Automation signalling refers to the use of visual and audible signals to show the status and progress of automated systems. These signals provide detailed insights to operators, maintenance personnel, and other investors, guaranteeing the safe and efficient operation of automated processes.
Available Automation Signalling Types
- Visual Signals: These include lights, displays, and other visual modules that exhibit information about the system's status. Examples are outlined below:
- Indicator Lights: These lights can show various states, like power on/off, running/stopped, alarm/normal, etc.
- Signal Towers: These are stacks of lights, each with a different colour and meaning, providing a rapid overview of the system's status.
- Displays: They range from simple alphanumeric displays to complex graphical displays.
- Audible Signals: Include alarms, sirens, and other sounds that alert personnel to important events or conditions. Typical examples include:
- Alarms: Indicate various issues, like malfunctions, errors, or safety hazards.
- Sirens: Used for urgent warnings, including imminent danger or critical system failures.
- Buzzer: Used for simple notifications or acknowledgements.
What Makes Automation Signaling So Significant?
Automation signalling plays a significant role in confirming the safety of personnel working around automated systems. It also helps improve the efficiency of automated processes by providing operators with real-time information about the system's status.
What are the Typical Applications of Automation Signalling?
- Manufacturing: Widely utilised in manufacturing to observe and control production processes.
- Transportation: It is used in transportation systems, like railways and airports, to control traffic flow.
- Energy: It is used in energy production and distribution to screen and control power generation and transmission.
- Building Automation: Employed in building automation systems to control lighting, HVAC, and other building systems.
Bottom Lines
Automation signalling is an indispensable aspect of modern automated systems. By providing precise and detailed information about the system's status, it confirms safe, efficient, and dependable operation in various applications across different industries.