Replacing the battery and saving the PLC program: step by step for major brands

Technical analysis: PLC battery replacement and program backup procedure: step-by-step for major brands

Підстановка батареї та збереження програми ПЛК: крок за кроком для основних брендів - UNITEC-D Industrial MRO
Посібник для підстановки батареї та збереження програми ПЛК у промислових системах. Включает крок за кроком процедуру, перевірки, вимоги до безпеки та рекомендації щодо обслуговування.

1. Content and purpose

This technical manual is intended for performing battery replacement and program saving in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in industrial systems. Battery replacement is necessary to keep the PLC operational in the event of battery failure, and program retention ensures continuous system operation after power is restored. This manual is intended for repair technicians, production service managers, and reliability engineers.

2. Network security measures

Any work with the PLC must be done in compliance with safety regulations, including blocking and attaching power.

Before starting work with the PLC, take the following safety measures:

  • Turn off the PLC and system power.
  • Use electrical protective gloves, goggles and protective clothing.
  • Perform blocking and energy attachment using blocking and tagging tools.
  • Make sure that there are no electrical loads on the device.

3. Tools and materials

Name of the toolSpecificationQuantity
Screw wrenchThe range is 4–30 Nm1
MultimeterRange 0–20 V, 0–200 Ohm1
Compact cable standThe size is 100 mm1
AA 1.5 V battery1.5 V, 2500 mAh1
Optical meterThe range is 0–100 mm1

4. Inspection before service

PointVerificationAcceptance/rejection criteriaNotes
1Turn off the powerThe reading of the power supply device is 0 VUse a multimeter
2Check the absence of voltageMeasure the voltage on all cablesUse a multimeter
3Check the battery statusBattery voltage > 1.2 VUse a multimeter
4Check the condition of the cablesNo wear and tearUse an optical meter

5. Passportized steps of the procedure

  1. Power off

    Perform a complete power off of the PLC and the system. Use a multimeter to check for no voltage. Disconnect the power supply at the input switchboard.

    Error: Power off failed, which may cause malfunction or injury.
  2. Removing the old battery

    Open the PLC case using the wrench. Remove the old battery paying attention to the electrical connections. Check the contacts for wear.

    Error: Opening the case without turning off the power may cause malfunction or injury.
  3. Replacing a new battery

    Insert the new battery into the appropriate slot. Check that the voltage (1.5 V) and size (2500 mA·h) match. Use a multimeter to check the voltage.

    Error: Using the wrong type of battery can cause malfunctions or impaired performance.
  4. Saving the PLC program

    Download the PLC program to an external medium (for example, a USB flash drive). Use the software to save the program. Check if the saved program is displayed on the screen.

    Error: Improperly saving the program may result in data loss or malfunction.
  5. Checking the operation of the PLC

    Return the power to the PLC. Use a multimeter to check the voltage on all cables. Check whether the PLC is working properly.

    Error: Failure to check the operation of the PLC may lead to a lack of system functionality.

6. After service check

TestExpected resultActual resultPass/Fail
1Voltage on input cables0 VPass/Fail
2Battery voltage1.5 VPass/Fail
3PLC workIt works without any problemsPass/Fail

7. Recommended ways to solve problems

SymptomA possible reasonActions to resolve
The PLC does not turn onLack of powerCheck the power and perform the lockout
The PLC program is lostSave errorCheck the program save
Case opening errorInvalid keyUse the correct key

8. Recommended maintenance schedule

The taskFrequencyContinuitySkill level
Replacing the batteryAnnually30 minAverage
Save the programAnnually45 minAverage
PLC operation checkAnnually60 minTall

9. Special components

Description of the componentTypical specificationUNITEC-D category
AA 1.5 V battery1.5 V, 2500 mAhCategory 250
Cable for PLCSpecialized for PLCCategory 300
Screw wrenchThe range is 4–30 NmCategory 150
Multimeter0–20 V, 0–200 OhmCategory 200

Go to the UNITEC-D catalog

10. Links

This manual complies with EN 60204-1, ISO 13849-1, DSTU 4608:2011, and the requirements of PLC manufacturers such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Omron.

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