Maintenance is another key consideration for electrical control panels. Indicators that your organization might need a custom panel design include a need for more advanced operation of various production operations more cohesive, universal control of systems and/or a need for improved HMI.Ĭustom Electrical Control Panel Maintenance Designs can include a simple electrical relay system or a more complex PLC system with single or multiple PLC networks with IIoT or SCADA integrations. The design of a custom electrical control panel will depend upon the complexity of the system it operates. Common HMIs include video monitors, joysticks, buttons, switches, and keyboards.ĭo You Need a Custom Electrical Control Panel? These components allow an operator to monitor or control certain functions of the machinery. The communication hub of the control panel, network switches facilitate communication between the PLC and the various network compatible devices on the production line. Larger relays, called contacts, control more advanced functions like motor controllers. Smaller relays control functions like lights and fans. These on/off switches control mechanized functions based on commands from the PLC. In will include various inputs and outputs to and from mechanized functions of the production equipment.

This unit is the brains of the control panel, providing monitoring and control of the various mechanical processes. This is essentially a CPU contained inside the control panel. These blocks help to organize and distribute the array of wires coming from various sources to different electrical devices. Depending on the incoming voltage, transformers may reduce voltage to 120V for various components or step down voltage to 24V in instances where incoming power is 120V. This component prevents lightning strikes or utility power surges from damaging the electrical components inside the panel due to overvoltage. Miniature circuit breakers handle between 120V–480V in most industrial applications which established control over circuit components. This is like the disconnect of the main electrical panel leading into a home or office. Electrical Control Panel Electrical ComponentsĮight types of electrical components exist within an used electrical panel enclosure which define and organize the several different functions carried out by the panel. Assembly Wiring ducts provide for the routing and organization of wires while also assisting in the control of electrical noise between devices inside the box. DIN metal rails feature standardized dimensions and provide a mounting structure for electrical devices. Back PanelsĪ back panel is a metal sheet mounted inside the enclosure that provides structural support for DIN rail mounting and wiring ducts. These various classifications should be printed on a metal plate and attached to the enclosure for easy identification and reference. These listings help users determine properties such as: The enclosure will come with a UL safety rating (508A is typical) an IP rating, and/or a NEMA classification. The number of doors (usually one or two) needed on the enclosure determines its size in most industrial applications. The enclosure is a metal box which varies in size and is typically made of aluminum or stainless steel. The structure of an electrical control panel is a combination of an enclosure and a back panel, similar to a breaker box in a home or office. Panel Structure of Electrical Control Panels An electrical control panel includes two main categories: panel structure and electrical components. In its simplest terms, an electrical control panel is a combination of electrical devices which use electrical power to control the various mechanical functions of industrial equipment or machinery.

Electrical Control Panels: All You Need to Know An understanding of what they are highlights their critical importance to industry.

Electrical control panels carry out these functions within manufacturing equipment. Industrial equipment and machines require defined functions and orderly control to achieve their various process goals. Electrical Control Panel: What It is and Why You Need One | Industrial Control Panels

Electrical control panel equipment