ICP is a short-form of the Industrial Control Panel. It is used to assemble two or more control circuit and power circuit components and a combination of both. ICPs are typical assemblies of equipment, like motor controllers, switches, auxiliary devices, relays, and other control devices. According to the National Electric Code (NEC), ICPs work under 600 voltage.
ICPs are also referred to as Electrical Control Panels. Well-structured and accurately designed control panels help organizations to empower the production process and to automate several tasks. If the control panel is ill-designed, organizations need to frequently repair it and face unnecessary disruptions and downtime in the production process.
While selecting Industrial Control Panel, you must ensure that they are well-designed and neat. Any control panel is referred to as well-designed and uncluttered if it has the following four characteristics:
Aspect 1: Layout of the Control Panel
The main power switch of the control panel must be located in the top-right corner. It implies that components that have high-voltage ratings are placed at the control panel’s top. The power from the high-rating components will get distributed to low-rating components. Below these components, PCL and I/O terminals are placed.
Aspect 2: Labelling and Documentation
Labelling and clear documentation are crucial for any industrial control panel. Proper labelling of components and wiring simplifies maintenance, reduces the risk of errors, and improves safety during operation. Incorrectly wired or unlabeled panels can lead to severe operational issues, delays in troubleshooting, and safety hazards.
Labelling conventions should be followed consistently throughout the panel. For instance, every wire, terminal, and component should be labelled with unique identifiers. For wiring, labels should be applied to the wire’s end to ensure that every connection is easily traceable. This is especially important in the case of PLC I/O wiring, where labelling should follow the PLC’s address syntax.
Also Read: Get the Knack of Industrial Control Panel Design Guide
Aspect 3: Panel Sizing and Space Utilization
Proper panel sizing is a critical aspect of control panel design. The size of the panel determines how much space each component has to operate effectively. Insufficient space can lead to overheating, poor ventilation, and difficulty accessing components for repairs or upgrades. On the other hand, excessive space may lead to unnecessary material costs.
The sizing of the panel should consider the heat dissipation needs of each component. Different components have varying levels of heat emission, and components that generate more heat should be spaced appropriately to allow air circulation. For example, motors and transformers generate significant heat and must be placed away from heat-sensitive components to prevent damage.
Aspect 4: Wire-way Management
Effective wire-way management is another critical factor in a well-designed control panel. A wire-way refers to the system of pathways used to organize and route wires and cables inside the panel. Proper wire management ensures that wires are not tangled, exposed, or subjected to unnecessary stress, which can lead to system failures or safety hazards.
The key to good wire management is organizing cables in a way that prevents overcrowding and allows for easy access. Cables should be neatly arranged with enough space between them to ensure proper airflow. Using wire ducts or cable trays to route cables can keep them organized and reduce the risk of damage during maintenance.
Also Read- Understanding The Basics Of Industrial Control Panels
Conclusion
A good industrial control panel plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of industrial systems. By focusing on key aspects such as layout, labelling, panel sizing, and wire-way management, you can create a control panel that not only operates efficiently but also ensures safety, ease of maintenance, and scalability. Whether you’re designing a new system or upgrading an existing one, paying attention to these critical elements will result in a more reliable, durable, and cost-effective control panel solution.