If you run an industrial facility, control panels are vital to your business operations. They allow you both to operate machinery conveniently and to increase industrial automation. Below is what you need to know about this vital piece of equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Control Panels

What are control panels?

A control panel is an electronic device that houses control circuits or power circuits for your machinery. While it can be mounted on the machinery, it's often a separate unit. Control panels are legally regulated for safety reasons, especially because they sometimes take on the function of a junction box. Junction boxes house multiple electrical connections and wires and provide safety barriers.

What can they do?

They can be used to operate a wide variety of equipment, including heating and cooling units, pumps, and fans for your building. They also regulate all the production equipment on your floor. This includes machinery for all stages of manufacturing, sorting, assembling, and packaging products. The right control panel setup allows for the safe and convenient operation of all the equipment and can allow you to automate many processes without blowing a fuse. 

Are there safety concerns when using control panels?

Because they are complex pieces of electrical equipment, they need to be designed and installed by an experienced electrical contractor. This way, they'll be in compliance with legal safety standards in the National Electrical Code. This also helps ensure they'll operate correctly. For example, safety measures designed to prevent short circuits and misdirected currents also keep the panel's power supply flowing so that it operates reliably.

What maintenance do they need?

Your control panels should be designed with cooling fans, air filters, dehumidifiers, and other air quality control features. It will still need to be vacuumed periodically to remove dust, and any air filters will need regular cleaning or replacement. You'll also need pest control to keep rodents and bugs out of the panel. The wiring insulation and connections also need to be tested regularly, and the panel may need to be reassembled to make adjustments, as just tightening the screws can actually make contacts looser.

For quality control panel design and installation, turn to Abcon Automation in Fairfield, OH. Serving Butler County, they're available 24/7 for emergency repairs and offer fully customized automation systems. If you need a reliable electrical component, they can build it, and they also use thorough security measures to protect your data. To discuss your project, call (513) 851-7572 or visit their website for more information.