Red Seal Industrial Electrician Practice Exam

How are sensors utilized in industrial automation?

1. For increasing power supply

2. To detect changes in conditions and send signals to control systems

3. To measure operational costs

4. For manual data collection

The correct answer is: To detect changes in conditions and send signals to control systems

In industrial automation, sensors play a vital role in monitoring and interacting with the environment. They are specifically designed to detect various changes in conditions, such as temperature, pressure, humidity, light, motion, or proximity to an object. When these sensors detect such changes, they convert the physical phenomena into signals that can be sent to control systems. This communication allows for real-time data analysis and response, enabling automation systems to make informed decisions. For instance, if a temperature sensor detects that a machine is overheating, it can send a signal to the control system to activate cooling mechanisms or shut down the machine to prevent damage. This capability is essential for maintaining efficiency, safety, and reliability in industrial processes. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary role of sensors in automation. Increasing power supply is unrelated to sensor function; measuring operational costs involves business analytics rather than physical monitoring; and manual data collection is less efficient compared to the automatic data captured by sensors in a fully automated system. Thus, the function of sensors as detectors and signal senders is crucial for effective industrial automation.