automation will expand in managing complex interconnected systems in smart cities, including energy grids, transportation networks, and infrastructure. It will also play a crucial role in managing the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid and optimizing energy distribution. Automation will help address the growing shortage of skilled labor in various industries by taking over repetitive, dangerous, and physically demanding tasks.

Give yourself a break and enroll in an outstanding Automation and Electrical Systems Technology Program at ITI Technical College. Now is the best time to plan your career!

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