Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design

Programmable Logic Controller Fault Finding And Repair Training

SAQA US 116056 | NQF 4 | Credits 10 | Duration 7 Days
From $1,523 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills to diagnose and repair faults in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in industrial automation. Participants will gain hands-on experience in systematic fault finding, component testing, and repair techniques to minimize downtime and enhance system reliability.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply systematic fault-finding methodologies to identify PLC hardware and software failures.
  • Analyze PLC system schematics and program logic to isolate root causes of malfunctions.
  • Demonstrate safe isolation and testing of PLC input/output modules and power supplies.
  • Implement repair procedures including component replacement and firmware restoration.
  • Evaluate system performance post-repair using diagnostic tools and trend analysis.
  • Document fault-finding processes and repair actions for compliance and future reference.

Target Audience

This course is designed for electrical technicians, maintenance engineers, and automation specialists who are responsible for PLC systems in manufacturing, processing, or utility environments.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to PLCs and Safety

Objectives:
• Understand the role of PLCs in industrial automation
• Identify common PLC hardware components and their functions
• Apply electrical safety principles when working with PLCs
• Interpret basic wiring diagrams for PLC inputs and outputs

Topics:
• Overview of PLCs: history, applications, and advantages
• Safety procedures: lockout/tagout, PPE, and safe working practices
• PLC hardware: CPU, power supply, I/O modules, and communication ports
• Wiring fundamentals: sourcing vs sinking, and signal types
• Introduction to PLC programming languages (Ladder Logic basics)

Day 2: PLC Programming Fundamentals

Objectives:
• Write simple ladder logic programs
• Understand scan cycle and memory organization
• Use basic instructions: contacts, coils, timers, and counters
• Navigate PLC programming software (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal or Allen-Bradley Studio 5000)

Topics:
• PLC scan cycle: input scan, program scan, output scan
• Memory types: I, Q, M, T, C
• Ladder logic elements: normally open/closed contacts, output coils
• Timers: TON, TOF, TP and counters: CTU, CTD
• Hands-on: creating a simple motor start/stop program

Day 3: Advanced Programming and Troubleshooting Techniques

Objectives:
• Use intermediate instructions: math, compare, and move
• Develop structured programs using subroutines
• Apply systematic troubleshooting methods
• Use forcing and monitoring to diagnose faults

Topics:
• Data handling: MOV, ADD, SUB, MUL, DIV, and comparison instructions
• Program control: JMP, LBL, subroutines (SBR, RET)
• Troubleshooting methodology: observe, isolate, test, correct
• Forcing I/O and monitoring in real-time
• Common programming errors: incorrect addressing, missing logic

Day 4: Input/Output Devices and Field Wiring

Objectives:
• Identify and test sensors (proximity, photoelectric, limit switches)
• Understand actuator types: relays, contactors, solenoids, VFDs
• Diagnose wiring faults using multimeters and oscilloscopes
• Wire and verify discrete and analog I/O

Topics:
• Discrete input devices: switches, sensors (inductive, capacitive, optical)
• Discrete output devices: relays, contactors, indicator lights
• Analog I/O: 4-20 mA, 0-10 V, and signal conditioning
• Wiring techniques: shielded cable, grounding, and noise reduction
• Practical exercise: wiring and testing a sensor and actuator circuit

Day 5: Communication Networks and Remote I/O

Objectives:
• Configure PLC network parameters (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Modbus)
• Troubleshoot communication errors
• Work with remote I/O racks and distributed control
• Understand industrial network topologies

Topics:
• Industrial protocols: EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP
• Network configuration: IP addresses, baud rate, node IDs
• Remote I/O: advantages and wiring considerations
• Diagnostic tools: network scanners, LEDs, and software
• Hands-on: setting up a simple network with a PLC and remote I/O

Day 6: Fault Finding and Repair Strategies

Objectives:
• Apply structured fault-finding techniques (6-step method)
• Use PLC diagnostics: error codes, status bits, and logs
• Replace faulty components (I/O modules, power supplies, CPUs)
• Document repairs and update system documentation

Topics:
• Fault-finding methodology: symptoms, analysis, isolation, correction
• Common PLC faults: power issues, I/O failures, communication drops
• Using diagnostic features: error logs, fault registers, and watchdog timers
• Component replacement: handling ESD, firmware compatibility
• Documentation: log sheets, as-built drawings, and change management

Day 7: Practical Integration and Assessment

Objectives:
• Integrate all skills in a simulated industrial scenario
• Perform end-to-end fault diagnosis and repair
• Demonstrate safe working practices throughout
• Complete a written and practical assessment

Topics:
• Simulated plant scenario: multiple faults across hardware, software, and network
• Team-based troubleshooting and repair
• Time management and prioritisation under pressure
• Review of key concepts and Q&A
• Summative assessment: practical fault-finding test and written exam

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
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Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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