Control Concepts designs and builds custom industrial control panels to UL 508A standards for automation and manufacturing applications.
We design, fabricate, install, test, and program control panels based on the requirements of your equipment and application.
- Design
- Fabrication
- Installation
- Testing
- Programming
Our team works with customers to develop custom control panel solutions that support reliable operation, maintenance, and integration with existing equipment.
Custom Control Panel Services
Our team works with customers from initial system requirements through installation and startup.
- Analyze manufacturing and automation requirements
- Recommend control solutions based on the application
- Establish equipment electrical ratings
- Develop panel designs and electrical drawings
- Build custom panels according to the approved design
- Perform quality-control testing and verification
- Provide professional installation and field support
Three-Step Panel Installation
Control Concepts provides professional installation to help ensure the panel is properly integrated with your equipment and application.
- Electrical installation
- Onsite testing
- Field modifications when needed
Understanding UL 508A Standards
UL 508A is a recognized safety standard for industrial control panels in the United States. It establishes requirements for panel construction, including electrical components, wiring methods, protection, and other safety considerations.
Control Concepts builds industrial control panels to UL 508A standards, incorporating applicable construction and safety requirements into our design and fabrication processes.
Important considerations include:
- Appropriate component selection and electrical ratings
- Proper conductor sizing and wiring methods
- Suitable overcurrent protection
- Panel layout and component spacing
- Equipment grounding and bonding
- Electrical identification and labeling
The specific requirements depend on the equipment, electrical characteristics, and intended application. Building to UL 508A standards helps support consistent design practices and appropriate electrical safety considerations.
What Is an Industrial Control Panel?
An industrial control panel is an assembly of control and power components mounted within or on an enclosure or subpanel. It typically includes associated wiring, terminals, protective devices, and control components used to operate industrial machinery or processes.
A control panel may contain power circuit components, control circuit components, or a combination of both.
Power Circuit Components
- Motor controllers
- Overload relays
- Fused disconnect switches
- Circuit breakers
Control Circuit Components
- Pushbuttons
- Pilot lights
- Selector switches
- Timers
- Control relays
The control panel itself does not include:
- Controlled machinery or equipment
- Loads connected to power circuits
- Equipment mounted remotely from the panel
The Control Concepts Panel-Building Process
Control Concepts designs, fabricates, installs, tests, and programs custom control panels based on the needs and specifications of each application.
Design
The design process begins with understanding the equipment, application, installation environment, and control requirements.
- The type of control panel required
- Available installation space
- Site and environmental conditions
- Electrical and control requirements
We develop schematics, functional diagrams, and sequences of operation with attention to I/O identification and consistency with the PLC program.
Components are arranged to help separate higher-noise devices such as VFDs, servo amplifiers, power relays, and contactors from lower-level control and analog signal components.
Wire sizing and component selection are coordinated with the requirements of the equipment. We also work with customers to select appropriate control methods, from conventional relay logic to PLC-based controls and human-machine interfaces.
Fabrication
Our fabrication process emphasizes consistency, reliability, and serviceability.
- Spring-cage terminals where appropriate
- Wiring harnesses designed to reduce wiring errors
- Automated wire stripping and marking for consistency
- Device-level wiring systems where appropriate for the application
Installation
During installation, wiring is neatly bundled or routed through appropriate gutters and supports, with smooth-radius bends and clear organization.
Terminals, wires, and components are labeled clearly and durably to support troubleshooting and future maintenance.
Testing & Programming
Before completion, our technicians test the control panel for proper operation and support programming and configuration as required by the application.
