An Industrial Control Panel is an enclosure with more than two power circuit components, control circuit components, or both that help provide signals of overall machinery function. It includes switches, relays, auxiliary devices, motor controllers, and other control devices. This flat, vertical equipment with control instruments is generally maintained outside or in an enclosed place in industries or factories. A panel enclosure shields the electrical equipment from the surrounding contaminants, extending its life.
Types of Industrial Control Panels
These panels come in two basic configurations — open and closed.
- Open Industrial Control Panels
These control panels have wires, connectors, and other components but no enclosure.
The enclosure with this sort of industrial control panel is simply meant to be part of the total installation.
- Closed Industrial Control Panels
These electrical control panels contain the enclosure, the electrical components inside, and the things necessary to mount to the walls or close the panel.
These are checked for electrical fire and shock hazards.
They are not evaluated for their unique capacity to control electrical equipment.
Key Components of Industrial Control Panels
With a wide variety of configurations, Industrial Control Panels require specific attention.
Machines that run at 600V or less have power and control circuits built into the design. Here are some key components of Industrial Control Panels
- Transformers
They change the voltage between circuits. An industrial control panel transformer converts incoming 480V AC to 120V AC for use by other devices contained in the control panel.
- Power Source
A power supply converts AC voltage to DC voltage. A control panel’s power supply usually converts 480V or 120V AC to 24V DC.
- Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers prevent damage to an electrical circuit by sensing excess electrical current and opening or breaking the course to halt it.
- Switch Off
A disconnect switch separates a control panel from its electrical supply. A disconnect switch is commonly used to turn off power to the control panel for repairs or maintenance and emergency stoppages.
- Blocks of Terminals
Terminal blocks are locations where two or more wires can connect. A terminal block strip can be used to distribute power from a single source to multiple devices in the control panel.
- Relays
It is a switch that makes or breaks contact to turn on or off a device. Low currents may usually ignite high winds. The relay activates an electromagnet by sending the lower current through an input circuit. The charged electromagnet closes the output circuit, allowing a higher current to pass.
- Fuses
A fuse is a safety device that keeps a circuit from overheating. A fuse that has blown creates an open circuit and must be replaced.
Uses of Industrial Control Panel
- Dirt, dust, and other elements of nature are all kept at bay by this barrier.
- The wiring and arrangement of the components are made in a systematic way, which makes it easy to monitor and control.
- An entire control system that can be installed in a specific panel is available.
Benefits of Industrial Control Panels
A power or control panel provides signals that direct the operation of machinery or equipment.
Depending on the application, industrial control panels are positioned on a back panel (or subpanel) or in an enclosure and do not include main power or controlled equipment.
- More extended periods of uninterrupted service
- Safety and reliability
- Infractions are less likely to occur
- Improved forecasting and foresight of future needs
- All-in-one troubleshooting at any moment
- Use of resources in a more efficient manner
- Better equipment control results in lower energy use
Conclusion
Nowadays, industrial control panels safeguard equipment, boost productivity, reduce downtime, and comply with safety laws. A single industrial control panel controls all appropriate production equipment.
