Electricity is essential these days. It powers virtually every aspect of our lives. Without it, life as we know it would come to an end, and we’d quite literally be living in the dark. Still, most of us don’t realize just how much we depend on it. If there’s an outage or an electrical system that’s already in place can no longer handle the demands we’re placing on it, though, we quickly realize just how important it is.
Electrical panels are the hearts of the electrical systems we rely on. They’re more complex than most people realize, and building one is a particularly complicated project. That’s especially true when it comes to industrial electrical panels. Every detail must fall properly into place for them to work safely and correctly. This is generally a project that’s best left to professional electrical panel builders, but if you have a certain amount of technical and electrical knowledge and want to take on a task like this on your own, the following tips can help.
Understand Applicable Electrical Codes
Before building an electrical panel, be sure you understand the applicable codes. Numerous codes apply to industrial electrical panels and systems. The National Electrical Code, NFPA 79, and UL 508A are only a few of them. Each one lays out its own standards and regulations about electrical panels, wiring, system design, and industrial machinery connections among other points. Failing to understand those regulations could result in serious safety and compliance issues.
Determine Where to Install the Panel
Another important factor is where your electrical panel should be installed. It needs to be housed in an appropriately sized enclosure. That enclosure should meet NEMA regulations for protecting the panel against environmental factors as well. Keep in mind that you’ll need to allow extra space in the enclosure for ventilation and other components. You should have enough space in the enclosure for allow for maintenance as well. On top of that, consider leaving additional space for future expansions.
Labeling Is Crucial
When you’re building an electrical panel, labeling is crucial. Each circuit breaker should be clearly labeled to indicate which machines or portions of the electrical system are connected to it. Other components of the system need to be labeled as well depending on the type of panel you’re building, its layout, and other factors. Failing to label properly could lead to significant problems down the road, so don’t assume the layout of the circuit breakers and what they’re connected to is obvious to anyone who may need to access the control panel.
Don’t Forgo Testing
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of testing the electrical panel before putting it into service. No matter how much experience you have in this field or how confident you are in your work, the panel should be thoroughly tested. Several types of tests should be conducted to ensure the panel works correctly, safely, and in accordance with all industry regulations.
Building a Safe, Reliable Electrical Panel
Electrical panels are complicated installations, and industrial panels tend to be particularly intricate. Building an industrial electrical panel is a delicate process that requires technical and electrical knowledge, patience, and attention to detail. It also entails planning beforehand and extensive testing after the fact. While it’s possible to build an industrial electrical panel on your own, turning to professionals for this type of task is advised.
