Process Control & Automation

Control Panels & Enclosures

A Valin UL 508A control panel.

Control Panels & Enclosures

The UL 508A certification: Why it is important

Sept. 25, 2023

The certification exists for a reason — to ensure that the control panels being built meet the very highest safety standards available.

Figure 1: IO-Link devices rated for open installation make it possible for designers to push I/O closer to field devices, so that main control panels become smaller or are eliminated.

Control Panels & Enclosures

Distributed automation enables elimination or shrinking of control panels

July 4, 2023

Figure 1: Increasingly automated processes and distributed devices require more field-installed enclosures, and personnel in all production plant disciplines can benefit from understanding some control panel design basics.

Control Panels & Enclosures

Process control panel design basics

July 14, 2022

Figure 1: Increasingly automated processes and distributed devices require more field-mount enclosures, which must be able to withstand sanitary and hygienic operations including washdowns.

Process Control & Automation

Thinking inside and outside the box

July 28, 2021

Maintaining a consistent internal environment is critical for the equipment inside to function properly. This can be more challenging in some environments than others.

Control Panels & Enclosures

Maintaining an enclosure’s integrity

July 21, 2020

Figure 1: A complete portfolio of electrical enclosures includes many styles in addition to basic boxes and offers materials and construction options for a variety of installation locations. All images courtesy of AutomationDirect

Control Panels & Enclosures

Specifying the right electrical enclosure

July 17, 2020