Introduction
In modern automation, smart lighting control plays a crucial role in enhancing safety and energy efficiency. In this post, we’ll explore how to use GX Works3 PLC programming to automate an exit door light and parking spot light when the main building lights turn off.
How the Automation Works
1️⃣ Step 1: Detecting When the Main Lights Turn Off
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When the four main lights in the building turn off, the system triggers the exit door light.
2️⃣ Step 2: Keeping the Exit Door Light ON
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The exit door light remains ON for 10 seconds, ensuring a safe pathway for people exiting the building.
3️⃣ Step 3: Activating the Parking Spot Light
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After 10 seconds, the exit light automatically turns OFF, and the parking spot light switches ON for 12 seconds.
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This provides sufficient lighting for people reaching their vehicles.
4️⃣ Step 4: Turning Off the Parking Light
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Once 12 seconds pass, the parking spot light automatically turns OFF, completing the cycle.
Implementing This in GX Works3 PLC
To program this logic in GX Works3, we use:
✔ Input (X0) → Detects when the four lights turn off.
✔ Timers (T0 & T1) → Controls the 10s and 12s delays.
✔ Outputs (Y0 & Y1) → Controls the exit door and parking spot lights.
Ladder Logic Process:
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X0 activates Y0 (Exit Light) and starts Timer T0 (10 sec).
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After T0 expires, Y0 turns OFF, Y1 (Parking Light) turns ON, and Timer T1 (12 sec) starts.
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Once T1 expires, Y1 turns OFF, completing the sequence.
Why This Automation is Useful
✅ Safety: Ensures proper lighting for exit pathways.
✅ Energy Efficiency: Lights operate only when needed.
✅ Automation Simplicity: Uses basic timers in GX Works3 for reliable control.
This simple yet effective PLC automation improves safety and optimizes energy use in any industrial or commercial space.
Stay tuned to Easy Electra for more PLC programming tutorials! 🚀
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