Industrial Engineer · phase 6 of 16
Remote Mode
Key-switch or controller state that permits operating-mode changes from programming software.
The Explain card
- Plain English
- Remote mode hands control of the operating mode to the programming software. With the key in remote, a connected laptop can switch the controller between run and program without anyone touching the panel.
- Example
- An engineer in the office puts a controller into remote program, downloads a fix, and puts it back to remote run, all from a desk. Nobody walked to the cabinet.
- Why it matters
- It is convenient and it is a risk, since anyone with the software and a connection can stop the machine. Many plants leave the key in run during production for exactly that reason, and switch to remote only during maintenance.
- Hook
- The key that lets someone else hold the key.
Where it sits in the deck
Phase 6: PLC Operating Modes, Safety, and Diagnostics
Run, program and fault: what a controller does when something goes wrong, and the safety functions that decide how much that costs.
