The machinery framework by control panel manufacturer states about panels consisting of power circuits which provide signals directing towards the performance of the equipment. This panel is mounted over a back panel as per the requirement of its application. Taking note of the design guide provided by the control panel manufacturer, control panel design initiates with evaluating design requirements with specifications and developing plans.
Industrial-Based Control Panel Design:
The development of control panel design for industrial equipment and machinery is intended to control a machine. It is not easy to select a suitable enclosure and a back panel compatible with the electrical hardware. This means that hardware should be mounted appropriately over a back panel and accurately integrated into the machine. One thing to note is that any wrong configuration can result in faulty machinery and a risk to its operators.
The procedure needs to initiate an evaluation of the requirements, specifications, and regulatory standards. After these reflections are checked, drawings are managed to outline the detailed configuration of circuits, wiring, controls, and every other aspect of the concluding control panel. Good design is meant to indicate the electrical as well as physical requirements.
Regulatory Values of Industrial Control Panel Design
Even with numerous Code cycles, some of the industrial control panels are not amenable with the regulatory standards accepted in the entire industry. The compliance is perilous for certifying minimal safety risks linked with installing and functional industrial equipment. The National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70, is a standard meant for the safe connection of electrical equipment and wiring. It is implemented by a state or a region to regulate the execution of safe electrical practices.
Many design considerations must be evaluated throughout the design procedure of developing a control panel. This panel is intended to meet functional necessities, application provisions, and regulatory norms. The design decisions made by the authorities represent the chief design concerns in creating an industrial control panel.
Positioning is another concern linked with enclosures. Depending on the placement of the panel, one needs to account for swing supplies of cabinet doors. If a control panel is placed in an area having high ambient temperature, a ventilation fan might be needed to allow the proper functioning of the control panel. Power wiring and heat-producing devices must have NEC clearance before usage; so that sufficient room for ventilation is possible.
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It is known that space considerations are supreme. It is because one of the most common NEC defilements includes smaller control panels allowing the proper space for wiring and wire bending. It is also justified to make space needs for the existing configuration as well as futuristic needs because restrictive space is quite a challenge for retrofits. This mechanism is essential to handle because nothing goes wrong with electrical malfunctioning. After all, the safety of the machine and its operator is highly significant.