Glossary

Products and equipment

Electrical enclosure

An electrical enclosure is a cabinet that protects electrical equipment and the people working around it. The term is used as an umbrella for control panels, distribution boards and switchgear, among others. Elcor designs and manufactures electrical enclosures for automation and industry. See all products and services.

Control panel

A control panel contains the equipment that controls and monitors a machine or process, such as a PLC, frequency converters, relays and an operator panel. Control panels that form part of a machine's electrical equipment are built to EN 60204-1. Read more about Elcor's control panels.

Distribution board

A distribution board distributes electrical power from the main supply to circuits, machines and systems. It contains components such as circuit breakers, fuses and residual current devices, and is built to EN IEC 61439. Unlike a control panel, a distribution board distributes power rather than controlling a process. Read more about Elcor's distribution boards.

Low-voltage switchgear

Low-voltage switchgear is a larger installation for distributing and protecting electrical power up to 1,000 V AC. It is often used as the main distribution in industrial plants, data centres and buildings, and is built to EN IEC 61439-1 and -2. Read more about Elcor's low-voltage switchgear.

MCC (Motor Control Center)

An MCC is switchgear that brings together starting, control and protection for many electric motors in one place. Each motor often has its own withdrawable or fixed unit. MCCs are common in process industry, water treatment and food production.

Construction site distribution board

A construction site distribution board is a rugged, portable distribution board that supplies a building site with temporary power. It is built to withstand weather, dust and rough handling. Some standard versions are often available from stock. Read more about Elcor's construction power boards.

Automation panel

An automation panel is a control panel focused on automation, where the PLC, network equipment and communication with other systems are at the core. The terms control panel and automation panel are often used interchangeably. Read more about automation and software.

Junction box

A junction box is a small enclosure where cables are connected and spliced. In hazardous areas, Ex-rated junction boxes are required.

Standards and certification

EN IEC 61439

EN IEC 61439 is the standard for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, such as switchgear and distribution boards. Part 1 sets out the general rules and part 2 covers power switchgear. The standard sets requirements for design, temperature rise, short-circuit withstand strength and verification. Elcor's switchgear and distribution boards are built to EN IEC 61439.

EN 60204-1

EN 60204-1 is the standard for the electrical equipment of machines. It applies to control panels that form part of a machine, and sets requirements for protection, emergency stop, wiring and documentation. Read more about Elcor's control panels.

UL 508A

UL 508A is the US standard for industrial control panels. A panel built and labelled to UL 508A can be approved by local authorities in the USA. It requires UL-listed components and an SCCR calculation, among other things.

CSA C22.2

CSA C22.2 is a series of Canadian standards for electrical equipment. In practice, it corresponds to the UL requirements for the Canadian market.

ATEX

ATEX is the EU framework for equipment and work in hazardous areas, where gas, vapour or dust can ignite. Equipment used there must be certified for the correct zone.

IECEx

IECEx is an international certification system for equipment in hazardous areas. It is used outside the EU and in projects that require internationally recognised certification, often alongside ATEX.

Ex zones

Ex zones classify hazardous areas by how often an explosive atmosphere occurs. Zones 0, 1 and 2 apply to gas, and zones 20, 21 and 22 apply to dust. A lower number means a higher risk and stricter requirements.

Ex d, Ex e and Ex t

Ex d, Ex e and Ex t are protection types for Ex equipment. Ex d means flameproof enclosure, Ex e increased safety and Ex t protection by enclosure against dust.

IP rating

The IP rating states how well an enclosure protects against solid objects and water, according to EN 60529. The first digit refers to dust and objects, the second to water. IP54, for example, protects against dust and splashing water.

ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

ISO 9001 is a standard for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management. Certification shows that manufacturing follows documented and audited processes. See Elcor's certifications.

GMP and GAMP

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) sets requirements for good manufacturing practice in industries such as pharmaceuticals. GAMP is guidance for validating automated systems under GMP. For electrical panels, it mainly affects documentation, traceability and validation. Read more about Elcor's solutions for pharma.

Components and technology

PLC (programmable logic controller)

A PLC is an industrial computer that controls machines and processes according to a program. It reads sensors, makes decisions and controls motors, valves and other outputs. The PLC is usually located in the control panel. Read more about automation and software.

HMI (operator panel)

An HMI is the interface where the operator sees the status of the installation and controls it, often a touchscreen on the front of the panel. HMI stands for Human Machine Interface.

SCADA

SCADA is a system for monitoring and controlling entire installations from a central location. It collects data from many PLCs, and operators can view alarms, trends and operating status.

Frequency converter

A frequency converter controls the speed of an electric motor by changing the frequency of the voltage. It provides soft starting, better process control and lower energy consumption. Read more about motion & drives.

Circuit breaker

A circuit breaker automatically interrupts the current in the event of overload or short circuit, protecting cables and equipment. Unlike a fuse, it can be reset.

Residual current device (RCD)

A residual current device interrupts the current when it leaks to earth, for example through a person. It mainly protects against electric shock and fire.

Short-circuit withstand strength

Short-circuit withstand strength states how high a short-circuit current switchgear or a distribution board can withstand without damage. The value must be at least as high as the short-circuit current that can occur where the panel is installed.

SCCR (Short Circuit Current Rating)

SCCR is the US equivalent of short-circuit withstand strength and is required under UL 508A. The value is stated on the panel's nameplate and determines where the panel may be installed.

AWG

AWG (American Wire Gauge) is the US system for specifying conductor size. In UL panels, conductors are sized in AWG instead of square millimetres.

Redundancy

Redundancy means that critical functions are duplicated, so operation continues if one part fails. It is a basic requirement in data centres, for example, where power supply and control are often built with dual paths. Read more about Elcor's solutions for data centres.

Projects and process

Requirements specification

A requirements specification describes what an electrical panel must handle: function, standards, environment, enclosure rating and documentation. The clearer it is, the easier the quotation, design and delivery become. Contact us for help with your requirements.

FAT (Factory Acceptance Test)

FAT is a test of the panel at the factory before delivery. Function, labelling and documentation are verified, preferably together with the customer. Faults found during FAT are cheaper to fix than faults discovered on site. Read more in our FAQ.

SAT (Site Acceptance Test)

SAT is the test carried out on site once the panel has been installed. It shows that the equipment works in the actual installation, together with other systems.

Commissioning

Commissioning is the stage where the installation is started, tested and adjusted until it works as intended. It often includes connection, software, test runs and handover to the customer.

Documentation

The documentation for an electrical panel includes electrical drawings, component lists, test reports and a declaration of conformity. It is needed for operation, service and regulatory requirements.

Service and maintenance

Service and maintenance keep electrical panels and installations running over time, with preventive inspections, troubleshooting and component replacement. Planned maintenance reduces the risk of unplanned downtime. Read more about Elcor's service and installation.