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Lessons · Industrial control · when both directions are called at once

When both directions are called at once

Each rung requires the other direction to be absent, so calling both makes each one block the other and neither runs.

Hone is a place to practise programming. This is one of its lessons, written out in full and free to read without an account.

What it is for

Refusing is the right answer. A motor commanded both ways at once is a fault upstream, not a decision to make.

How to think about it

Read the report 'it does nothing when I press both' as the interlock working, and say so. Time spent removing an interlock is time spent removing the thing protecting the gearbox.

Worked example

[Fwd] [/Rev] (M1)
[Rev] [/Fwd] (M2)
Forward alone, then both called. M1: 1 0

Your turn

Both directions called at once. How many motors run?

The trap

A program interlock is not enough on a reversing contactor. Contactors weld. The dangerous combination is also made impossible in the wiring.

Practise when both directions are called at once on HoneA question on it now, a coding challenge where there is one, and it is remembered for review. Free, no email needed.