5 comments

  • crmd 26 minutes ago
    > Because the alarm wire carried current only during a fault, an open 25-inch strap produced the same electrical state at the receiving end as a healthy power plant.

    I’m a building automation and controls tech in Manhattan, and for this exact reason digital feedback points and alarms are always normally-closed, and analog points are 4-20mA. This allows differentiation between nominal zero values and a fault in the loop.

    Disasters like this are what our best practices are borne from.

  • gfat 1 hour ago
    The overall site has a cozy feel to it. Well done
  • mcbishop 50 minutes ago
    This is an awesomely clear and methodical explanation of system failure.
  • dylan604 3 minutes ago
    [dead]
  • bell-cot 4 minutes ago
    [flagged]