The following are excerpts have been condensed from an article that appeared in Processing magazine September 25, 2023. Full article here.
The world of control panels and enclosures is not only a bit more complex than most realize but it is also very tightly regulated. As automation and industrial automation continues to grow, so does the need for high quality control panels and enclosures. There is a significant amount of nuance involved in building a control panel, so how can the end user be confident that what they are ultimately receiving is correctly built and most important, safe?
There are elements in a control panel that must meet a certain standard for the process to be successful once implemented. There are environmental factors, safety concerns, wiring protection and proper component usage standards that all need to be met by the builder. Fortunately, the buyer does not have to simply trust that the builder knows what they are doing. Instead, there is a certification program that ensures the builder follows the proper process and approach that will meet all these requirements, the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) 508A Industrial Control Panel Shop Program.
Why is this certification important?
First and foremost, the UL 508A program is a safety standard. It was designed to improve the safety of the control panels being built along with their proper installation. The standard also applies to operator stations and motor controllers. In an industry where fires and electrical hazards are real risks, by following a global standard for safety, the UL 508A certification ensures that the panels that earn such a distinction are the safest available.
It is also important to understand the differences between UL 508A and UL 508. Although both are safety standards, the latter is a standard for industrial control equipment as opposed to the control panels themselves.
The UL Listing Mark on an industrial control panel signifies above all else that a third party has certified the control panel to an accepted safety standard. They are the municipal inspection authority as it applies to control plans and is recognized globally as a trusted source for product compliance. There are inspectors that do regular checks on control panels in the field. If, during one of these inspections, it is determined the facility is not using a certified control panel [i.e. not using certified components, or following UL standards], it can be decommissioned on the spot.
This element of control engineering is not only important to be aware of, but also to have a better understanding of its ramifications. The certification exists for a reason — to ensure that the control panels being built meet the very highest safety standards available. Failure to do so not only puts the safety of personnel at risk, but can also lead to the unnecessary costs associated with reaching compliance if it is not built properly in the beginning. The first step in your research should be to find a UL 508A certified control panel shop to assist you with your build. They can custom build panels from the ground up, or bring existing control panels up to UL safety standards.
For over 40 years AEC Engineering has been New England’s premiere provider of custom designed-and-built UL listed control panels, PLC programming, SCADA software design and programming services, and reliable service & support for all your automation and integration needs. Our fabrication shop is certified UL 508A, 698, and NNNY. Contact us today to learn how AEC Engineering can help you with your next project.
