Programmable Logic Controllers

Programmable Logic Controllers

Programmable Logic Controllers

Who are these courses for?

This program is ideal for electricians, including those pursuing electrician careers such as residential electrician or master electrician roles, instrument technicians, and individuals involved in multi-craft training within process and manufacturing facilities.

Principles of Operation

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for individuals with a foundation in basic electricity, including AC/DC theoryelectrical safety protocols, basic electrical maintenance procedures, as well as proficiency in reading electrical schematics.

Familiarity with control systems and common input and output devices is recommended, as this knowledge prepares learners to work effectively with PLC hardware components and programming environments, and is essential for those pursuing electrician careers or participating in an electrician training program.

Description:

This lesson introduces the basic principles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), explaining how these systems function within modern industrial electrical control systems. Learners explore both hardware components, such as modular PLC units, CPUs, power supplies, and input/output devices, and software components including PLC programming software, ladder logic, and structured text. Emphasis is placed on how PLCs operate in real-time to control field devices and processes. The lesson provides essential knowledge for electricians, technicians, and anyone seeking hands-on experience with PLC controls.

Objectives:
  • Identify and describe the major hardware components of a modular PLC system and explain their functions within electrical and control systems.
  • Recognize the role of PLC software, including ladder logic and structured text, in programming and managing control system operations.
  • Locate and interpret I/O terminals using documentation, addresses, and module indicators to monitor the status of inputs and outputs.
  • Apply I/O mapping skills to connect PLCs with field devices and ensure accurate real-time operation.

Principles of Operation

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for individuals with a foundation in basic electricity, including AC/DC theoryelectrical safety protocols, basic electrical maintenance procedures, as well as proficiency in reading electrical schematics.

Familiarity with control systems and common input and output devices is recommended, as this knowledge prepares learners to work effectively with PLC hardware components and programming environments, and is essential for those pursuing electrician careers or participating in an electrician training program.

Description:

This lesson introduces the basic principles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), explaining how these systems function within modern industrial electrical control systems. Learners explore both hardware components, such as modular PLC units, CPUs, power supplies, and input/output devices, and software components including PLC programming software, ladder logic, and structured text. Emphasis is placed on how PLCs operate in real-time to control field devices and processes. The lesson provides essential knowledge for electricians, technicians, and anyone seeking hands-on experience with PLC controls.

Objectives:
  • Identify and describe the major hardware components of a modular PLC system and explain their functions within electrical and control systems.
  • Recognize the role of PLC software, including ladder logic and structured text, in programming and managing control system operations.
  • Locate and interpret I/O terminals using documentation, addresses, and module indicators to monitor the status of inputs and outputs.
  • Apply I/O mapping skills to connect PLCs with field devices and ensure accurate real-time operation.

Interpreting Ladder Logic

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for participants who are familiar with the principles of programmable logic controller (PLC) system operation, AC/DC theory, electrical safety, basic electrical maintenance procedures, and electrical print reading. A basic understanding of PLC hardware components, control systems, and input/output devices is recommended to support learning ladder logic and related programming concepts.

Description:

This lesson focuses on interpreting ladder logic, one of the most widely used PLC programming languages in industrial automation. Learners will explore the role of ladder diagrams in controlling hardware components and real-time operations, while working with program elements such as contacts, coils, timers, counters, and data functions. Emphasis is placed on understanding how ladder logic represents electrical circuits, manages inputs and outputs, and integrates with broader control systems and SCADA environments. This knowledge is essential for electricians, technicians, and contractors working with PLC software and field devices.

Objectives:
  • Interpret power flow in circuits comprising a wide range of ladder logic elements.
  • Analyze start and stop circuits, including those with sealing (holding) contacts, to understand how PLC controls manage real-time processes.
  • Evaluate circuits with normally open and normally closed field devices.
  • Apply ladder logic functions such as timers, counters, mathematical operations, data comparisons, and data transfers to real-world control systems.

Interpreting Ladder Logic

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for participants who are familiar with the principles of programmable logic controller (PLC) system operation, AC/DC theory, electrical safety, basic electrical maintenance procedures, and electrical print reading. A basic understanding of PLC hardware components, control systems, and input/output devices is recommended to support learning ladder logic and related programming concepts.

Description:

This lesson focuses on interpreting ladder logic, one of the most widely used PLC programming languages in industrial automation. Learners will explore the role of ladder diagrams in controlling hardware components and real-time operations, while working with program elements such as contacts, coils, timers, counters, and data functions. Emphasis is placed on understanding how ladder logic represents electrical circuits, manages inputs and outputs, and integrates with broader control systems and SCADA environments. This knowledge is essential for electricians, technicians, and contractors working with PLC software and field devices.

Objectives:
  • Interpret power flow in circuits comprising a wide range of ladder logic elements.
  • Analyze start and stop circuits, including those with sealing (holding) contacts, to understand how PLC controls manage real-time processes.
  • Evaluate circuits with normally open and normally closed field devices.
  • Apply ladder logic functions such as timers, counters, mathematical operations, data comparisons, and data transfers to real-world control systems.

Programmable Controllers for Analog Control

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for learners with prior knowledge of PLC system operation, digital electronics, and instrumentation. Familiarity with control systems, input/output devices, and PLC software is recommended, as these skills support the transition into real-time analog process control and PID programming.

Description:

This lesson explores how Programmable Logic Controllers manage analog control systems and implement PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) functions. Participants examine the differences between discrete and continuous control, investigate hardware components such as analog I/O modules, converters, and field devices, and review how data is transmitted across a data highway. Programming methods including ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text are introduced to illustrate how analog control is configured in real-time operations. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of PLC/PID systems in industrial processes such as blending, monitoring, and water quality control, along with maintenance strategies for long-term reliability.

Objectives:
  • Describe the differences between discrete control and continuous process control within PLC systems.
  • Explain how PLCs implement Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) process control modes.
  • Identify and describe hardware components in PID control.
  • Explain the purpose and function of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters
  • Describe typical field devices connected to PID modules and the types of input signals they generate.
  • Describe the types of input signals generated by analog field devices.
  • Explain the functions of a data highway in data transmission.
  • Identify factors influencing the speed of data transfer and communication between PID modules.
  • The PLC/PID systems to monitor a given process.
  • Explain the uses of single loop and group displays in control systems.
  • Identify common programming languages used for PID control in PLCs.
  • Explain how PID algorithms are configured in PLC software.
  • Identify other configuration functions available for analog control.
  • Identify other configurations for advanced control strategies.
  • Describe the execution of a typical PID program.
  • Explain how scan times affect program execution.
  • Describe how to change from automatic to manual control modes.
  • Describe the application of PID control using a PLC in a blending process.
  • Describe the application of PID control using a PLC for water quality control.
  • Explain methods for analog input/output (I/O) verification.

Programmable Controllers for Analog Control

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for learners with prior knowledge of PLC system operation, digital electronics, and instrumentation. Familiarity with control systems, input/output devices, and PLC software is recommended, as these skills support the transition into real-time analog process control and PID programming.

Description:

This lesson explores how Programmable Logic Controllers manage analog control systems and implement PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) functions. Participants examine the differences between discrete and continuous control, investigate hardware components such as analog I/O modules, converters, and field devices, and review how data is transmitted across a data highway. Programming methods including ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text are introduced to illustrate how analog control is configured in real-time operations. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of PLC/PID systems in industrial processes such as blending, monitoring, and water quality control, along with maintenance strategies for long-term reliability.

Objectives:
  • Describe the differences between discrete control and continuous process control within PLC systems.
  • Explain how PLCs implement Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) process control modes.
  • Identify and describe hardware components in PID control.
  • Explain the purpose and function of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters
  • Describe typical field devices connected to PID modules and the types of input signals they generate.
  • Describe the types of input signals generated by analog field devices.
  • Explain the functions of a data highway in data transmission.
  • Identify factors influencing the speed of data transfer and communication between PID modules.
  • The PLC/PID systems to monitor a given process.
  • Explain the uses of single loop and group displays in control systems.
  • Identify common programming languages used for PID control in PLCs.
  • Explain how PID algorithms are configured in PLC software.
  • Identify other configuration functions available for analog control.
  • Identify other configurations for advanced control strategies.
  • Describe the execution of a typical PID program.
  • Explain how scan times affect program execution.
  • Describe how to change from automatic to manual control modes.
  • Describe the application of PID control using a PLC in a blending process.
  • Describe the application of PID control using a PLC for water quality control.
  • Explain methods for analog input/output (I/O) verification.

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How can online PLC training improve your maintenance team’s performance?

ITC Learning’s Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) series provides maintenance technicians with job-ready skills to interpret ladder logic and troubleshoot industrial automation systems. Designed for multi-craft teams, these courses bridge the gap between theory and plant-floor application to reduce mean-time-to-repair (MTTR) and sustain peak system performance.

Strengthening Reliability Through PLC Troubleshooting and Maintenance

In modern industrial environments, operational continuity relies on the speed at which your maintenance team can diagnose automation faults. ITC’s PLC training focuses on the practical “symptoms → tests → corrective action” workflow essential for reducing unplanned downtime. Learners gain a solid mental model of how the PLC functions as the central processing unit within automation systems, allowing them to verify three-phase balance, trace power, and prove isolation before work begins. By mastering ladder logic interpretation and analog control, technicians can move beyond simple part-swapping to perform root cause analysis, directly impacting your facility’s reliability and bottom line.

Blended Learning: Pairing Online Logic with Hands-On Application

While our courses provide modular, self-paced instruction on principles of operation, they are most effective when paired with your facility’s specific procedures. ITC’s program includes guidance for pairing online lessons with supervisor-guided, on-site hands-on tasks. This blended approach allows technicians to safely apply PLC concepts to real equipment under your facility’s exact safety protocols and SOPs. By documenting these competencies through our manager dashboards, you create a verifiable career path from technician to senior lead without the high costs of sending crews off-site.

Feature Business ImpactEstimated ROIImplementation Time
ITC Skills AssessmentsIdentifies specific gaps; avoids redundant trainingHigh; 6–18 months to standard productivityImmediate; online access
SCORM-Compliant ContentSeamless LMS integration for easier trackingMeasured via MTTR reductionDays; plug-and-play
Industry 4.0 FocusPrepares teams for IoT and predictive maintenanceLong-term competitive edgeOngoing curriculum updates
Traditional TrainingOften purely theoretical or genericLower; high travel/off-site costsWeeks/Months for scheduling

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does this PLC training include ladder logic interpretation?

    Yes. The series specifically covers interpreting ladder logic and programmable controllers for analog control, ensuring technicians can read and diagnose the code governing your machines.

  • Can we use ITC’s PLC courses inside our own Learning Management System (LMS)?

    Absolutely. All ITC courses are SCORM-compliant and can be delivered through your existing LMS or through our hosted portal, whichever fits your team’s workflow.

  • Is there a skills assessment to see what my technicians already know?

    Yes. Every course includes a 20-question assessment to measure comprehension. Additionally, our online skills assessments can benchmark your entire workforce to pinpoint exact knowledge gaps.

  • How long does it take for a technician to complete a PLC course?

    Most focused lessons take approximately 30–35 minutes, allowing learners to progress during shift changes or downtime without disrupting production schedules.

  • How does this training help with plant-floor safety?

    PLC training is paired with electrical safety awareness, including LOTO and arc-flash awareness. By understanding how to properly prove isolation and interpret control circuits, technicians work safer and comply with site procedures.

Principles of Operation

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for individuals with a foundation in basic electricity, including AC/DC theoryelectrical safety protocols, basic electrical maintenance procedures, as well as proficiency in reading electrical schematics.

Familiarity with control systems and common input and output devices is recommended, as this knowledge prepares learners to work effectively with PLC hardware components and programming environments, and is essential for those pursuing electrician careers or participating in an electrician training program.

Description:

This lesson introduces the basic principles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), explaining how these systems function within modern industrial electrical control systems. Learners explore both hardware components, such as modular PLC units, CPUs, power supplies, and input/output devices, and software components including PLC programming software, ladder logic, and structured text. Emphasis is placed on how PLCs operate in real-time to control field devices and processes. The lesson provides essential knowledge for electricians, technicians, and anyone seeking hands-on experience with PLC controls.

Objectives:
  • Identify and describe the major hardware components of a modular PLC system and explain their functions within electrical and control systems.
  • Recognize the role of PLC software, including ladder logic and structured text, in programming and managing control system operations.
  • Locate and interpret I/O terminals using documentation, addresses, and module indicators to monitor the status of inputs and outputs.
  • Apply I/O mapping skills to connect PLCs with field devices and ensure accurate real-time operation.

Principles of Operation

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for individuals with a foundation in basic electricity, including AC/DC theoryelectrical safety protocols, basic electrical maintenance procedures, as well as proficiency in reading electrical schematics.

Familiarity with control systems and common input and output devices is recommended, as this knowledge prepares learners to work effectively with PLC hardware components and programming environments, and is essential for those pursuing electrician careers or participating in an electrician training program.

Description:

This lesson introduces the basic principles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), explaining how these systems function within modern industrial electrical control systems. Learners explore both hardware components, such as modular PLC units, CPUs, power supplies, and input/output devices, and software components including PLC programming software, ladder logic, and structured text. Emphasis is placed on how PLCs operate in real-time to control field devices and processes. The lesson provides essential knowledge for electricians, technicians, and anyone seeking hands-on experience with PLC controls.

Objectives:
  • Identify and describe the major hardware components of a modular PLC system and explain their functions within electrical and control systems.
  • Recognize the role of PLC software, including ladder logic and structured text, in programming and managing control system operations.
  • Locate and interpret I/O terminals using documentation, addresses, and module indicators to monitor the status of inputs and outputs.
  • Apply I/O mapping skills to connect PLCs with field devices and ensure accurate real-time operation.

Interpreting Ladder Logic

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for participants who are familiar with the principles of programmable logic controller (PLC) system operation, AC/DC theory, electrical safety, basic electrical maintenance procedures, and electrical print reading. A basic understanding of PLC hardware components, control systems, and input/output devices is recommended to support learning ladder logic and related programming concepts.

Description:

This lesson focuses on interpreting ladder logic, one of the most widely used PLC programming languages in industrial automation. Learners will explore the role of ladder diagrams in controlling hardware components and real-time operations, while working with program elements such as contacts, coils, timers, counters, and data functions. Emphasis is placed on understanding how ladder logic represents electrical circuits, manages inputs and outputs, and integrates with broader control systems and SCADA environments. This knowledge is essential for electricians, technicians, and contractors working with PLC software and field devices.

Objectives:
  • Interpret power flow in circuits comprising a wide range of ladder logic elements.
  • Analyze start and stop circuits, including those with sealing (holding) contacts, to understand how PLC controls manage real-time processes.
  • Evaluate circuits with normally open and normally closed field devices.
  • Apply ladder logic functions such as timers, counters, mathematical operations, data comparisons, and data transfers to real-world control systems.

Interpreting Ladder Logic

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for participants who are familiar with the principles of programmable logic controller (PLC) system operation, AC/DC theory, electrical safety, basic electrical maintenance procedures, and electrical print reading. A basic understanding of PLC hardware components, control systems, and input/output devices is recommended to support learning ladder logic and related programming concepts.

Description:

This lesson focuses on interpreting ladder logic, one of the most widely used PLC programming languages in industrial automation. Learners will explore the role of ladder diagrams in controlling hardware components and real-time operations, while working with program elements such as contacts, coils, timers, counters, and data functions. Emphasis is placed on understanding how ladder logic represents electrical circuits, manages inputs and outputs, and integrates with broader control systems and SCADA environments. This knowledge is essential for electricians, technicians, and contractors working with PLC software and field devices.

Objectives:
  • Interpret power flow in circuits comprising a wide range of ladder logic elements.
  • Analyze start and stop circuits, including those with sealing (holding) contacts, to understand how PLC controls manage real-time processes.
  • Evaluate circuits with normally open and normally closed field devices.
  • Apply ladder logic functions such as timers, counters, mathematical operations, data comparisons, and data transfers to real-world control systems.

Programmable Controllers for Analog Control

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for learners with prior knowledge of PLC system operation, digital electronics, and instrumentation. Familiarity with control systems, input/output devices, and PLC software is recommended, as these skills support the transition into real-time analog process control and PID programming.

Description:

This lesson explores how Programmable Logic Controllers manage analog control systems and implement PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) functions. Participants examine the differences between discrete and continuous control, investigate hardware components such as analog I/O modules, converters, and field devices, and review how data is transmitted across a data highway. Programming methods including ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text are introduced to illustrate how analog control is configured in real-time operations. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of PLC/PID systems in industrial processes such as blending, monitoring, and water quality control, along with maintenance strategies for long-term reliability.

Objectives:
  • Describe the differences between discrete control and continuous process control within PLC systems.
  • Explain how PLCs implement Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) process control modes.
  • Identify and describe hardware components in PID control.
  • Explain the purpose and function of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters
  • Describe typical field devices connected to PID modules and the types of input signals they generate.
  • Describe the types of input signals generated by analog field devices.
  • Explain the functions of a data highway in data transmission.
  • Identify factors influencing the speed of data transfer and communication between PID modules.
  • The PLC/PID systems to monitor a given process.
  • Explain the uses of single loop and group displays in control systems.
  • Identify common programming languages used for PID control in PLCs.
  • Explain how PID algorithms are configured in PLC software.
  • Identify other configuration functions available for analog control.
  • Identify other configurations for advanced control strategies.
  • Describe the execution of a typical PID program.
  • Explain how scan times affect program execution.
  • Describe how to change from automatic to manual control modes.
  • Describe the application of PID control using a PLC in a blending process.
  • Describe the application of PID control using a PLC for water quality control.
  • Explain methods for analog input/output (I/O) verification.

Programmable Controllers for Analog Control

Prerequisites:

This lesson is intended for learners with prior knowledge of PLC system operation, digital electronics, and instrumentation. Familiarity with control systems, input/output devices, and PLC software is recommended, as these skills support the transition into real-time analog process control and PID programming.

Description:

This lesson explores how Programmable Logic Controllers manage analog control systems and implement PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) functions. Participants examine the differences between discrete and continuous control, investigate hardware components such as analog I/O modules, converters, and field devices, and review how data is transmitted across a data highway. Programming methods including ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text are introduced to illustrate how analog control is configured in real-time operations. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of PLC/PID systems in industrial processes such as blending, monitoring, and water quality control, along with maintenance strategies for long-term reliability.

Objectives:
  • Describe the differences between discrete control and continuous process control within PLC systems.
  • Explain how PLCs implement Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) process control modes.
  • Identify and describe hardware components in PID control.
  • Explain the purpose and function of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters
  • Describe typical field devices connected to PID modules and the types of input signals they generate.
  • Describe the types of input signals generated by analog field devices.
  • Explain the functions of a data highway in data transmission.
  • Identify factors influencing the speed of data transfer and communication between PID modules.
  • The PLC/PID systems to monitor a given process.
  • Explain the uses of single loop and group displays in control systems.
  • Identify common programming languages used for PID control in PLCs.
  • Explain how PID algorithms are configured in PLC software.
  • Identify other configuration functions available for analog control.
  • Identify other configurations for advanced control strategies.
  • Describe the execution of a typical PID program.
  • Explain how scan times affect program execution.
  • Describe how to change from automatic to manual control modes.
  • Describe the application of PID control using a PLC in a blending process.
  • Describe the application of PID control using a PLC for water quality control.
  • Explain methods for analog input/output (I/O) verification.
Course Overview

This interactive multimedia training program includes three individual lessons designed to equip participants with essential electrical skills, including understanding programmable logic controller (PLC) system operations, interpreting power flow through ladder logic, and grasping the principles of operation, characteristics, and capabilities of analog control within PLC systems.

Who This Course is For?

This program is ideal for electricians, including those pursuing electrician careers such as residential electrician or master electrician roles, instrument technicians, and individuals involved in multi-craft training within process and manufacturing facilities.

Platforms:  
Number of Courses: 3
How This Course Helps You
Together, these lessons help participants develop the skills and certifications necessary to:

Enhance Control Skills:

Gain hands-on experience with PLC programming, ladder logic, and structured text to operate real-time control systems confidently.

Boost Efficiency:

Learn to identify and resolve issues in hardware components, input/output devices, and PLC software to reduce downtime.

Technical Expertise:

Build a wide range of knowledge in modular PLCs, SCADA system integration, and advanced process control strategies.

Career Opportunities:

Develop in-demand PLC skills valued in electrical, automation, and industrial control careers across multiple industries.