Before designing any king of building, domestic, industrial, or commercial, a comprehensive layout is planned in order to avoid any crucial faults and errors. Even though several things need intricate planning like design, architecture, energy supplies, etc., ensuring optimal electrical connectivity remains the most important element of a building.
In this article, we will delve into control panels and why they are installed in every commercial and domestic structure. We understand that a huge part of society is not acquainted with the technical or mechanical sector. Thus, understanding the features and usage of some electrical tools and equipment can prove to be a difficult task.
Hence, we aim to explain the features, advantages, and types of control panels in the most simple and comprehensible manner. So, let us begin with the most basic question—what is a control panel?
In layperson terms, a control panel can be referred to as a combination of diverse electric devices that require electric power to control different mechanical functions of machines and equipment. Below we have given a brief insight into 8 major electrical components of a control panel:
- Transformers: In accordance with the incoming voltage, electric transformers are capable of reducing the voltage level to 120V for multiple components.
- Main circuit breaker: This refers to the disconnect of the primary electrical panel that is leading to an office or home. These circuit breakers can easily handle a load between 120V-480V in several industrial applications.
- Surge Arresters: These devices are employed to prevent utility power surges or lightning strikes from damaging any electrical component from overvoltage.
- PLC or Programmable Logic Controllers: To understand better, a PLC is a CPU placed inside the control panel. Often, this is called the brain of a control panel since it monitors and controls several mechanical processes. This is inclusive of various outputs and inputs from the functions of multiple production equipment.
- Terminal blocks: These electrical blocks help in distributing and organizing wires coming from different sources, connecting to a range of electrical devices.
- HMI or Human Machine Interface: This allows the user or an operator to control or monitor the functions of a machine. Buttons, keyboards, joysticks, and video monitors are some of the many HMI’s available in the market.
- Network Switches: This is the communication hub of the electrical control panel. It facilitates smooth and easy communication between the devices and the PLC on the production line.
- Contactors and Relays: These are on/off switches that optimally control functions based on the PLC commands. Comparatively smaller relays control functions like fans and lights. On the other hand, larger relays control advanced functions like electric motors.
Advantages of Investing in a High-Quality Control Panel
There are multiple benefits of leveraging a high-quality control panel like minimal operational errors, better productivity levels, energy efficiency, and more. Here are some of the many advantages of an electrical control panel:
- They offer effective and enhanced reliability.
- Control panels boost the performance of industrial automation due to optimum monitoring.
- One of the biggest benefits of a control panel is that it can be customized according to the requirements of the customer.
- Most custom panels are hazard-proof, ensuring there is no risk of situations like short circuits, shocks, fire breakouts, and more.
- Lastly, control panels can simplify the process for industrial professionals and experts.
Join Hands with a Leading Service Provider
We suggest you carve some time out for research and look for a leading service provider in the electrical field. They have a wide range of electrical products, equipment, and instruments available at impressive rates and heavy discounts, saving a huge amount of your time, money, and energy.
