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Common Abbreviations In Engineering

Introduction

Understanding and employing acronyms is crucial in the large subject of engineering. Across a variety of engineering professions, abbreviations are frequently employed to swiftly and effectively transmit information. These engineering abbreviations frequently consist of condensed versions of technical phrases.

They act as a unifying language, allowing engineers to express ideas, concepts, and requirements precisely and clearly. Gaining a good understanding of engineering acronyms is essential for efficient communication, collaboration, and comprehension whether you are a future engineer, an experienced professional, or just someone who is interested in the field.

This succinct introduction attempts to emphasize the value of understanding abbreviations in engineering and how they improve professional communication.

Common Abbreviations Used In Automation

AC: Alternating Current

ACB: Air Circuit Breaker

IP: Ingress Protection

MCB: Miniature Circuit Breaker

MCCB: Motor Control Circuit Breaker

MCC: Motor Control Center

MPCB: Motor Protection Circuit Breaker

AI: Analog Input

AO: Analog Output

DC: Direct Current

DCS: Distributed Control System

DI: Digital Input

DO: Digital Output

PLC: Programmable Logic Controller

NO: Normally Open

NC: Normally Closed

XIC: Examine if Closed

XIO: Examine if Opened

WINAC: Windows Automation Center

WINCC: Windows Control Center

HMI: Human Machine Interface

I/O: Input Output

RTU: Remote Terminal Unit

PAC: Programmable Automation Controller

PA: Process Automation

PG: Programmer

CPU: Central Processing Unit

PID: Proportional Integral and Differential

IP Address: Internet Protocol Address

ADC: Analog to Digital Converter

RAM: Random Access Memory

ROM: Read Only Memory

SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

PCS: Process Control System

SIS: Safety Instrumented System

ICSS: Integrated Control and Safety System

TIA: Totally Integrated Automation

SIL: Safety Integrity Level

STL: Statement List

SCL: Structured Controlled Language

SFC: Sequential Function Chart

IL: Instruction List

LAD: Ladder Diagram

FBD: Function Block Diagram

PROFIBUS: Process Field Bus

PROFINET: Process Field Network

 

Common Abbreviations In The Drive System

VFD – Variable frequency drive

ASD – Adjustable speed drive

VSD – Variable speed drive

AFsD – Adjustable Frequency drive

IGBT – Insulated Gate Bipolar transistor

SCR – Silicon Controlled rectifier

PWM – Pulse width modulation

BOP – Basic Operator Panel

IPM – intelligent power module

PID – Proportional Integral Derivative

AIC – amps interrupting current

SCCR – short circuit current rating

DOL – Direct On-Line

MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker

MCCB – Molded case Circuit Breaker

ACB – Air Circuit Breaker

ECCB – Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker

RCCB – Residual Current Circuit Breaker

MPCB – motor protection circuit breaker

 

Common Abbreviations in Safety

OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration

EH&S – Environment, Health and Safety

HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points.

MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet.

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

HVAC – Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

LOTO – Lockout and Tagout

AED – Automated External Defibrillator

AEP – Authorized Electrical Person

AGT – Authorized Gas Tester

APR – Air Purifying Respirator

FAC – First Aid Case

FFE –Fire Fighting Equipment

JHA – Job Hazard Analysis

JRA –Job Risk Analysis

JSA – Job Safety Analysis

LOTOTO – Lock-Out – Tag-Out – Try-Out

LWP – Lifting Work Permit

PASS – P-Pull the pin A- Aim Base of the Fire S—Square the Trigger S – Swipe Side by side

CPR – Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation

GK – Gas Kit

COSHH – Control of Substance Hazardous to heat

EHO – Environmental Health Officer.

EHS – Environmental Health and Safety

EMS — Emergency Management System

ERP- Emergency Rescue Plan

FAC – First Aid Case

FPR – Fall Protection Required

HAZOP – Hazardous Waste Operability and Emergency

LWP – Lifting Work Permit
 

In Conclusion

Abbreviations serve as brief and standardized shortcuts, allowing engineers to communicate information efficiently while saving time and lowering the likelihood of miscommunication or misunderstandings. Engineers can improve their ability to read technical texts, comprehend drawings, convey ideas, and participate in discussions with colleagues and stakeholders by becoming familiar with commonly used abbreviations.

 

Knowing engineering acronyms makes it easier to collaborate across engineering disciplines and increases overall productivity. Investing time and effort in studying and mastering engineering abbreviations is thus a valuable skill that can greatly benefit experts in the industry and contribute to their success in a variety of engineering undertakings.