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Electrical Control Panel Design Basics - OEM Panels

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151 views2 pages

Electrical Control Panel Design Basics - OEM Panels

Uploaded by

srjai0786
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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11/21/24, 1:36 PM Electrical Control Panel Design basics • OEM Panels

Control Panels for Equipment Manufacturers


Building Relationships with Great Service
Call 888-542-2012 to see how we do it

Home Examples Applications Questions Why Us About Us Contact Us

Electrical Control Panel Design basics Control Panel Builder Topics

Control panel design basics are simple. Cost is always Control Panel Manufacturers
important, but so is an attractive appearance, simple operator
controls and reliable operation. Simple panel designs are less Electrical Control Panel Builders can help
expensive to produce and easier to operate and maintain.
Electrical Control Panel Design basics

It helps when you understand design is a process. Often you


UL 508 Third Party Safety Approval
think you know exactly what you want when you get started and
find you want something different when you’re done.
Panel Building successfully

When you first put your design requirements on paper they seem Control Panels guide for OEMs
unorganized. That’s normal. No one gets everything right in one
pass. Design is a process and it takes time to get it right. Why OEMs Change Panel Builders

Rewrite your requirements until they’re properly organized and What do we provide?
clear. Understand what you want, write it down using clear
language, then proceed with the actual hardware design. Experienced People
Efficient Business Operations
1 • start physical Advanced Design Software
Good control panel design includes physical and electrical requirements. Don’t shortcut the design process
Automated Production Equipment
and produce schematic drawings without producing physical layout drawings. Alternate between the physical
UL Panel Safety Certification
and electrical until all potential problems have been solved.
Great Technical Support

Good control panel design includes accurate physical layout


drawings and schematic drawings. This minimizes problems Electrical Control Panel Topics
and delivery delays due to unresolved physical layout problems
discovered during production or testing. Control Panel Troubleshooting Basics

Include National Electric Code (NEC) required clearance for Electrical Control Panels for beginners
power wiring and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) required
clearance around heat producing devices. NEMA Enclosure Ratings for beginners

NEC requires bending radius clearance for incoming and outgoing power connections to insure the Electrical Power Components for
installing electrician has adequate room to make their power connections, beginners
UL requires manufacturer recommended clearance for heat producing devices (Programmable Logic
Controllers, Variable Frequency Drives, etc.) to insure for adequate room for ventilation. Electrical Control Components for
beginners

2 • analyze the power circuits


Electrical Panel Labels and Nameplates
Identify each power circuit and determine the required wire size
and circuit protection. The right wire size insures the circuit can 3 Phase Power vs Single Phase Power

deliver the required load current. The right circuit protection 208V Single Phase and 208V 3 Phase
insures the wiring doesn’t overheat and start a fire.
240V 3 Phase and 240V Single Phase
Select power wire size based on load current
Select power circuit protection based on wire size. 480V 3 Phase US industrial power

Then determine the best power component type to use based on


function and select the right size based on voltage and load current. The right type insures it’ll function as
desired and the right size insures it’ll reliably handle the load.

3 • use the best control type


Always start with simple control components (Relays, Timers, etc.) When simple does’t get the job done,
use something with more functionality like a programmable Smart Relay or a Programmable Logic Controller
(PLC). These provide significantly more functionality, but they also require a computer and programming
software and someone who knows how to program the desired functionality.

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11/21/24, 1:36 PM Electrical Control Panel Design basics • OEM Panels
Some control panel designers start with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Sometimes a PLC is the way
to go, but you should always use the simplest control type appropriate to the application.

4 • use the best operator device type


Always start with simple operator devices (Pushbuttons, Pilot Lights, Digital Panel Meters, etc.). For a stylish
appearance add a Color Graphic door laminate. When simple does’t get the job done, use a color touch screen
display as the Human Machine Interface (HMI). This provides significantly more functionality, but it also
requires a computer and programming software and someone who knows how to program the desired
functionality.

Some control panel designers start with a Human Machine Interface (HMI). Sometimes an HMI is the way to
go, but you should always use the simplest operator device type appropriate to the application.

5 • use the best in class products by category


Experienced control panel designers use the best in class products by product category. This is subjective
based on product awareness. Experienced control panel designers are aware of the array of products available
in a product category. This allows them to compare and use products that provide the best balance of price,
form and function.

Some control panel designers try to use one manufacturer for all components in a panel. European companies
tend to do this and some US companies do too. Sometimes there’s a reason why this makes sense, but
generally it limits your ability to use best in class products by product category.

Automation Controls • OEM Panels


212 Main Street Newport News, VA 23601 757-599-6884

An unusual company with experienced people, advanced software and automated production equipment. Automation Controls • OEM Panels. All Rights Reserved.

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