Best PLC Programming Tools - Laptops, Multimeters, Cables, Screwdriver Sets, Switches, and more…

One of the most frequently asked questions on various social media platforms and groups related to PLC programming, control systems engineering, and industrial automation is - what are the best tools for engineers, technicians, and managers in this field? Our goal on this page is to provide you with some options if you’re looking to get started in the field, are searching for an upgrade, or are looking for a gift for someone who works in industrial automation.

Best Laptops for PLC Programming

We spend much of our time programming PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and field devices. Although you can make any laptop work, control systems professionals have a few requirements when it comes to the optimal laptops they prefer to work with. In case you’re not familiar with the challenges of working in the field, allow us to give you a few pointers before giving you a few options to choose from:

Memory [RAM]

Industrial automation requires engineers and technicians to run a variety of software in parallel. It’s common to run tools from multiple vendors, a network debugger, a device configurator, and a logging tool simultaneously. Memory is thus an important part of good laptop for a control systems professional.

At this time, we recommend purchasing a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM. It is preferred to go with 32GB.

Hard Disk

One of the challenges we face in this field is keeping a separate Virtual Machine (VM) for every version of software required on the plant floor. I carry a virtual machine for a variety of Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 versions and a few versions of Siemens TIA Portal. As it stands, my local hard disk is completely full of software and virtual machines that contain different tools I need to program and troubleshoot equipment. It is thus extremely important for every engineer and technician to have plenty of hard disk space on their machine to install all the tools necessary to store images, videos, files, and drawings from the field.

At this time, we recommend purchasing a laptop with at least 512GB of Hard Disk space. It is preferred to go with 1TB.

Communication Ports

As an industrial automation professional, you’ll be required to connect to a variety of devices over protocols that haven’t been used in the “mainstream” industry for decades. Although parallel ports are long gone, it’s still preferable to have an integrated EtherNet port on a laptop we’re working on. I’d say it’s not a hard requirement as you can always purchase a dongle, but it saves the hassle of yet another device to carry around.

We recommend buying a laptop with an EtherNet port. A USB to Ethernet dongle can be purchased as an alternative.

Ruggedness

Some industrial environments are dirty, dusty, hot, and humid. Furthermore, many of us will work in “construction site” zones where little attention is paid to equipment. If any of these apply to you or whomever you’re buying a laptop for, we recommend that you consider the machine's build quality. Spend the extra money on something that will last; prioritize metal over plastic. The screen hinges quickly fail on lower-end machines; prioritize something that can take a beating.

Depending on where the machine will be used, we recommend validating the build quality and spending extra money on a rugged machine.

Operating System

Almost all industrial automation software requires Windows to operate. With tools such as Parallels, a control systems professional can install Windows on MacOS and run everything they need on a Mac. However, engineers who prefer MacOS over Windows are an exception. I don’t believe there’s a need to purchase expensive hardware to run Windows in an industrial environment. Save your money and purchase a Windows machine that will meet all your needs in industrial automation.

At this time, we recommend purchasing a laptop that runs Windows.

Graphics Card

Most industrial automation software does not require a high end GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). However, depending on what your scope is, you might be running tools that do require a good graphics card. What are these tools? Most CAD software, especially for 3D graphics, will run GPU heavy - AutoCAD, Solidworks, EPLAN, etc. Even if your goal is to “view” those files, without modifying them, you’ll probably want a better than “stock” or integrated graphics card. At that point, you should be looking at “gaming” laptops that typically have a separate high-end graphics card that will easily handle those tools.

If you’re planning on viewing or creating a variety of drawings (panel, mechanical, etc.) we recommend that you conside a dedicated graphics card within the laptop.

Best Laptops for PLC Programming

This lineup includes the best performance laptops we’d recommend to every industrial automation engineer for PLC programming and other tasks. These laptops have an adequate amount of memory, hard drive storage, dedicated graphics card, and should be able to handle all workloads you’ll throw at them. If you’ve got the budget, we highly recommend looking into one of these 3 options.

Option 1 - MSI 2023 Cyborg Laptop

Laptop Specifications

• CPU: Intel Core i7-12650H (10 core)
• GPU: GeForce RTX 4060
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 15.6" FHD 144Hz Display
• Ports: RJ45 EtherNet, 2 x USB 3.2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C
• Dimensions: 14.15"x9.86"x0.9"‍
• Weight: 4.37 lbs

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Option 2 - ASUS Vivobook Pro 15

Laptop Specifications

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
• GPU: GeForce RTX 4060
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 15.6” FHD Display
• Ports: 1 x USB 3.2, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C
• Dimensions: 14.17"L x 0.74"W x 9.22"Th
• Weight: 6.1 lbs

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Option 3 - MSI Katana 17 Laptop

Laptop Specifications

• CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i7
• GPU: GeForce RTX 4060
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 17.3" 144Hz FHD Display
• Ports: 1 x USB 3.2, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x RJ45 EtherNet
• Dimensions: 15.67"L x 10.75"W x 0.99"Th
• Weight: 9.87 lbs

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Top of the Line Laptop for PLC Programming

If budget isn’t an issue, and you’re looking for the absolute best laptop to purchase, we recommend maxing out memory and hard drive. The option below has 64GB of RAM, 2TB of Hard Drive space, and a higher-end graphics card.

Option 1 - ASUS TUF F15 Laptop

Laptop Specifications

• CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
• RAM: 64GB DDR5
• Storage: 2TB SSD
• Display: 15.6" 144Hz FHD Display
• Ports: 1 x USB 3.2, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x RJ45 EtherNet
• Dimensions: 35.48 x 25.19 x 2.26 cm‍
• Weight: 4.85 lbs

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PLC Programming Laptop Peripherals

As discussed in the previous section, automation engineers and technicians are likely to need a variety of peripherals that help them in their daily job. From cables to converters, we’ve all encountered times where we needed to connect to a device that was more than 3 decades old and our laptop simply didn’t have the right ports.

USB to EtherNet Adapters for PLC Programmers

A USB to EtherNet adapter is always handy. Even if you have an RJ45 port on your laptop, you can use it to connect to two different networks - Ex: plant & local / machine. They’re inexpensive enough to have one with you “just in case.”

Option 1 - TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306)

Product Features

• Gigabit Ethernet Speed
• USB 3.0 Compatible
• Windows and MacOS Compatible

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Option 2 - TECKNET USB to Ethernet Adapter

Product Features

• Gigabit Ethernet Speed
• USB 3.0 Compatible
• Windows and MacOS Compatible
• USB C and USB A Compatible
• 3 x USB Ports

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USB to RS232 Serial Adapters for PLC Programmers

Many field devices still operate on Serial or RS232. It’s nearly impossible to find a laptop that supports a DB9 port in 2023. It’s thus important for every automation professional and PLC programmer to carry a USB to RS232 Serial adapter at all times. I’d also recommend testing your adapter as some of the chipsets come with drivers that aren’t compatible with all laptop models. Refer to the manufacturer for the right software and compatibility.

Option 1 - SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable

Product Features

• 2.5 Feet
• Supported OS: Windows 2000/ME/98SE, Windows XP (32/64-bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit), Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Windows 8/8.1 (32/64-bit), Windows 10 and 11 (32/64-bit), Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, Linux 2.4 or above

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Option 2 - BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable

Product Features

• 5.5 Feet
• Windows OS: Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/ME/98SE, WINDOWS 11/10/8.1/8
• Mac OS: MacOS X 10.6 and above (both computer and device must support macOS).

Linux: kernels 2.4.31 and later.

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Tools for PLC Programmers, Engineers, and Technicians

We use a variety of tools to install, troubleshoot, and improve the systems we work with. These tools include electrical equipment (ex: multimeters) and mechanical tools (ex: screwdrivers). In this section, our goal is to compile a list of tools you’ll typically use in an industrial automation environment. Keep in mind that these tools are limited to those used by electrical professionals. In other words, mechanics, operators, etc will definitely have a lot of tools that aren’t listed here.

Multimeters for PLC Programmers, Engineers, and Technicians

Electrical equipment is dangerous in many ways. Knowing how to operate, troubleshoot, and upgrade production control systems is both art and science. Having the right tools is critical to do so safely and effectively. A multimeter is the most critical tool to measure voltage and current that helps professionals understand the state of equipment and where the issues lie.

Option 1 - Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter

Fluke is one of the most recognized brands of electrical tools. Fluke is reliable, durable, and is trusted by thousands of electricians, technicians, and automation professionals. The 117 model is an excellent multimeter that will last for a long time, keep you safe, and be accurate enough to troubleshoot 99.99% of control system issues.

Product Features

• Safety: CAT III 600V
• Weight: 1.21 lbs‍
• Battery: 9V

Option 2 - Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter

Fluke is one of the most recognized brands of electrical tools. Fluke is reliable, durable, and is trusted by thousands of electricians, technicians, and automation professionals. The 117 model is an excellent multimeter that will last for a long time, keep you safe, and be accurate enough to troubleshoot 99.99% of control system issues.

Product Features

• Safety: CAT III 600V
• Measurement: up to 600V AC/DC voltage, 10A AC/DC current and 40 MOhms resistance
• Weight: 0.5 lbs‍
• Battery: 2x AAA

Screwdrivers for Programmers, Engineers, and Technicians

I remember the day I was sent to commission my first line; my boss had told me to order a set of screwdrivers I needed to ensure that the connections were adequate. Sure enough, a combination of OEM assemblers, on-site electricians, and transportation vibrations had led to some of the terminals being lose. These minor issues can certainly lead to major failures down the road... I went to the factory floor and started checking every single connection. I've left this specific set of screwdrivers at the plant upon my departure, but I have nothing but the best memories with it. Since that time, I've owned various sets from cheap to expensive. In this section, I'll make a few recommendations. Keep in mind that if you've landed on this page as a result of searching for general purpose screwdrivers, these might not be for you. These sets typically come at a premium as a result of electrical insulation required for professionals; they're rated as such.

Note1: I was always told that you will find "3rd party" screwdrivers that will slap the certification safety logos onto whatever they've manufactured. I've luckily had employers that wouldn't spare a few dollars in exchange of my safety.

Option 1 - Wera - 5347108001

This is the set I had owned for close to 4 years. The gimmick here is that you get an assortment of different screwdriver bits and two handles making this set incredibly compact and versatile. The bits are very well made and insulated to 1000V (I haven't test them myself!)

Product Features

• 16 VDE interchangeable blades
• 2 817 VDE Kraftform holders
• Robust belt pouch included
• Individually tested tools as per IEC 60900
• Individual testing in a water bath at 10,000 volts so as to ensure safe working at the permitted voltage of 1,000 volts.
• Set includes: KK VDE Handle (x2); Slotted Blades: 2.5 x 0.4 x 154mm, 3.5 x 0.6 x 154mm, 4.0 x 0.8 x 154mm, 5.5 x 1.0 x 154mm; Phillips Blade: #1 x 154mm, #2 x 154mm; Phillips/Slotted (aka Xeno or Terminal) Blade: #1 x 154mm, #2 x 154mm; Pozidriv/Slotted (aka Xeno or Terminal) Blade: #1 x 154mm, #2 x 154mm; Square: #1 x 154mm, #2 x 154mm; 96 VK Cabinet Key Blade: 6.3 x 89mm; 97 VK Cabinet Key Blade: 8.1 x 89mm; 98 DK Switch Cabinet Key Blade: 89mm; 99 FL Switch Cabinet Key Blade: 89mm and a durable pouch.

Option 2 - Wiha 32080

I'e used the Wiha set for over 4 years. It's bulkier than the Wera set above as the tips don't separate from the handles. However, as I had not used many of the different tips it became easier for me to carry only a few of these with me. If you're looking for a "classic" set of screwdrivers, definitely take a look at these.

Product Features

• Set Includes: Slotted 3.5, 4.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5mm, Phillips #1, #2, #3, and Square: #1, #2
• SoftFinish cushion grip handle for comfort and control
• Individually tested to 10,000 volts AC and rated to 1,000 volts AC
• Handle directly molded to the blade for permanent bond
• Parallel flats for roll-off prevention

Conclusion

Our goal is to provide unbiased product reviews and recommendations when it comes to different industrial automation tools for engineers, technicians, electricians, etc. If you have specific questions about certain items, don't hesitate to reach out to us, or to post on the forums; we'll do our best to respond with our recommendation.