Published on December 27th, 2022 | by Sunit Nandi

4 Tips for improving Control Panel Safety

Control panels are crucial for industrial automation because they constantly track various industrial controls, helping experts organize and control production objectives. They provide improved reliability while continually monitoring equipment and offering professionals data every second. The panels can handle complex electrical controls. Getting them designed according to your requirements can help you manage a complex industrial setup.

Since a control panel is hazard-proof, it ensures there’s no risk of fire outbreaks or electrical shocks. Neglecting or compromising control panel safety can be very detrimental. Here are four tips for improving control panel safety.

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Choose the right control panel

Some control panel producers may compromise on quality as a result of seeking cost savings in the design process, impacting safety. However, the panel’s construction and design should comply with industry standards and codes, including IEC, NEMA, NEC, and NFPA, while reflecting industry best practices concerning workmanship.

Control panel manufacturers that adhere to stringent processes will optimize construction in multiple quality dimensions, including design reliability, safety, maintainability, testability, serviceability, operator friendliness, and features.

When looking for control panels, consider the design’s ergonomics. Ensure proper placement of displays and buttons for easy use and more reliable operations. With the right control panel, you’re can be assured of safety.

Protect your panels against power surges

Power surges can cause severe damage to electrical systems and equipment. While these surges can be a serious issue for your control panels, engineers can’t prevent them. Since the surges will occur, your electrical engineers should develop and apply safety measures to safeguard electrical components and systems like control panels. They should ensure the facility has an excellent, low-resistance grounding system and establish electrical protection zones.

Install surge protective devices (SPDs) on all equipment and systems susceptible to electrical transitory and ensure the SPDs have the appropriate rating for the intended purpose. Your electrical engineers should ensure that the SPDs are installed as close to the systems being protected as possible.

Reduce the risk of injuries

Keeping power and voltage in check is an excellent way for control panels to improve manufacturing operations safety by minimizing electrical-related injuries. An industrial panel can use two-hand control systems with two-hand control monitoring relays that require operators to use both hands simultaneously when working with hazardous machines. This helps keep the operator’s hands out of danger.

Adding switches and controls for a particular machine or piece of equipment within a control panel can alleviate pinch-point injuries, since users aren’t reaching around and over the machine to operate it. Electrical engineers can also toe safety sensors into the control system to stop a machine whenever an operator enters a danger zone, preventing injuries.

Practice control panel labeling

Motor control centers, service equipment, feeders, panels, switchboards, and substations should be labeled. Proper panel labeling impacts everyone’s safety now and in the future when repairs and maintenance should be done on equipment and machines that could be marked with outdated details or unmarked. Control panel labeling comes in handy during disaster responses in case emergency professionals want equipment access.

Ensure control panel labels are specific and clear and that breakers and circuits are neatly identified for easy access while helping prevent an overload. Consider using color-coded labels for various applications for clear communication.

Endnote

Control panel safety is crucial for safe electrical operations. Use these tips to improve control panel safety and improve productivity.

Tags: control panel, improving, safety, tips

About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.