Which troubleshooting technique involves forcing the PLC into a specific state?

The technique known as "Force On" refers specifically to the practice of overriding the normal operation of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to set a specific output or state. This method is particularly useful during troubleshooting, as it enables technicians and engineers to manually control outputs for testing purposes. By forcing an output to a set state, one can verify the behavior of the connected devices and assess whether they are functioning correctly under simulated conditions.

In many cases, force on techniques can help isolate faults by enabling a systematic approach to testing one element of the system at a time without waiting for the normal conditions to trigger specific actions. This can significantly speed up the troubleshooting process and enhance diagnostic effectiveness.

Understanding "Force On" is crucial for anyone working with PLCs as it allows for direct intervention in automated processes, making it easier to identify and rectify issues within control systems and machinery.