Industrial Electrical Control Panels | JHFOSTER (2024)

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What are Electrical Control Panels?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 409.2 defines industrial electrical panels as an assembly of two or more control or power circuit components, or a combination of both. Typically, these components may include transformers, contactors, switches, terminal blocks, motor drives, and overcurrent protective devices.
Like most types of industrial equipment, electrical panels can either be open or enclosed. Open-type industrial electrical panels are installed in an enclosure before use while enclosed panels can be rated for indoor applications or any type rating. Enclosed variations can also be certified for use in classified points, including hazardous areas.

The Advantages of UL-Listed Electrical Panels

Industrial electrical panels that are UL-listed are certified by both the National Electric Code (NEC) and the Canadian Electric Code (CEC). UL is the global leader in ICP certification and has close relationships with AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction). Essentially, the UL mark proves that the electrical control panel has met North American safety standards and simplifies compliance with AHJs.

A UL-listed panel is one that meets environmental ratings, has the necessary safety markings, and was designed with motor and wiring protection. Relying on a control panel shop without a UL 508A certification can lead to unsafe equipment and working conditions and a lack of UL safety marks on your electrical panels can increase the risk of costly failures and shutdowns.

JHFOSTER is a leading distributor of electrical equipment designed for a wide range of applications and industries. Browse our high-quality electrical control panels, gearboxes, and safety solutions today.

Other Recommended Products and Solutions

Access the links below to learn about our range of products that support a variety of industrial applications. We offer everything from actuators and servo reducers to holistic safety solutions for your project.

Literature Library

Looking for additional information? Check out JHFOSTER’sAutomation Library.

Our Electrical Control Panel knowledge extends to areas like:

Industrial Electrical Control Panels | JHFOSTER (4)
  • PLC
  • HMI
  • Radio & telemetry
  • Servo/stepper drives
  • Electrical actuators
  • Network communication devices
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
  • Pressure transmitters
  • Electronic proportional air regulators
  • Encoders
  • Sensors
  • Temperature controllers
  • Safety components

What Will an Electrical Breaker Panel Do for Your Business?

Electrical control panels provide the exact benefit that their name implies: they are panels that control mechanical processes electrically. These pieces of equipment help you move from inefficiency to streamlined efficiency to help you save on costs. Electrical control panels simplify production to ensure quality materials and accurate machining, as well as increase production, ensure safety, and improve efficiency and reliability. They can even keep existing equipment operating with reduced breakdowns.

In What Industries Can Panels Improve Safety?

Nearly every industry can benefit from industrial electrical panels. However, the most common industry control panels are used in is manufacturing. Here are a few common applications where electrical control panels have been known to keep people safe:

  • Filling
  • Food
  • Material handling
  • Product testing
  • Compressor controls
  • Pneumatic circuit controls
  • Motor controls
  • Relay panels
  • Timeclock/timer based control

Additional Resources

Industrial Electrical Control Panels | JHFOSTER (5)

Download our PDF to learn more about our Panel shop and what we can design for you.

Check out our Podcast on Electric Control Panels.

Read our Case Study that shares challenges and solutions.

For more information on electronic control panels, contact usto discuss your industrial electrical panel needs, or set up an appointment to visit our UL 508A control panel shop in Eagan, Minnesota.

Industrial Electrical Control Panels | JHFOSTER (6)

TECHNOLOGY

Motion & Mechatronics

  • Rotary/Linear Motion
  • Sizing/Consultation
  • Motors/Drives/Control
  • Robots
  • Conveyors

Sensors & ID

  • Presence
  • Inductive/Capacitive
  • RFID/Bar Code
  • Safety

Data

  1. Networks (LAN/WAN)
  2. HMI/Web Panel
  3. Remote Access/Monitor

PRECISION MACHINING

  • Horizontal Millin – 5 axis
  • Vertical Milling = 5 axis
  • Turning (up to 14″)
  • Swiss Turning (approximately 3 – 20 mm)
  • CAD Solidworks
  • Gibbs & Surfcam

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY

  • UL508A Certified Panel Shop
  • Control Panel Build
  • Enclosures
  • Value Added Sub Assemblies: Pneumatic, Mechanical, Electrical, Build to Print
  • Horizontal Millin – 5 axis
  • Vertical Milling = 5 axis
  • Turning (up to 14″)
  • Swiss Turning (approvximately 3 – 20 mm)
  • CAD Solidworks
  • Gibbs & Surfcam

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in your control panel fabrication services?

We help with the entire design and manufacturing process. From assisting with project layout and selection of components to building the panel with UL 508A & NEC specifications in mind. We also provide wiring installation assistance and onsite startup and training.

Why should you trust JHFOSTER for your control panel needs?

At JHFOSTER, we have a highly trained team of control engineers with decades of combined experience in hardware, software, and design/build projects

We create an average of 60 electrical control panels monthly and work closely with our clients from start to finish. Our engineers can help with both high and low custom volume requirements.

Request More Information

Industrial Electrical Control Panels | JHFOSTER (7)

Contact us today at 855.688.0065 or email us and one of our certified technicians can walk you through which electrical control panel is right for your specific application. Need more information about a specific product or supplier? Get literature from a JHFOSTER representative to learn more.

Request Literature From A Supplier

Industrial Electrical Control Panels | JHFOSTER (2024)

FAQs

What is considered an industrial control panel? ›

Industrial control panels (ICPs) are defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 409.2 as an assembly of two or more power circuit components, control circuit components, or any combination of power and control circuit components.

What are the three types of control panel? ›

Control panels include the virtual control panel, the remote control panel, and the physical control panel. You can use these control panels to perform almost all of the same functions. The remote control panel and virtual control panel provide a way to perform control panel functions from a PC.

What are the 3 types of UL Industrial Control Panel labels? ›

Within UL product category NITW, there are three main product identities associated with industrial control panels, “Enclosed Industrial Control Panel,” “Open Industrial Control Panel” or “Industrial Control Panel Enclosure.” These specific product identities need to be considered by the Authority Having Jurisdiction ( ...

What is UL508A industrial control panel? ›

UL508A is the standard for the construction of Industrial Control Panels. The standard provides guidelines to panel builders on various issues including component selection and wiring methods.

What are the three types of industrial control system? ›

a general term that encompasses several types of control systems, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and other control system configurations such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) often found in the industrial sectors and critical infrastructures ...

What is the NEC code for control panels? ›

Once an industrial control panel has been constructed, NEC® Article 409 now applies. NEC® Section 409.22 requires that an industrial control panel cannot be installed at a location in the circuit where the Available Fault Current (AFC) is higher than the short-circuit current rating (SCCR) of the control panel.

What are the NEC requirements for panels? ›

The NEC specifies that electrical panels must have a minimum clearance of 30 inches horizontally and 36 inches in front of the panel. Additionally, there must be a minimum headroom clearance of 6 feet 6 inches. These clearances are measured from the floor, ceiling, and any adjacent walls or obstacles.

Do control panels need to be UL listed? ›

In most jurisdictions, a UL certification is the best way to facilitate and expedite the approval and installation of electrical control panels and related equipment.

What are the four features of a good industrial control panel design? ›

Four Aspects of a Good Industrial Control Panel
  • Layout. The main power switch of the control panel must be located in the top-right corner. ...
  • Labelling. Every component present in the industrial control panel should be labelled with proper conventions. ...
  • Panel Sizing. ...
  • Wire-way Design.
Jan 12, 2021

What is the difference between NFPA 79 and UL508A? ›

While both NFPA 79 and UL508A address electrical safety aspects in the industrial control panel sector, they differ in terms of scope, coverage, and requirements. NFPA 79 provides comprehensive guidelines for electrical systems in industrial machinery, while UL508A focuses exclusively on control panels.

What is the difference between UL 891 and UL 508A? ›

UL508A covers the engineering and manufacturing of Industrial Control Panels, while for Switchboards (in Europe we would also call them Distribution Panels) UL891 is the reference standard. Every component, in order to be used in an Industrial Control Panel, must be approved by UL (“listed” or “recognised”).

What marking requirements are included for an industrial control panel? ›

The following markings shall be included:
  • Manufacturer's name, trademark, or other descriptive marking by which the organization responsible for the product can be identified.
  • Supply voltage, number of phases, frequency, and full-load current for each incoming supply circuit.

What is meant by industrial panel? ›

Industrial control panels are systems used to regulate and manage electrical and mechanical operations in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. The panels are intended to monitor and regulate a variety of operations, including motor control, lighting control, temperature management, and process control.

What is the difference between motor control center and industrial control panel? ›

The main difference between Motor Control Centers (MCCs) and Motor Control Panels (MCPs) is the scale of the application they are used for. MCCs are typically used in industrial environments and contain multiple Motor Control Panels (MCPs) or Motor Control Units (MCUs) in one common enclosure.

What are the 4 major components of an industrial control system? ›

What Are The Key Components Of Industrial Control Panels?
  • 1) Cabinet. The cabinet is the most obvious element of a control panel that people generally see. ...
  • 2) Isolators. ...
  • 3) Transformers and Power Supplies. ...
  • 4) Fuses. ...
  • 5) Circuit breakers. ...
  • 6) Terminal blocks. ...
  • 7) Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) ...
  • 8) Cable and Connectors.

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