Industrial controls are at the heart of modern industry, enabling machines, processes, and facilities to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. From switches and relays to sensors and programmable controllers, these products support everything from manufacturing and logistics to energy and infrastructure. As automation and digital technologies continue to expand, demand for industrial control solutions is growing rapidly.

For wholesalers, this creates opportunities to move beyond product supply and become trusted advisors to customers. Understanding the fundamentals of industrial controls can help identify new sales opportunities, support technical conversations, and deliver greater value across a wide range of applications.

Fewer mistakes, increased sales, improved customer satisfaction 

By reducing costly mistakes, improving accuracy, and building deep product confidence across your team, the modules empower staff to provide clear guidance on the products they sell. This increases customer satisfaction, builds trust, creates upselling opportunities and ensures customers return.

If your people aren’t studying the EDA’s training modules, your competitors are already ahead because thousands of EDA training modules are studied each year.

Best in class

Setting the benchmark for professional skills development in the UK’s electrotechnical sector, this EDA training programme has two Princess Royal Training Awards – in 2022 and again in 2025. A commendation only awarded to the UK’s best-in-class training, plus they carry the City & Guilds’ Accreditation. And if you are an EDA business, you get exclusive access.

The EDA’s training module Industrial Controls covers:

• Switches and Indicators
• Relays and Contactors
• Fuses and Breakers
• Motors and Motor Control
• Power Supplies
• Enclosures and Panel Layout
• Programmable Control and Automation
• Sensing and Instrumentation
• Environmental Considerations
• Trends in Industrial Controls

Test your knowledge

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Industrial Controls module and check your answers below. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.

Q1: 2-Way lighting circuits are used to provide light switches at the bottom and top of the stairs to control a single lighting circuit. The switches have three terminals marked COM, L1 and L2. How many poles and throws does the switch have, and how is this abbreviated?

Q2: What electrical property of a cable determines how much heat is generated?

Q3: Many fuses provide protection against both short circuit and overload faults. What type of faults do circuit-breakers protect against?

Q4: Give two example uses for motors in industrial applications.

Q5: What are PLC IO modules used for?

Q6: What is the main difference between a solenoid and a control valve? 

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

Q1: The switch has one pole (to control a single circuit) and is known as double throw or CO. This is abbreviated as SPDT or SPCO.

Q2: Resistance.

Q3: Just as with a fuse, circuit-breakers operate in the case of either short circuits or overload.

Q4: Typical uses include pumps, compressors, conveyors, and machinery.

Q5: IO modules are used to wire the PLC to the input and output devices.

Q6: A solenoid valve is used to either open or close a pipe (shut off), whereas a control valve is used to regulate the flow.

How did you do?

Full marks: Well done.

3 – 5 out of 6: Time to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and build confidence.

Less than 3: EDA Product Knowledge Training needed.

Watch the video and download the Course Directory

There’s plenty of information online at www.eda.org.uk, including a video and a downloadable course directory, giving you a summary of what’s covered in each of the 12 training modules.

The EDA team is ready to help. Call 020 3141 7350 or email training@eda.org.uk.

For more information, click here

Find more ‘EDA Insight’ articles here

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We hear how Schneider Electric’s suite of control solutions have been deployed by the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre to ensure the optimal conditions needed for scientific research and sustainability at the neuroscience research institute.

The deployment of a set of AS-P and RP-C controllers to monitor operations and regulate temperature levels in the new 800 square foot, 5th Quad four storey extension, marks the latest phase of a design concept that was first discussed between the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre and UCL in early 2021.

Changing requirements

A combination of AI-enabled digital tools, predictive analytics and connected equipment enables the facilities management team to accurately monitor power consumption to maintain energy and cost efficiency. Specific attention is paid to the performance of steam boilers, chilled water and low temperature hot water (LTHW) supplies. The network of electrical equipment and digital solutions has expanded to match the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre’s changing requirements.

All systems are linked to the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre’s BMS (Building Management System) that is underpinned by Schneider Electric’s Building Advisor EcoStruxure platform and remote bureau monitoring that delivers a dedicated alarm management system. The integrated solution, which covers the entire site, was initially deployed in 2019 to support the installation of Schneider Electric’s MV/LV power distribution equipment and energy metering solutions. Smart metering data is fed into the Building Advisor platform to ensure that energy usage and utility costs are closely aligned.

Data led

The integrated AI-powered monitoring solution manages the complexities of the building’s operations 24/7, to ensure regulated climate control to support lab conditions, and to provide a comfortable and efficient working environment. Performance data and analytics pulled from HVAC, lighting and other plant equipment is also used to support planned and condition-based maintenance that minimises risk and downtime.

The Building Advisor platform is configured to spot any anomalies in terms of energy, comfort and maintenance. Any deviation to temperature or conditions that may affect scientific research or building performance is reported immediately via critical alarms that are triggered automatically. Remote system access ensures that the facilities team receives notifications outside of business hours. The team can immediately consult with qualified engineers and skilled experts remotely via Schneider Electric’s Connected Service Hub, which provides 24/7 remote management and assistance.

The Building Advisor platform and integrated tools are also configured to support sustainable building strategies to help the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre reduce carbon intensity and meet its Net Zero targets. The research institute, which is located within UCL, can leverage the platform’s data analytics to align with UCL’s targets.

Smart and flexible

Doug Ward, Head of Building Facilities and Compliance, Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, explained: “We’re responsible for a scientific research facility with complex requirements. Our role is to ensure optimal conditions that contribute to a safe and productive working environment. We chose to partner with Schneider Electric because their management solutions and products met our requirements. Their data-led system integrates seamlessly with our BMS to support energy efficiency and operations management across a site that needs to be operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“The BMS system also supports our sustainability journey as we gradually decarbonise operations. They have evolved with us to meet our changing requirements as we expand our research capabilities. This is complemented by the regular consultancy and training they provide to upskill our team.”

Kas Mohammed, Schneider Electric’s Vice President of Digital Energy, UK & Ireland: “The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre is a scientific research institute that requires a smart and flexible solution that can manage the complexities of the facility. We’ve been fortunate to work with them over the past few years as the site has grown, helping to optimise lab conditions and building performance. Our onsite and remote teams are always on hand to help future-proof the facility using AI, predictive analytics and other digital tools. Sustainability is high on their agenda, and we have the infrastructure in place to support the eventual migration to a microgrid solution.”

For more on the products and systems uses, click here

Find more industry features here

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The EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules help businesses like yours create cross-selling and up-selling opportunities by building knowledge and confidence. These training modules have won a Princess Royal Training Award so you can be assured of their value.

Industrial Controls is one of the 12 EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules created to develop the professional knowledge and confidence of your team.

Training in Industrial Controls includes:

• Switches and Indicators
• Relays and Contactors
• Fuses and Breakers
• Motors and Motor Control
• Power Supplies
• Enclosures and Panel Layout
• Programmable Control and Automation
• Sensing and Instrumentation
• Environmental Considerations
• Trends in Industrial Controls

Online learning

All the EDA Product Knowledge Modules are available to study electronically via The EDA Academy, the Association’s e-learning portal. Each training course is delivered through video and interactive learning, but if the original hard copy textbook is preferred these are still available.

Test your knowledge

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Industrial Controls module. Then check your answers below. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.

Q1: What must be specified related to the coil when selecting a contactor?
Q2: If you are only able to ask one question when replacing a fuse, what would it be?
Q3: What voltages are commonly used for control circuits such as contactor coil energizing?
Q4: Are all terminals suitable for all cables?
Q5: When would you use a volt-free (relay contact) digital output?
Q6: What protection is suitable for an enclosure in a food factory where the floors are washed with hoses?

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

Q1: The voltage, for example, 230 V AC or 24 V DC.
Q2: The first thing to know about a fuse is its current rating. If you supply the wrong physical type it probably can’t be fitted. Annoying but safe. If you fit a fuse with a higher rating than the design a dangerous overload can develop and the fuse may not break the circuit in time, or at all.
Q3: 12 V DC, 24 V DC, 48 V DC, 110 V AC, 230 V AC and 415 V AC.
Q4: No, the terminal must be suitable for the conductor size (in mm2). Also the terminal must be designed to carry the circuit’s maximum current and rated voltage.
Q5: VFC outputs are used when the device draws more current than can be supplied by a solid state module.
Q6: IP 65 is suitable as the enclosure is not directly washed down but may experience splashing.

How did you do?

Full marks: Well done.

3 – 5 out of 6: Not bad. Could the EDA training help you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and help you progress in your career?

Less than 3: The EDA Product Knowledge Programme could be just what you need to boost sales.

Watch the video and download the course directory

There’s plenty of information online at www.eda.org.uk including video and downloadable course directory, giving you a summary of what’s covered in each of the 12 training modules.

The EDA team is ready to help. Call 020 3141 7350 or email training@eda.org.uk

For more information, click here

Find more ‘EDA Insight’ articles here

The post EDA Insight: Test your knowledge of Industrial Controls appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

The EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules help business like yours create cross-selling and up-selling opportunities by building knowledge and confidence. What’s more these training modules have recently won a Princess Royal Training Award 2022 so you can be assured of their value.

Industrial Controls is one of 12 training courses in the programme. The EDA modules are completely flexible and can be studied in any order or combination. You choose only the training your team needs.

Professional know-how to drive sales

Improving your team’s technical know-how through the EDA’s training could unlock additional revenue for your business.

The training in this module covers:

• Switches and Indicators
• Relays and Contactors
• Fuses and Breakers
• Motors and Motor Control
• Power Supplies
• Enclosures and Panel Layout
• Programmable Control and Automation
• Sensing and Instrumentation
• Environmental Considerations
• Trends in Industrial Controls

City & Guilds accredited, this training programme harnesses decades of combined expertise from product experts at EDA manufacturers and allied trade associations to create an accessible and practical training opportunity for you and your team.

EDA Product Knowledge modules are also approved for Continuing Professional Development by The CPD Certification Service.

Test your knowledge

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Industrial Controls training module. Then check your answers below and if think you need to improve your team’s know-how so your business can boost sales, talk to the EDA today.

Q1: A keen gardener wants to water his plants in the greenhouse for a few minutes each morning and evening, even when he is away. His daughter is an electrician who has promised to fix it and he would like to buy something like his central heating control that has a clock. What do you recommend?

Q2: What’s the difference between a type B and type C MCB?

Q3: What does inrush mean when applied to motor control circuits?

Q4: When selecting a DC power supply what are the important things to specify?

Q5: A customer asks for cable glands for a junction box. All they tell you is the cable size. Do you need to know anything else?

Q6: What is Modbus?

(scroll down for answers)

Answers:

Q1: A multipurpose timer relay should be suitable, ideally one similar to a heating control unit as the customer is already familiar with how these work.

Q2: A type C device allows for greater inrush currents.

Q3: Inrush is the initial larger current that flows in a circuit when it is first turned on.

Q4: The supply voltage, the output voltage, and the output current rating.

Q5: To supply suitable glands the type of cable should be ascertained.

Q6: Modbus is an interface protocol that allows PLCs to communicate with each other as well as with devices should as computers.

How did you do?

Full marks: Well done!

3 – 5 out of 6: Good attempt. Could the EDA training help you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge?

Less than 3: the EDA Product Knowledge Programme could be just what you need to boost sales.

Download the Course Directory 

There’s plenty of information available at www.eda.org.uk including a downloadable Course Directory, giving you a summary of what’s covered in every one of the 12 training modules.

Download the course directory here

The EDA team is ready to help. Call 020 3141 7350 or email training@eda.org.uk

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