ETO ENGINEER
1.73K subscribers
641 photos
556 videos
9 files
140 links
πŸ’‘Manuals, videos, courses πŸ‘‰ t.me/eto_engineer/721

🌐 ETO site: eto-engineer.com
πŸ’‘YouTube: youtube.com/@eto_engineer
πŸ’‘TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@eto_engineer

πŸ§‘πŸΌβ€πŸ’»Contacts: @eto_help
Download Telegram
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#Heater element resistance depends on the rated #voltage and power of the heater.

For a normal electric heater:
β€’ A 230-volt, 1000-watt heater usually has a #resistance of about 53 ohms.
β€’ A 230-volt, 2000-watt heater usually has a resistance of about 26 ohms.
β€’ A 440-volt, 5-kilowatt heater usually has a resistance of about 39 ohms.

Important points:
β€’ When you measure the heater with a #multimeter while it is cold, the resistance will be slightly lower than the real working value, because resistance increases when the element becomes hot.
β€’ Infinite resistance means the heater element is broken (open circuit).
β€’ Very low resistance close to zero means a short circuit inside the element.
β€’ You should also check #insulation to ground with a #megger. It should normally be higher than 1 megaohm, and in good condition it is usually much higher.
❀3πŸ‘3πŸ”₯1🀝1
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
An #inductive proximity sensor is a non-contact electronic device used to detect metal objects. It works by creating an electromagnetic field at the sensing face.
When a metal object enters this field, eddy currents are induced in the metal, which changes the sensor’s internal oscillation. The sensor electronics detect this change and switch the output ON or OFF.

Main characteristics
β€’ Detects only metal (steel, aluminum, brass, etc.).
β€’ No physical contact, so no mechanical wear.
β€’ Very fast response and high reliability.
β€’ Short sensing distance, usually 1–20 mm depending on size.
β€’ Commonly powered by #DC (10–30 V) or AC supply.

Typical outputs
β€’ #PNP or #NPN transistor output
β€’ NO (normally open) or NC (normally closed) switching

Common applications
β€’ Position detection in machines
β€’ Counting metal parts on conveyors
β€’ Limit sensing in automation systems
β€’ Speed or rotation detection with metal targets

How to check an inductive #proximitysensor

1. Visual inspection
β€’ Check the #sensor face for damage, oil, or metal dust.
β€’ Look for loose or broken wires.
β€’ Many sensors have an #LED indicator that lights when metal is detected.

2. Verify power supply
β€’ Identify wires (typical DC sensor):
β€’ Brown = +V
β€’ Blue = 0 V
β€’ Black = output
β€’ Measure voltage between brown and blue using a #multimeter.
β€’ Normal value: about 10–30 V DC.
β€’ If no #voltage β†’ wiring or power problem.

3. Check output switching
β€’ Keep the multimeter on DC #voltage.
β€’ Measure between black and blue:
β€’ No metal near sensor: output is either 0 V or supply voltage, depending on PNP/NPN type.
β€’ Bring metal close to sensing face: voltage should change state.
β€’ If voltage does not change, the sensor may be faulty.

4. Quick functional test
β€’ Power the sensor.
β€’ Move a metal object slowly toward the sensing face.
β€’ Watch:
β€’ LED indicator change
β€’ Output voltage change
β€’ No reaction β†’ defective sensor or incorrect wiring.
πŸ‘5🀝2❀1πŸ”₯1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Phase Loss in Motor (Single #Phasing)

Phase loss (also called single phasing) happens when one of the three supply phases to a 3-phase motor is missing while the motor is running.

What Happens to the Motor?
1. If motor is already running:
β€’ It will continue running.
β€’ Current in the remaining two phases increases sharply.
β€’ Motor overheats very quickly.
β€’ Strong #vibration and humming sound.
β€’ Windings can burn if protection doesn’t trip.
2. If motor tries to start with one phase missing:
β€’ It will not start.
β€’ It will draw very high current.
β€’ Thermal overload or breaker should trip.

Main Causes
β€’ Blown fuse in one phase
β€’ Loose terminal connection
β€’ Faulty contactor (one pole not closing)
β€’ Broken cable
β€’ Upstream supply problem
β€’ Burnt contact inside MCC

Since you work with marine electrical systems, phase loss is often caused by:
β€’ Weak #contactor contacts
β€’ Loose terminals after vibration
β€’ Corroded fuse holders

Symptoms You Can Check
β€’ Motor overheating
β€’ Unequal current on clamp meter
β€’ One phase showing zero or very low voltage
β€’ Overload relay frequently tripping
β€’ Burning smell

How to Check
1. Measure line-to-line voltage
All three readings should be approximately equal.
2. Measure motor current (clamp meter)
β€’ Two phases high current
β€’ One phase low or zero current
3. Check contactor terminals
Measure voltage before and after contactor.
4. Check #fuses individually
Never assume they are good visually.

Why It Is Dangerous
β€’ Current in remaining phases can increase to 1.7 times normal.
β€’ #Motor insulation damage occurs quickly.
β€’ Can destroy winding in minutes under load.

Protection Against #Phase Loss
β€’ Thermal #overload relay (basic protection)
β€’ Phase failure relay (recommended)
β€’ Motor protection relay with phase monitoring
β€’ Proper fuse coordination

On ships, critical motors (pumps, compressors, fans) should always have phase monitoring relay.
3πŸ‘7❀1πŸ”₯1🀝1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Intermediate Relay (Auxiliary Relay)

An intermediate relay (also called auxiliary relay) is a small control relay used between a control device (PLC, push button, sensor) and a higher-power device (contactor, motor starter, #solenoid).

It works as a signal #amplifier and #isolator.

Why we use intermediate relays
1. Signal isolation
Protects PLC or control circuit from high voltage or current.
2. Increase number of contacts
One PLC output can control several devices using relay contacts.
3. Voltage conversion
Example: PLC output 24V DC β†’ relay switches 230V AC load.
4. Contact multiplication
Relay may have 2, 3 or 4 changeover contacts.
5. Electrical separation
#Coil and #contacts are electrically isolated.

How it works (simple explanation)
β€’ Apply voltage to the coil β†’ magnetic field pulls internal contact arm.
β€’ Contacts change position:
β€’ NO (Normally Open) β†’ closes
β€’ NC (Normally Closed) β†’ opens
β€’ Remove #voltage β†’ contacts return to normal state.

Typical ratings
β€’ Coil voltage: 12V, 24V DC / 110V, 230V AC
β€’ Contact rating: 5A–10A typical
β€’ Types: 2CO, 3CO, 4CO (changeover contacts)

Where you see them (marine / industrial)

Since you work with control systems onboard vessels, you’ll find them:
β€’ Fire alarm interface circuits
β€’ Generator control panels
β€’ Pump automation
β€’ Alarm extension circuits
β€’ Signal repeating circuits

They are often used when #PLC output current is too small to drive a contactor directly.

Difference from contactor
β€’ #Intermediate #relay β†’ for control signals (small current)
β€’ #Contactor β†’ for switching motors / high current loads
❀3πŸ‘3πŸ”₯1🀝1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Limit switches in electrical circuits

What is a #limitswitch?

A limit switch is an electromechanical device that detects the physical position or movement of a machine part.
When an object reaches a certain point, the switch changes its contact state (NO/NC), sending a signal to stop, start, or change operation.

It is widely used in industrial automation, cranes, hoists, elevators, conveyors, valves, and marine equipment β€” so you’ll often see them in cargo and machinery systems onboard vessels.

How a limit switch works

Inside the switch:
β€’ There is a mechanical actuator (lever, roller, plunger, etc.)
β€’ When pressed, it moves internal electrical contacts
β€’ Contacts change from:
β€’ Normally Open (NO) β†’ becomes closed
β€’ Normally Closed (NC) β†’ becomes open

This change is used in control #circuits (not usually in power circuits directly).

Main parts
1. Actuator (roller / lever / plunger)
2. Spring mechanism
3. Contact block (NO / NC)
4. Housing (often IP rated for dust/water)


Types of #limitswitches

1. Roller lever type

Used when moving parts slide past the switch.

2. Plunger type

Activated by direct pushing.

3. Adjustable rod type

Used where position may vary.

4. Heavy-duty industrial type

For #cranes, hatch covers, winches (very common in marine use).

Contact configuration

Typical markings:
β€’ COM – Common
β€’ NO – Normally Open
β€’ NC – Normally Closed

Example use:
β€’ NC contact in series with motor control β†’ when limit reached, circuit opens β†’ motor stops.
β€’ NO contact β†’ sends signal to #PLC or alarm.

Where they are used (practical examples)

Since you work with ship systems, you probably see them in:
β€’ Hatch cover open/close end position
β€’ #Crane boom angle limits
β€’ Cargo #winch travel limits
β€’ Engine room dampers
β€’ Fire doors
β€’ Steering gear mechanical stop feedback

They are very important for safety interlocks.

Advantages
β€’ Simple
β€’ Reliable
β€’ No electronics required
β€’ Works in harsh environments
β€’ Easy to #troubleshoot

How to check a limit switch
1. Isolate power.
2. Use a #multimeter in continuity mode.
3. Check COM–NC (should have continuity normally).
4. Press actuator:
β€’ COM–NC should open
β€’ COM–NO should close

If readings do not change β†’ switch may be faulty.
πŸ‘4❀3πŸ”₯1🀝1
To understand a basic motor control circuit, you need to break it into simple parts. Almost every standard motor starter (especially for 3-phase motors on vessels or industrial systems) follows the same logic.

There are two main circuits:
1. Power Circuit – carries motor current
2. Control Circuit – controls the contactor (low current)

1️⃣ Power Circuit (Main Circuit)

Components:

β€’ Main Supply (L1, L2, L3)
β€’ Circuit #breaker or fuses
β€’ Contactor (main contacts)
β€’ Overload relay
β€’ Motor

How it works:

When the contactor closes, the 3-phase supply goes through:
Supply β†’ Contactor β†’ Overload #relay β†’ Motor

If overload trips, it opens the circuit and protects the motor.

2️⃣ Control #Circuit (Start/Stop Logic)

Components:
β€’ Stop push button (NC – Normally Closed)
β€’ Start push button (NO – Normally Open)
β€’ Contactor coil (A1–A2)
β€’ Auxiliary contact (NO – holding contact)
β€’ Overload NC contact

πŸ”Ž Step-by-Step Operation

1️⃣ At rest:
β€’ Stop button = closed
β€’ Start button = open
β€’ Contactor coil = OFF
β€’ Motor = OFF

2️⃣ When you press START:
β€’ Current flows through:
β€’ Stop (NC)
β€’ Overload (NC)
β€’ Start (NO – now closed)
β€’ #Contactor coil
β€’ The coil energizes.
β€’ Main contacts close β†’ motor starts.
β€’ Auxiliary contact closes (creates holding circuit).

Now you can release the start button and the motor keeps running.

3️⃣ When you press STOP:
β€’ Stop button opens.
β€’ Coil loses power.
β€’ Contactor drops out.
β€’ #Motor stops.

4️⃣ If Overload trips:
β€’ #Overload NC contact opens.
β€’ Coil de-energizes.
β€’ Motor stops automatically.

πŸ’‘ How To Read Any Motor Control Circuit

Follow this method:

Step 1 – Separate Power and Control

Always mentally divide them.

Step 2 – Find the Contactor Coil

Everything in control circuit exists to energize or de-energize this coil.

Step 3 – Check Normally Open (NO) vs Normally Closed (NC)

Remember:
β€’ NC = closed in normal state
β€’ NO = open in normal state

Step 4 – Follow Current Path

Ask yourself:

β€œFrom supply, where does the current go step by step?”

If you can trace the path to the coil β†’ motor will run.

If path is broken β†’ motor will not run.

⚑ Simple Real Example (DOL Starter Logic)

Control supply β†’ Stop (NC) β†’ Overload (NC) β†’ Start (NO) β†’ Coil β†’ Neutral

Auxiliary NO contact is connected parallel to the Start button (self-holding).

🚒 Since you work with ship systems

On vessels you will often see:
β€’ Emergency stop in series (NC)
β€’ Pressure switches (NC)
β€’ Temperature switches (NC)
β€’ Interlocks from other equipment

All of them are usually in series with the coil.

If any protection opens β†’ motor stops.
❀5πŸ‘4πŸ”₯1🀝1
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor)
β€’ It is current-controlled, meaning the base needs continuous current to keep the transistor on.
β€’ Switching speed is slow to medium.
β€’ Has higher power losses in switching applications.
β€’ Mostly used in amplifiers, analog circuits, and older motor controls.
β€’ Not very efficient for modern power electronics.

MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-#Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor)
β€’ It is voltage-controlled, so the gate needs almost no #current.
β€’ Has very fast switching speed.
β€’ Works best at low to medium voltages and high switching frequency.
β€’ Common in power supplies, DC-DC #converters, battery systems, and electronic control circuits.
β€’ Best choice for fast, low-voltage power switching.

IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar #Transistor)
β€’ Also voltage-controlled like a MOSFET.
β€’ Switching speed is slower than MOSFET but faster than BJT.
β€’ Designed for high voltage and high current power applications.
β€’ Widely used in motor drives, inverters, welding machines, and ship propulsion systems.
β€’ Best for heavy industrial power switching.

Simple way to remember:
β€’ #BJT β†’ old, current-driven, less efficient.
β€’ #MOSFET β†’ fastest, best for low voltage.
β€’ #IGBT β†’ strongest, best for high power.
πŸ‘2🀝2❀1πŸ”₯1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Four rules to spot a real #electrician
πŸ‘3πŸ”₯1πŸ’―1🀣1🀝1
MAN ME Electronic Main Engine. Troubleshooting

MAN ME Electronic Main Engine, FIVA, ELVA, ELFI, Alfa Lubricator, Tacho Pickup. Troubleshooting

βœ… Article ➑️ https://www.eto-engineer.com/2026/02/MAN-ME-electronic-main-engine-troubleshooting.html

#AlfaLubricator #CylinderLubrication #ECU #EGR #ELFI #ELVA #FIVA #HCU #Lubricator #mainengine #malfunctions #MAN #ME #MITSUI #MOP #pickup #Tacho #TachoPickup #troubleshooting
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
πŸ‘3πŸ”₯2πŸ‘Œ1🀝1