Control Systems Specialist

Industrial Controls Technicians install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain commercial or industrial controls in buildings, a plant, or a manufacturing setting. These technicians ensure all controls function properly through servicing and troubleshooting the system.

This program introduces the student to the theoretical and practical applications of basic control systems utilized in the industrial maintenance mechanic industry. Additional studies include plant safety, hand/power tool fundamentals, blueprint reading, basic electrical concepts and controls, programable logic controllers and instrumentations, and introduction to robotics.

We have LMI data for two different programs including: “Industrial Maintenance and Automation” and “Industrial Automation Technology”. Norco College is one of three colleges that teaches automation. According to the COE (Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research document from February 2023 Norco College had nine graduates in 0956.00 Manufacturing and Industrial Technology, Industrial Automation/Supply Chain Automation. With this proposal we hope to increase these numbers. Further, this program is highly recommended within the LMI data document. Industrial Maintenance and Automation annual job openings is 434 which represents an increase of 13%. It should also be noted from the graphics below that there is a great demand for control systems technicians in our area.

During the 2017-20 we had 24 students receive awards for manufacturing and industrial technology programs related to robotics and control systems in the Inland Empire/Desert region. By creating this certificate we are hoping to increase the number of students in the industrial automation program

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of control systems used in industry and manufacturing environments.

• Apply problem-solving and analytical thinking in the maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial mechanical/electrical equipment, industrial controls systems and robotics.

• Describe basic electrical circuits and PLC/VFD control theory.

• Apply technical math skills to solve problems involving electrical loads/wire sizing, gear ratios.

This certificate requires the following courses:

MAN 10-Manufacturing Basic Operations

The basic operations course is an introductory to prepare individuals to succeed in modern production environments that use industry 4.0 controls, automation and process. This course is appropriate for individuals working in any occupation in advanced manufacturing.

MAN/ELE-64 : Programmable Logic Controllers

Fundamentals of programmable logic controllers, with an emphasis on introductory programming of PLCs. Problem analysis with solutions that integrate programming formats, auxiliary commands and functions, common programming languages, and popular software programs used with PLCs. Installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair are inherent components. 36 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory. (Letter Grade, or Pass/No Pass option.) (Same as ELE-64)

ELE/ELC-77 : Electrical Theory for Electricians

An introduction to electrical theory, Ohm's Law, magnetism, electromagnetism, voltage, resistance, current, inductance, capacitance, reactance, impedance, Watts, Volt-Amps, VARs, current control devices, sensors and actuators phase angle, power-factor, transformers, motors, power distribution systems, and proper usage of electrical test equipment (meters). Student will learn concepts of electrical power, energy, Kirchoff's Laws, along with basic math to solve fundamental electrical problems for both alternating current (A.C.) and direct current (D.C.) circuits. Student will learn basic electrical safety procedures, including the proper use and requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE).

ELE-73 : Electric Motors and Transformers

Enables electricians to understand and effectively wire most standard DC motors, servos and steppers, as well as many AC motors, including single and poly-phase units, from fractional horsepower to multi-horsepower, industrial giants.

ELE/ELC-75 : Solid State Devices and Lighting Controls

Students will learn about solid state device (electronics), sensors, SCR (silicone control rectifier), transistors, proximity and light sensors used in most industrial and commercial installations. Included will be showing students different types of sensors used for controlling motors, conveyors, and lighting devices.

ELE/MAN-74 : Industrial Wiring and Controls

Industrial controls and electrical wiring of modern facilities, manufacturing, or warehousing. Included will be production equipment, conveyor systems, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, power distribution, blueprint reading, electrical control wiring, PLC (programmable logic controller) control wiring, VFD (variable frequency drives) wiring and programming.

MAN-15 : Industry 4.0 Total Productive Maintenance

Prepares individuals to perform maintenance in a production environment where Industry 4.0 technology is used. Key skills include: interpreting maintenance work orders, receiving/responding to maintenance work orders via mobile/cloud technology, using a cloud-based maintenance management system to maintain and analyze process or machine history, performing preventive maintenance schedule with electronic record keeping, cleaning machines, lubricating and adjusting machines, calculating overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and machine downtime, identifying methods of reducing downtime, and using basic troubleshooting methodologies to find root causes.

MAN-27 : Variable Frequency Drive Systems

Prepares individuals to connect, configure, adjust, and operate AC variable frequency motor drives using basic volts per hertz mode. Key skills include: adhering to VFD safety rules, operating VFD in manual using keypad, performing normal VFD startup and shutdown, performing emergency shutdown, viewing and editing parameters, changing speed with potentiometer, interfacing/configurating external discrete I/O, interpreting error codes, resetting drive errors, and configurating for acceleration, deceleration and braking.

MAN-28 : Motor Control Troubleshooting 1

Prepares individuals to troubleshoot and remedy faults in electric motor control circuits and AC variable frequency drives. Skills include: adhering to troubleshooting safety rules, systems troubleshooting, component testing, and using digital multimeters, clamp-on ammeters, and PLC status indicators. Components include: AC VFD drives with volts per hertz capability, 3-phase AC motors, reversing magnetic motor starters with overloads, drum switches, control relays, timer relays, manual switches, limit switches, pressure switches, and float switches.

MAN-33 (I might change this to ELE 65) : Programmable Controller Troubleshooting 1

Prepares individuals to troubleshoot and remedy faults in programmable logic controller systems. Skills include: systems troubleshooting and component testing using digital multimeters, PLC software, and PLC status indicators. Components include: PLC power supply, power distribution system, processor module, discrete input and output modules, chassis, and discrete field I/O devices. Troubleshooting applications include: multi-step machine sequence logic programs using electro-pneumatic actuators and on/off motor control systems.