How can you be sure that a control panel you are purchasing from a builder meets the quality standard you need? After all, it needs to be built both correctly but more importantly, safely. As the need for companies to be in compliance continues to grow due to the evolution of industrial automation, so does the need for high quality control panels. The industry’s answer to this need is the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) 508A Industrial Control Panel Shop Program.
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.
According to UL, its Industrial Control Panel Program covers multiple requirements such as:
- Proper component usage
- Enclosure environmental ratings
- Wiring and motor protection
- Safety markings
- Conformance to the National Electric Code and Canadian Electrical Code
The UL 508A Standard also lists components and how they should be used, however there are exceptions that accompany the use of some components. One exception concerns the location of the component to ensure they do not operate in a hazardous location such as:
- An explosion-proof enclosure marked for Class I hazardous locations
- A dust-ignition-proof enclosure marked for Class II hazardous locations
- A barrier or other equipment that provides intrinsically safe input/output connections for use in Class I, II and III hazardous locations.
It’s important to be aware of this standard as it does exist for a good reason, to ensure the safe, proper building of these control panels. As usage continues to grow, so does the risk without a standard.
I broke down the UL 508A standard more in depth last year in Processing Magazine. I encourage you to take a look if you’d like to read more.
Click on the following link to learn more about Valin's UL 508A Control Panels.
To speak to one of our control panel experts call (855) 737-4718 or fill out our online form and one of our technical specialists will get back to you.