Discussion on “advantages of automatic control in steel plant operation” (Coey), Pittsburgh, Pa. April 25, 1912. (see proceedings for May, 1912)

H. C. Specht: From Mr. Coey's paper one might gain the impression that the automatic control should be recommended in every case. I do not believe that this is the intention of the author. Whether an automatic or a manual operated control should be used, depends on various conditions. It is true, that as a rule the automatic control can do more work in the same time than a man by a hand control can do. But very often the fact is overlooked that the automatic control entails some complication, which gives a greater chance for minor trouble, and cannot always be located quickly, and, therefore, causes a good deal of loss in time and money. Certainly the series d-c. switch is a wonderful improvement in automatic control system and will give good service, and it is to be hoped that there will soon be invented an equivalent switch for automatic alternating-current control.