Solution 02

Industrial electrical control solutions

Panels that start, stop, protect and interlock machines and process equipment, assembled from your control philosophy, I/O list and approved component list.

Basis
I/O list and control philosophy
Enclosure
IP54 standard, higher on request
Documentation
Drawings, terminal list, test sheet

Overview

Control is a description of how the plant behaves

A control panel is only as good as the document behind it. Two panels can look identical from outside and behave completely differently inside. One follows the process, the other follows a template.

We build from the sequence: what starts first, what interlocks with what, which signals go to the PLC, which go to the local panel, where the emergency stop sits and what the operator sees.

That means the I/O list matters more than the enclosure. We work through it with you, then assemble, wire and test to it. We also tell you where the document is silent, so the decision stays with you.

  • PLC and remote I/O panels
  • Motor control centres
  • VSD and soft-starter panels
  • Instrument and junction panels
  • Local operator stations
  • Process and skid panels
Control panel interior with relays, contactors and numbered terminal blocks

Relays, contactors and terminals laid out to the schematic, with every core numbered.

Typical project requirements

The five documents that decide the panel

When these exist, a control panel is a predictable piece of work. When they do not, the panel becomes an experiment on site.

01

I/O list

Digital and analogue points, signal type, voltage and the device each point belongs to. The list is the panel.

02

Control philosophy

Start and stop sequence, interlocks, permissives, alarm handling and what happens on power failure.

03

Load and motor list

Motor ratings, starting method, duty, protection and whether drives are used.

04

Component vendor list

The brands your client approves for breakers, contactors, PLC, drives, terminals and enclosures.

05

Interface schedule

What connects to the panel and how: field cables, Ethernet, fieldbus, remote I/O and the upstream system.

06

Site and testing

Ambient conditions, panel location, and the factory acceptance test you want to witness or receive as a record.

Recommended equipment

Panel types we assemble

Assembled and wired to drawing. Where a project needs type-tested assemblies for the control section, tell us at enquiry stage and we will confirm what documentation is available.
PLC control panelsProcess control and sequencing
PLC, remote I/O, signal conditioning, 24 V distribution and interface relays, laid out so a technician can fault-find with the schematic in hand.
Built to drawingI/O list required
Motor control panelsMCC, DOL, star-delta, VSD
Feeder sections for motors with contactors, overloads, drives or soft starters, including the control interlocking that the process requires.
Built to drawingMotor list required
Industrial control cabinetsMachine and skid mounted
Compact cabinets for a single machine or skid, with the operator devices on the door and the wiring terminated for transport.
Built to drawingGA drawing required
Customised electrical panelsProject-specific
Panels that do not fit a standard description: dosing, heating, ventilation, pumping stations, test benches, temporary site distribution.
Reviewed per projectSend the requirement

Control panels are project equipment, not catalogue products: they are assembled to the documents above. Ask for the product page if you need the distribution side: low voltage switchgear is the type-tested range.

Technical considerations

Where control projects usually go wrong

Four subjects that are cheaper to settle in the office than on site.
Spare capacity
Spare I/O, spare terminals and spare space cost little at build stage and a great deal later. We ask for a percentage, then reserve that space in the layout.
Agree at design
Segregation and earthing
Separation of power and signal wiring, shielded cable entry, earth bar arrangement and the interface between the panel earth and the plant earthing system.
Detail on drawing
Heat and enclosure
Drives and transformers inside a sealed cabinet need ventilation or cooling. The IP rating and the heat load decide whether a fan, a filter or a heat exchanger is required.
Heat load calculation
Testing before dispatch
Continuity, insulation, functional test against the sequence, and a record of the result. If you want to witness the test, say so. It changes the schedule, not the price.
FAT on request

Customisation

Adapted to the plant, not to a template

Everything below is normal project work. None of it needs a new product line.

Layout and dimensions

Panel size and internal arrangement set by the number of devices, the cable entry and the space available on site.

Operator interface

Pushbuttons, selector switches, HMI, indication lamps and emergency stop arranged to the operating procedure.

Brands and standards

Components from your approved list, with wiring and identification to the standard your client specifies.

Communication

Ethernet, Modbus, Profibus or remote I/O, with the point list agreed before the devices are ordered.

Enclosure and climate

IP rating, cooling, heating, sun canopy and finish for indoor plant rooms or outdoor installation.

Documentation set

GA drawing, schematic, terminal list, device list and test record, issued in the format your project uses.

Related

Pages worth reading next

The control panel page carries the full detail; the industries page shows where this equipment is normally installed.
01Electrical control panelsTypes, applications, specifications and FAQ. 02Power distributionThe supply side of the same project. 03IndustriesWhat different plants ask of their panels.

Have an I/O list and a sequence?

Send them with the panel schedule. We will come back with the layout, the component list and the points that still need a decision.

Request a quote Panel types