If you work as Control Engineer long enough, you realize something: the best engineers aren’t just good at code — they show up with the right toolkit.
This post is a curated list of tools, test gear, networking essentials, books, and training that help you:
- commission faster,
- troubleshoot smarter,
- and avoid the classic “small mistake = big downtime” scenario.
Commissioning essentials
These are the “I won’t go onsite without them” items — especially for PROFINET-heavy systems.
VXSCAN Industrial Ethernet cable tester
[Multi-functional Network Cable Tester] Network RJ45 Tester can check the short circuit, crossover and open circuit status in the network cable; Suitable for CAT5 and CAT6 cable types; Quickly find the root cause of a poor network and save time and effort
POE Ethernet Tester can detect the information of the standard and non-standard PoE device of DC5~60V, such as af t standard, power supply voltage, power supply polarity and mode
You can buy it here: Industrial Ethernet cable tester
Wera 35 Commissioning tool set
This is not cheap, but probably best and compact tool set for commissioning job. It is very popular set bought by professionals. This is compact tool set with the 35 most important screwdriving tools for maintenance work both indoors as well as outdoors.
Set of screwdrivers and sockets its very handy for job like moving sensors, working on panel wiring etc.
You can buy it here: Wera 35 Commissioning tool set
Extech True RMS Professional Multimeter with NCV
Have been using Fluke for long time but the cost pf them is high and I use cheap multimeters which I did not find safe to use. Somewhere between is Extech professional True RMS multimeter (e.g., EX350, EX355, EX430A) which is durable, CAT III 600V-rated handheld testers designed for accurate AC measurement. They feature 11-12 functions—including AC/DC voltage/current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, and temperature—with specialized tools like LoZ (low impedance) to eliminate ghost voltages and LPF (low-pass filter) for variable frequency drives.
You can buy it here: Extech True RMS Professional Multimeter with NCV
Waveshare Industrial USB TO RS485 Bidirectional Converter
This device I use for to connect to RS485 driven drives. Very small and easy to use device with fast communication, stable and reliable. Onboard TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor), effectively suppress surge voltage and transient spike voltage in the circuit, lightning proof & anti-electrostatic. Supports up to 32 terminal devices.
You can buy it here: Waveshare Industrial USB TO RS485 Bidirectional Converter
Books that make you better at TIA Portal and PLC work
If you’re serious about levelling up, books still beat random forum browsing.
PLC and HMI Development with Siemens TIA Portal
This book is dedicated for Siemens Tia Portal users and written by PLC engineer. With automation requirements on the rise, Siemens’ TIA Portal development environment is almost a necessity for any automation engineer. The Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) environment helps seamlessly integrate all things automation, from PLC hardware and software design to HMI development. This book helps you understand the tools available in the TIA toolbox and shows you how to write code effectively. Link To Buy
Learning RSLogix 5000 Programming
Great book for those who want to not only learn RSLogix 5000 programming but to learn about AB PLCs and history. guides you through the technicalities and comes packed with the latest features of Studio 5000, industrial networking fundamentals, and industrial cybersecurity best practices. You’ll go through the essential hardware and software components of Logix, before learning all about the new L8 processor model and the latest Studio 5000 architecture to build effective integrated solutions. Link to Buy
Best courses for control engineers
PLC Programming – Siemens TIA Portal
Course from know to many youtuber experienced with Siemens TIA Portal. In this course you will learn the basics of TIA (Totally Integrated Automation) Portal. From setting up a project to running a fully simulated mechatronics system, there will be practical programming and engineering tasks to help you learn about challenges when handling a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) project.
The project at hand is a simulated two-way conveyor system, that could be seen as an industrial escalator for transporting packages up and down between storage levels. A full task description will be given early on and is also available for download if you would like to challenge yourself. A professional solution to the task at hand will be developed starting at zero.
RSlogix/Studio5000 Ladder Logic Training. Basic
This course covering the RSlogix/Studio5000 ladder logic PLC Training Basic is for any of you who may have used or had exposure to a conventional PLC.
This course is also strongly recommended if you are a user of PLC5 or SLC500 and you are upgrading to Controllogix or Compactlogix and you will then be a new user.
There are a number of quizzes that you can complete after each section to help you reinforce your knowledge and gain confidence using the software. There are also some practical labs for you to complete with a solution attached where demonstration of solution is shown.