PLC Certification Training
Comprehensive PLC programming course (ZPLC 1101) covering ladder logic, hardware and panel wiring, HMI design, SCADA integration, industrial networking, and VFD control with PLC.
Course Overview
This intensive 10-day course (Course Code ZPLC 1101 - Programmable Logic Controllers in Industrial Automation, Level 1) provides a comprehensive introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their applications in industrial automation. Participants gain hands-on experience with real PLC training kits, wiring and panel building, ladder logic programming, HMI/SCADA integration, industrial networking, and VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) control with PLC, culminating in a capstone build-and-test project.
Delivered in Partnership with Speciss College
This course is delivered in partnership with Speciss College. All training sessions take place at their facilities, giving participants access to well-equipped labs in a professional learning environment.
Corner Herbert Chitepo Street & 3rd Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
Learning Objectives
- Explain PLC concepts, architectures, I/O types, and industrial use cases
- Interpret datasheets and wiring diagrams to design PLC hardware layouts
- Implement PLC programs using ladder logic (contacts, coils, timers, counters, comparators)
- Design HMI screens, tags, alarms, and trends integrated with a PLC
- Configure industrial networking, remote access, and SCADA interfaces
- Control motor speed using VFDs integrated with PLC logic
- Perform commissioning, diagnostics, and fault-handling on live systems
Course Outline
Day 1
- Introduction to PLCs: evolution, use cases, advantages vs. relays/microcontrollers/DCS
- PLC architecture (CPU, I/O, backplane, comms, power)
- PLC selection criteria
- Safety basics (LOTO, isolation, earthing)
Day 2
- Reading datasheets and wiring practices, protection, grounding
- I/O pin configuration (DI/DO/AI/AO), sourcing/sinking
- Sensors and actuators
Day 3
- Panel layout and supporting utilities (PSUs, relays, contactors, terminals, fuses)
- Hands-on panel building and hardware check-offs
Day 4
- IEC 61131-3 overview
- Ladder logic core instructions (NO/NC, coils, set/reset)
- Timers, counters, edge detection
Day 5
- Numbering, scaling, and debouncing
- Good programming practices (tagging, comments, modularity)
- Intermediate ladder logic exercises
Day 6
- Sequencers, interlocks, and state machines
- Analog handling (scaling, alarms)
- VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) control with PLC
Day 7
- HMI design (screens, tags, alarms, trends)
- Alarm philosophy and basic operator UX
- PLC-HMI communication setup
Day 8
- Industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP)
- VPN and secure remote access utilities
- Web services, REST/MQTT basics
- SCADA architecture, tags, historians, basic scripting
Day 9
- Site surveys, I/O lists, FAT/SAT checklists
- Commissioning workflow
- Diagnostics with status bits and trend traces
- Error handling, fail-safes, watchdogs, documentation
Day 10
- Capstone integration: hardware wiring, ladder program, HMI, and SCADA tag exposure
- Presentation, peer review, and viva
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of electrical circuits
- Familiarity with computer operations
- No prior programming experience required
Optional Add-Ons
The curriculum can be extended with the following modules on request:
- VFD integration
- Motion control
- Safety PLCs
- Advanced SCADA scripting
What's Included
- Course materials and workbook
- Hands-on lab sessions with PLC training kits (Mitsubishi, Delta, Siemens or equivalent)
- VFD control with PLC module
- Zimtech Engineering Certificate of Competence - PLC and Industrial Automation
- Post-course support
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