Industrial Control Panels. Control panels are flat, typically vertical, areas where control or monitoring instruments are mounted and displayed to provide convenient and centralized location for operating various equipment. They are factory wired assemblies of industrial control equipment such as motor controllers, switches, relays and auxiliary devices. The panels may include disconnect means, and motor branch circuit protective devices. Control panels may also include enclosures which are intended to house open type industrial control panels or individual items of industrial control equipment.
Things to Consider: Meets UL 508A Standard for industrial controls, UL labeled and serialized, Thermal overload and seal failure detection as required by application, Incoming power requirement, Control switches, Meets NEMA requirements appropriate for operating environment, Provision for padlock on hinged doors, Nameplate permanently affixed to panel, Ratings label affixed to inside of enclosure, Warning label against electric shock permanently affixed to outer door, Clear envelope inside enclosure containing as-built schematics, Removable back plate for mounting circuit breakers and motor starters, Components mounted to back plate by type 25 self-tapping screws not rivets, Wires bundled neatly with ties, Dimensions, Weight, Type of finish, Color, Warranty.
Control Panel Enclosures. These enclosures are cabinets designed for housing electrical or electronic equipment, protecting equipment from the environment, and for protecting users from shock or injury. Front panels provide access to switches, knobs, and displays. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) publishes standards for the performance of various classes of electrical enclosures. These standards cover corrosion resistance and the ability to protect from rain and submersion. Some enclosures are provided with partially punched openings that can be removed to accommodate cables, connectors, or conduits.
Things to Consider: Meets UL 508A Standard for industrial controls, UL labeled and serialized, Thermal overload and seal failure detection as required by application, Incoming power requirement, Control switches, Meets NEMA requirements appropriate for operating environment, Provision for padlock on hinged doors, Nameplate permanently affixed to panel, Ratings label affixed to inside of enclosure, Warning label against electric shock permanently affixed to outer door, Clear envelope inside enclosure containing as-built schematics, Removable back plate for mounting circuit breakers and motor starters, Components mounted to back plate by type 25 self-tapping screws not rivets.
Control Panel Power Supplies. These are a type of power supply designed to mount on DIN rails on control panels manufactured to DIN standards.
Things to Consider: Output voltage, Output power, Output current, Overcurrent input protection with auto reset, Overvoltage input protection, IP20 finger safe spring loaded terminals, Universal AC/DC input with auto selection, Fused inputs, Voltage adjustment up to 10% of rated output, DIN rail or panel mountable, DC ON indicator for maintenance troubleshooting, Agency approvals: UL1604-Class 1 Div 2, CE approved, NEC Class 2 (UL 1310), cUL508, Warranty.
Control Panel Terminal Blocks. These are any of several styles of terminal blocks designed to mount on DIN rails on control panels manufactured to DIN standards.
Things to Consider: Type required: Multi-level, Disconnect, Ground (Green and yellow), Feed through, Current rating, Wire gauge range accomodated, Color, DIN footing, Internal jumpers, Fingersafe design, Wire stops, Vibration protection, Captive screws, Agency approvals; UL, CSA, CE, VDE.
