Custom Control Panel Management
Shoreline Power Services can design customized control panels to meet the individual needs of each customer. Each and every electrical control panel is custom-built to your requirements. The Shoreline team can adhere to any control panel design requirements and build while considering implementation into various systems and equipment.
Some of our services include (but are not limited to):
- Control Panel Design
- Control Panel Build
- Control Panel Installation and Commissioning
- Pre- and Post-Installation Testing
- Control Panel Repair
Structure of an Electrical Control Panel
Electrical control panels are made up of the metal box enclosure and the back panel of the box.
Control panels can serve a variety of purposes and the team at Shoreline Power Services is ready to help you design a control panel solution for your industry needs. Control panels can be included in, but are not limited to, applications such as:
- Industrial machinery
- Lighting
- Motors
- Pumps
- Heaters
- Cooling equipment
Industries that use custom electrical control panels include manufacturing, food and beverage, education, housing, oil and gas, and more.
Back Panel
The back of the control panel is installed for structural support and acts as a mounting structure for the panel. The back panel holds eight components that perform different tasks, including:
Main Circuit Breaker: The main circuit breaker controls all the power coming from the utility service. In standard industrial uses, they handle up to 480V.
Network Switches: The network switches control communication between the PLC and the other electric equipment in the panel.
Transformers: The transformer’s job is to step down, or reduce, the main circuit voltage into a lower voltage so it can be used to operate the controls of the main circuit.
Surge Arresters: A surge arrester is a device that protects electrical equipment from over-voltage by discharging some of the current.
Terminal Blocks: Terminal blocks terminate a single wire to allow for the connection of wires to a part of the circuit.
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC): The PLC is the computer behind the electrical control panel. It monitors and controls the inputs and outputs.
Relays and Contactors: Relays and contactors act as the on and off switches that are controlled by the PLC. These switches control functions from lights to motors.
Human Machine Interface (HMI): The HMI is the hardware or software that allows humans to interact with the panel.
Control Panel Maintenance
To keep your electrical control panel in the best condition, we recommend routine maintenance. In addition to having a professional electrician evaluate your control panel every few years, there are things you can do more frequently to ensure the panels are in good shape.
Keeping the lid closed, frequently checking for rust and dirt, and regularly dusting the service panel will keep things running smoothly.
Signs your electrical panel need maintenance include if the breaker is tripping more often than normal, if there is rust or mold growing around the panel, and if the breaker feels hot to the touch in some areas.
The team at Shoreline Power services will ensure your electrical control panel is installed properly, and we can provide regular maintenance to keep things running smoothly.