Award in Panel Building

Unit Description

In order for an automation and robotic system to be functional, it must connect to the “real world”, which involves wiring digital, analogue and specialized field devices. This unit covers the connections and other installation issues such as power distribution and control panel layout. Physical input and output modules provide the physical interface between the system controller and the field devices such as lamps, switches, stacked lights and actuators. Through practical hands-on wiring and installation exercises students will be able to understand how I/O interfaces provide isolation, voltage levels, ground loops, noisy electrical signals from interfering with the controller operation. Additionally, during the practical installation exercises, students will learn about the various types of grounds (safety ground, clean grounds, dirty grounds), importance of fuses and circuit breakers and EMI suppression, various enclosure types, and the application of well designed control panel interior and exterior through the proper placement of components. As all the other units in this course this unit is expected to include a strong practical component.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply wire routing guidelines to reduce noise coupling.
2. Illustrate the typical layout of an operator control station and panel specification.
3. Describe various enclosure standard types and their construction.
4. Apply correctly control wiring practices to construct I/O panels.
5. Discuss the importance of various protection devices.

Entry Requirements

• MCAST Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical or Electronics) – Level 3 or
• 1 SEC O-levels/SSC&P (Level 3) pass – Compulsory: Mathematics or Physics

Maturity Clause Applications

Applicants who satisfy the following conditions may apply for consideration to join this MCAST programmes as mature students:

1. Be in possession of a School Leaving Certificate.
2. Have, by the end of the same calendar year:

Attained the age of 21 years for entry to programmes at MQF Level 4

An Updated Curriculum Vitae and a Motivation Letter should accompany applications under the Maturity Clause.

Shortlisted applicants may be called for an interview to assess their suitability for the selected programme.