How to Find Reliable Control Panels for Your Establishment?
Devices for measuring, monitoring, protection, detection, control, and managing processes are contained in control panels. The panels are in a control room and a field is known as a local control panel for simplicity of operation (LCP).
In its most basic form, an electrical control panel is a collection of electrical components that use electricity to regulate the numerous mechanical operations of large-scale machinery or industrial equipment. Panel structure and electrical components are the two primary categories of an electrical control panel.
Different Structures of Electrical Control Panels
An electrical control panel’s structure is made up of a back panel and an enclosure, much like a breaker box in a house or office.
- Enclosures: The enclosure is a metal box that comes in different sizes and is often constructed out of stainless steel or aluminum. In most industrial applications, the enclosure’s size is determined by the number of doors (often one or two) required. The enclosure will have a NEMA classification, an IP rating, and/or a UL safety rating (508A is typical). Users can utilize these listings to find properties like:
- Indoor/outdoor use
- Hazardous conditions rating
- Waterproof/water resistance
- Explosion-proof rating
- Dust/solid contaminants proofing
- Back Panels: A metal sheet that is positioned inside the enclosure as the back panel serves as structural support for wire ducts and DIN rail attachment. DIN metal rails offer an electrical device mounting structure and have specified dimensions. Wiring ducts help with wire organization and routing while also reducing electrical noise between devices inside the box.
Components of Electrical Control Panel
An electrical panel enclosure contains eight different types of electrical components that categorize and organize the many tasks the panel does. These elements consist of:
- Main Circuit Breaker: This is comparable to disconnecting the main electrical panel that serves a building’s entrance or office. In most industrial applications, main circuit breakers handle voltages between 120V and 480V.
- Surge Arresters: This part shields the electrical components inside the panel from overvoltage damage caused by lightning strikes or utility power surges.
- Transformers: Transformers can step down the voltage to 24V when incoming power is 120V or reduce voltage to 120V for various components depending on the incoming voltage.
- Terminal Blocks: The numerous wires that come from various sources and are distributed among the various electrical equipment with the aid of these blocks.
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC): In essence, the control panel is a CPU on its own. This element, which serves as the brain of the control panel, manages, and monitors all mechanical processes. It will feature a variety of inputs and outputs to and from the production equipment’s automated
- Relays and Contactors: These on/off switches operate mechanical processes in accordance with PLC instructions. Smaller relays are used to regulate appliances like fans and lighting. Contacts, which are bigger relays, control more complicated actions like motors.
- Network Switches: Network switches, which serve as the control panel’s communication hub, enable communication between the PLC and the different network-compatible equipment on the assembly line.
- Human Machine Interface (HMI): These parts give the operator the ability to keep an eye on or manage specific machine operations. Video monitors, joysticks, buttons, switches, and keyboards are examples of common HMIs.
Use of Electrical Panels in Different Industries
Electrical control panels are necessary for industrial automation. They provide higher-level monitoring and control of the various production machinery processes, allowing manufacturers to describe, organize, and fulfill production goals.
- Fluid Handling
- Material Handling
- Manufacturing
- Food and Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Gas and Oil
- Power circuit and power generation
Purchase Reliable Control Panels For your Establishment
Control panels are a must need for every establishment with an electrical connection. When you plan to buy such panels for your property, it is advisable to not compromise on their quality. To do that, find a reliable control panel supplier online with in-depth research. With good companies, you can get installation services as well as discounts.