Question 1

What is IP67.io?

Accepted Answer

IP67.io is an independent knowledge hub focused on modern machine control system design, specifically decentralized I/O, connectorized wiring, and simplifying how machines are built, installed, and serviced.

Question 2

Who is this site for?

Accepted Answer

Controls engineers, electrical designers, machine builders, maintenance leaders, integrators, and engineering managers. Basically, anyone who has ever opened a control panel and thought, “There has to be a better way.”

Question 3

Is this a personal blog or a company site?

Accepted Answer

It’s a personal project by Colin Cartwright that's built on his decades of real-world controls experience. The focus is education, clarity, and practical thinking, not selling parts.

Question 4

Are the articles technical or opinion-based?

Accepted Answer

Both. The opinions come from experience. The technical details come from solving real problems on real machines.

Question 5

Is this content beginner-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, without being simplistic. The goal is clarity, not dumbing things down.

Question 6

How often is new content published?

Accepted Answer

Regularly, but thoughtfully. Quality beats volume every time.

Question 7

What does “IP67 control architecture” actually mean?

Accepted Answer

It means moving I/O signals, power distribution, and connectivity out of the control cabinet and onto the machine closer to where signals are generated and used. Less home-run wiring. Fewer terminals. Shorter cable paths. More modular systems.

Question 8

Is IP67 just about environmental protection?

Accepted Answer

No. The ingress rating is the least interesting part. The real value is faster installation, simpler troubleshooting, better serviceability, and systems that scale quickly and easily.

Question 9

Does decentralized I/O replace control panels entirely?

Accepted Answer

No. Panels will still exist. They’ll just be smaller, simpler, and focused on what actually needs to be in there. The goal isn’t “no panel.” It’s “no unnecessary panel complexity.”

Question 10

Why are traditional control panels so complex?

Accepted Answer

Because most were designed for a time when skilled labour was more available, machines were slower, and serviceability wasn’t a main priority. Those assumptions no longer hold, but the wiring habits stuck around.

Question 11

Is decentralized wiring only for large or complex machines?

Accepted Answer

Quite the opposite. Smaller machines often benefit the most because the wiring savings, reduced errors, and faster build times are immediately noticeable.

Question 12

Does this approach limit design flexibility?

Accepted Answer

It actually increases flexibility. Modular wiring and distributed I/O make changes easier, not harder, especially late in the build process or during commissioning.

Question 13

Does IP67 really reduce install time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and not by a small amount. Pre-molded cables, fewer terminations, and simpler routing consistently reduce wiring hours and rework.

Question 14

What about commissioning and troubleshooting?

Accepted Answer

Shorter cable runs and localized I/O make faults faster and easier to isolate. Technicians spend less time tracing wires and more time fixing the actual problem.

Question 15

Is this approach maintenance-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Very much so. Connectorized systems are easier to understand, easier to document, and easier to service at 2 a.m. when the line is down, and patience is gone.

Question 16

Is decentralized I/O reliable in harsh environments?

Accepted Answer

When designed correctly, yes. Modern IP67 and IP69K components are built for vibration, washdown, and real industrial abuse. Reliability comes from simplifying the control architecture, not from hiding everything in a cabinet.

Question 17

How does this impact MTTR?

Accepted Answer

Mean Time To Repair drops when systems are easier to understand, and fault indicators are physically closer to the problem. Less guessing. Less wire chasing. Less stress.

Question 18

Does this reduce downtime or just move it around?

Accepted Answer

Done properly, it reduces downtime by making failures faster to diagnose and easier to fix.

Question 19

Is decentralized control more expensive?

Accepted Answer

Component costs can be higher. Total system cost is often lower. Labour, build time, commissioning time, and increased OEE are where the real savings live.

Question 20

How do you justify this internally?

Accepted Answer

Stop comparing parts. Start comparing outcomes. Faster builds, fewer errors, quicker service, and machines that don’t rely on tribal knowledge are easier to defend.

Question 21

Does this help with skilled labor shortages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Simpler wiring systems reduce dependence on your experienced controls engineers and make it easier to train new technicians.

Question 22

Does IP67 work with standard PLC platforms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Decentralized IP67-based architectures are designed to work with all common industrial networks and control platforms.

Question 23

What about safety, fieldbus, and IO-Link?

Accepted Answer

Modern decentralized systems support safety, diagnostics, and advanced IO-Link device communication without added complexity.

Question 24

Is this a future-proof approach?

Accepted Answer

Much more than centralized panel wiring. Modular systems adapt better as machines evolve, lines change, and requirements shift.

Question 25

Can I ask a specific question about my machine or system?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. That’s often where the most useful conversations start. Feel free to connect with me and send questions via the Contact page.

Question 26

Do you offer reviews or evaluations?

Accepted Answer

I certainly do. Complimentary control system reviews are available to help identify unnecessary complexity, wiring risks, and opportunities for improvement -

Send me a message for more information or to schedule a call.

Question 27

What’s the best way to get in touch?

Accepted Answer

Use the contact page or connect on LinkedIn. Simple works.

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