An electrical control panel, in its simplest form, is simply a collection or combination of electrical devices that work together to control the various functions of industrial machinery and other equipment. This type of control panel is typically housed in a cabinet that protects the equipment or machinery. The cabinet is then connected to electrical panels that are placed within various work locations within a factory. Alternative to individual power panels, control panels for electrical equipment can also be installed within industrial machines or vessels.
Electrical control panels have evolved greatly in the industry due to technological advancements. Many modern plants employ a “closed-loop system”, which uses an enclosed bus network between a series of electrical control panels. This type of system provides for a much cleaner and more efficient operation as well as higher reliability.
It is important to note that this type of system often requires a secondary or backup power supply in order for it to operate in the case of a blackout, excessive electrical power outages, or any other kind of power interruption. For certain industrial equipment such as a cooling system or generator, you will need continuous power or backup to ensure that they can function properly. Installing the necessary equipment and wiring is the first step in operating an electrical power panel. It is crucial to determine the frequency and distribution of electrical power once the equipment has been installed. These factors are very important when determining if such a device is suitable for a specific location or application.
A typical electrical control panel is composed of two main components, the enclosure and the rear panel. The back panel is often referred to as the enclosure. The enclosure covers the electrical power distribution. However, the term enclosure does not necessarily refer to a simple glass or plastic enclosure.
Three major components are typically found in electrical control panels: the circuit breaker, the appliance controller, as well as the automation panel. A simple model may consist of one circuit breaker, five appliances, and the automation panel. These devices are common in control panels. However, it is important that you note that the automation panel can be customized to meet the specific needs of the manufacturer. These models are typically found in industries with high automation such as aerospace, chemical and pharmaceutical, and the petroleum-based sector.
Regardless of whether the electrical panel contains one circuit breaker or a number of them, the device will provide protection for the circuits. The primary safety component in a control panel is the circuit breakers. They are designed for the load requirements of the devices that are placed within them. As such, these are typically made of heavy-duty copper or steel.
The appliance controllers are responsible for providing power to individual circuits within the enclosure. Typically, these are desktop units that are protected by an enclosure bus strip. The bus strip, which is also referred to as circuits or cable shield, connects the electrical control panel to the other components within the enclosure. In addition to protecting the devices from damage, the enclosure bus is also used to help dissipate thermal energy from the device. With that in mind, a properly designed enclosure bus is important to the overall operation of the system.
The power circuit components refer to the individual devices found within the enclosure. These devices include circuit breakers and load sensors, voltage testers and input and output devices. Although many companies make all the equipment for industrial electrical control panels themselves, it is often necessary to hire professional installation services to ensure safety and functionality. This is often the best option because these components are custom-designed to meet the specifications of each manufacturer.
