Mechatronics Technology  ·  Level 5
Programmable Logic Control (Plc) Systems
Chapter 4: Diagnose faults on PLC system
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Chapter Practical Activities

Practical 1: Identify and List Common PLC Hardware Faults by Physical Inspection

Mechatronics Technology · Level 5
Programmable Logic Control (Plc) Systems
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Inspect the PLC control panel assembly 600mm x 400mm x 200mm to identify and list common hardware faults such as damaged modules and loose wiring.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
MultimeterProgrammable Logic Controller (PLC) unit
Screwdriver set (flat and Phillips head)PLC I/O modules
Insulation resistance tester (megger)Control panel enclosure with wiring
Lockout Tagout (LOTO) kitPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE): safety boots, overall/dust coat, electrical gloves
Labeling stickers and marker pen
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) unit1 Pc per Candidate
2PLC I/O modules3 Pcs per Candidate
3Control panel enclosure with wiring1 Pc per Candidate
4Multimeter1 Pc per Candidate
5Screwdriver set (flat and Phillips head)1 Set per Candidate
6Insulation resistance tester (megger)1 Pc per 5 Candidates
7Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): safety boots, overall/dust coat, electrical gloves1 Set per Candidate
8Lockout Tagout (LOTO) kit1 Set per Candidate
9Labeling stickers and marker pen1 Set per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Safety and Preparation
Wore personal safety gear: overall/dust coat, safety boots, electrical gloves
(Award 1 mark each)
3
Followed Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedure: placed LOTO tag correctly on power source
(Award 1 mark)
1
LOTO tag had name and date clearly indicated
(Award 1 mark each)
2
Power supply was safely isolated before inspection
(Award 2 marks)
2
Sub-Total8
TASK 2: Tool Selection and Setup
Selected correct tools: multimeter
(Award 1 mark)
1
Selected correct tools: screwdriver set (flat and Phillips)
(Award 1 mark)
1
Selected insulation resistance tester (megger)
(Award 1 mark)
1
Prepared labeling stickers and marker pen
(Award 1 mark)
1
Sub-Total4
TASK 3: Physical Inspection of PLC Hardware
Inspected PLC unit for physical damage (cracks, burn marks)
(Award 2 marks)
2
Checked I/O modules for damage or loose connections
(Award 2 marks)
2
Examined wiring for loose terminals or broken insulation
(Award 1 mark each for loose terminals, broken insulation, and correct labeling)
3
Used multimeter to verify continuity of selected wiring
(Award 2 marks)
2
Used insulation resistance tester to check insulation integrity
(Award 3 marks)
3
Noted and listed all identified faults accurately
(Award 3 marks)
3
Sub-Total15
TASK 4: Reporting and Completion
Properly documented faults with clear descriptions
(Award 3 marks)
3
Removed LOTO tag and restored power safely
(Award 2 marks)
2
Cleaned work area and stored tools properly
(Award 2 marks)
2
Sub-Total7
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Fault list includes all common hardware issues: damaged modules, loose wiring, broken insulation, incorrect labeling
(Award up to 10 marks depending on completeness and accuracy)
10
Sub-Total10
GRAND TOTAL44
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)

Practical 2: Use PLC Diagnostic Software to Detect and Diagnose Faults

Mechatronics Technology · Level 5
Programmable Logic Control (Plc) Systems
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Use PLC diagnostic software to scan and identify faults in a PLC system with controller model XYZ-123 and report fault locations accurately.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Computer with PLC diagnostic softwarePLC controller unit
PLC communication cable24V DC power supply
Multimeter
Electrical gloves
Safety boots
Overall/Dust coat
LOTO tag
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Computer with PLC diagnostic software1 Pc per Candidate
2PLC communication cable1 Pc per Candidate
3PLC controller unit1 Pc per Candidate
424V DC power supply1 Pc per Candidate
5Multimeter1 Pc per Candidate
6Electrical gloves1 Pair per Candidate
7Safety boots1 Pair per Candidate
8Overall/Dust coat1 Pc per Candidate
9LOTO tag1 Pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Preparation and Safety
Candidate wore all required PPE: safety boots, overall/dust coat, electrical gloves
(Award 1 mark each)
3
Candidate followed LOTO procedure: placed LOTO tag correctly on power source
(Award 1 mark)
1
Candidate wrote name clearly on LOTO tag
(Award 1 mark)
1
Candidate wrote accurate date on LOTO tag
(Award 1 mark)
1
Candidate safely isolated power supply before starting work
(Award 1 mark)
1
Sub-Total7
TASK 2: Setup and Connection
Candidate connected PLC communication cable to correct PLC port
(Award 1 mark)
1
Candidate powered PLC controller unit correctly using 24V DC power supply
(Award 2 marks)
2
Candidate confirmed PC detected PLC successfully
(Award 1 mark)
1
Candidate opened PLC diagnostic software without errors
(Award 1 mark)
1
Sub-Total5
TASK 3: Diagnostic Software Operation
Candidate performed system scan using diagnostic software
(Award 2 marks)
2
Candidate correctly identified faults in PLC program or hardware
(Award 3 marks)
3
Candidate documented fault locations and descriptions clearly
(Award 2 marks)
2
Candidate suggested appropriate corrective actions for identified faults
(Award 3 marks)
3
Sub-Total10
TASK 4: Verification and Power Down
Candidate verified fault corrections using diagnostic software
(Award 2 marks)
2
Candidate powered down PLC system safely
(Award 1 mark)
1
Candidate removed LOTO tag and restored power correctly
(Award 1 mark)
1
Sub-Total4
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Accurate identification and documentation of PLC faults with correct fault locations
(Award up to 6 marks for completeness and accuracy)
6
Sub-Total6
GRAND TOTAL32
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)
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