Latest Enclosures and Control Panels Technical Articles

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What Can Go Wrong With Electrical Process Measurements?

Whether working with measurement tools or process controllers, it is important to recognize faulty display values and the best ways to fix them.

August 24, 2023 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?

August 09, 2023 by David Peterson

What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.

August 01, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A standard must understand how, when, and why to properly ground and bond circuits.

July 10, 2023 by David Peterson

Explaining Industrial Timers: On Delay and Off Delay

Measuring time delays between equipment events predates digital control systems. What are the types of timers, and how did they work before the advent of PLCs? And how do PLCs continue the tradition?

July 04, 2023 by David Peterson

Managing Networks | Why Do I Need an Industrial Grade Switch?

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or invest in an industrial switch for hundreds. Why would I choose the industrial switch?

June 26, 2023 by David Peterson

Methods and Algorithms in Error Checking for Serial Communications

Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission process, leading to various methods for determining whether received data has been damaged.

June 10, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Connectors Used in Industrial and Robotic Cable Termination

Industrial and robotics cabling requires specialized termination strategies. This article introduces connectors involved in automation applications for cable-to-cable or cable-to-device termination.

May 30, 2023 by Simon Mugo

Back to the Basics: Understanding Industrial Buttons and Switches

This article features an in-depth discussion of the various options for buttons and switches, including function, styles, shapes, and illumination options for all kinds of control panel inputs.

May 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Joystick Controls: How Do You Use Them For Automated Systems?

We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems: heavy equipment, overhead cranes, and even some robotic controls. But how do they work?

May 17, 2023 by David Peterson

Understanding Wire Color Codes for Industrial Electrical Applications

Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated by the color of the insulation. But what are the common colors, and what do they mean?

May 15, 2023 by Seth Price

Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.

February 26, 2023 by David Peterson

Combatting the Effects of EMI with EMC Design Principles for Electrical Panels

EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control systems. Learn about some features of electromagnetic compatibility in panels.

February 16, 2023 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.

January 12, 2023 by Seth Price

What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.

January 09, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Differences Between a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.

October 30, 2022 by Antonio Armenta

Electromechanical Integration Using Fusion 360

Nearly every electronic product depends on the unity of electrical components and PCBs with physical enclosures and parts. Learn how Autodesk’s Fusion 360 offers a complete solution for electromechanical integration and design.

October 18, 2022 by Edwin Robledo, Fusion 360 Electronics

Industrial Control Panel Design Standards and Best Practices

Industrial control panels are at the heart of control systems. Learn about the standards and regulations that dictate industrial control panel design for safety and efficiency, including NFPA 70, UL 60947-4-1, and NFPA 79. 

September 27, 2022 by Antonio Armenta

Introduction to Industrial Control Panel Design

Whether open or closed, industry standard or built for tough environments, or modular or customized, it is important to follow a set of repeatable tasks when designing industrial control panels for efficiency and safety.

September 20, 2022 by Antonio Armenta

Preventing Failures in High-Temperature Manufacturing Processes

Any machine can become a source of elevated temperature, even under regular operation. We cannot assume that temperature problems occur only based on climate conditions, and mitigation steps must be employed.

August 11, 2022 by Antonio Armenta