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Electrician Red Seal · Question

A production line operator reports that a valve controlled by a PLC output is not opening, even when the HMI indicates the 'open' command has been sent. The electrician checks the PLC output module and finds the output LED for that valve is OFF. What is the most likely initial troubleshooting step?

Since the PLC output LED is OFF, the PLC is not commanding the valve to open. The most logical first step is to check the PLC ladder logic to determine why the

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Question: A production line operator reports that a valve controlled by a PLC output is not opening, even when the HMI indicates the 'open' command has been sent. The electrician checks the PLC output module and finds the output LED for that valve is OFF. What is the most likely initial troubleshooting step?

Answer options:

  • Verify the valve's physical power supply and coil continuity. ✅ Check the PLC ladder logic for the valve's control rung.
  • Inspect the HMI-to-SCADA communication link.
  • Replace the PLC output module immediately.

Correct answer: Check the PLC ladder logic for the valve's control rung.

Explanation: Since the PLC output LED is OFF, the PLC is not commanding the valve to open. The most logical first step is to check the PLC ladder logic to determine why the output is not being energized. If the logic is correct, then issues with the PLC itself (like a faulty output card) or communications to the PLC from the HMI would be investigated.

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