Engineering English
Rung
Mechatronics & Robotics · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A rung is a horizontal line in a ladder logic diagram that contains a set of instructions and conditions. It evaluates from left to right and is executed sequentially in a program scan.
Example in context
“The programmer inserted a new rung with a normally open contact and a coil to control the motor start relay.”
“Programcı, motor start rölesini kontrol etmek için normalde açık kontak ve bir bobin içeren yeni bir basamak ekledi.”
Where engineers use it
The term 'rung' appears in ladder logic editors used by PLC programmers. They create rungs when designing sequential and combinatorial logic. Engineers must understand rung structure to debug and optimize control programs.
Synonyms: ladder rung, line, step
Practice: can you use “Rung” at work?
A trainee is asked to modify a conveyor belt control program by adding a new rung that includes a normally closed limit switch to stop the belt when an object is detected.
Show a model answer
“Ensure the emergency stop contact is placed in the first rung of the ladder program.”
“Rung” in 21 languages
| English | Rung |
|---|---|
| Turkish | basamak |
| French | barreau |
| German | Sprosse |
| Spanish | escalón |
| Chinese | 梯级 |
| Arabic | درجة السلم |
| Portuguese | degrau |
| Russian | ступень |
| Japanese | ラング |
| Italian | piolo |
| Vietnamese | bậc thang |
| Hindi | सीढ़ी डंडा |
| Thai | ขั้นบันได |
| Indonesian | anak tangga |
| Korean | 런 |
| Bengali | সিঁড়ির ধাপ |
| Dutch | sport |
| Swedish | pinne |
| Finnish | porras |
| Ukrainian | сходинка |
Frequently asked questions
What does Rung mean in engineering?
A rung is a horizontal line in a ladder logic diagram that contains a set of instructions and conditions. It evaluates from left to right and is executed sequentially in a program scan. In Mechatronics & Robotics, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Rung?
Rung is pronounced /rʌŋ/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Rung used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The programmer inserted a new rung with a normally open contact and a coil to control the motor start relay.”
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