Quick turnaround time? From the intended use to the type of steel, to accessories: being clear about the factors that affect design is crucial. Not to mention the need to use experienced and reliable suppliers.
When, in the development phase of an industrial plant, it comes to the time when it is necessary to equip itself with an electrical cabinet, time is often short. It then becomes strategic to identify a solution quickly that must take into account the available space in which the product will be placed.
How can you speed up the process of conceiving, designing, and producing a switchboard? What are some good tips to facilitate the work of both the person who has to make the installation and the person who has to make, for example, a case or cabinet?
THE 5 FACTORS FOR CHOOSING A SWITCHBOARD
Let’s look at the 5 key pieces of information that can be helpful in quickly identifying the right switchboard for your needs.
1. Intended use
It seems obvious, but the intended use has a very significant weight in the choice of an electrical switchboard because according to the application the implementation specifications will have to be defined. A product for the food or pharmaceutical sector, for example, must meet stringent requirements in terms of hygiene; a solution intended for the oil and gas sector will have to be designed with the risk of explosion in mind.
All stainless steel is not the same: AISI 304 and AISI 316 are just some of the existing types. The choice of the best material, like the first point, also depends on the environment in which it will be placed and the corrosive aggressiveness of the atmosphere present.
3. Certifications
We talked about this again in a recent article in our blog because we believe that certifications are a guarantee for those who have to order switchboards: in fact, they are certificates from independent third-party bodies that, following some laboratory tests, prove the suitability for use in the work environment. Again, destination of use and then country of destination are the useful factors in identifying what certifications are needed.
4. External dimensions
In most cases, the designer independently sizes the framework according to his or her needs. It is important that the carpentry manufacturer verify and communicate the dimensions of the internal instrument plate and the usable spaces that will be available within the carpentry. Only in this way will the designer be able to verify that his or her wiring diagram finds the necessary spaces for its implementation.
5. Accessories
The evaluation of accessories is also something to consider. To give a few examples, brackets for wall mounting in the case of loudspeakers, a lower plinth and possible adjustment feet for cabinets, a ventilation kit to ensure an ideal temperature for proper operation of the instrumentation, or a protective canopy in the case of outdoor installations may be useful.
At EiQ Industrial, we believe in a direct relationship with customers because during many years of experience we have realized that to offer customized solutions, it is necessary to listen and propose ad hoc solutions. In this way we know we can return trust to those who choose us: we do this by involving all functions within our company to be able to ensure consistent quality and service and products suitable for every application.
In 2020, we implemented our certifications with ATEX category 2 for zone 1-21 to allow the installation of switchboards in workplaces with special explosion hazards due to gas or dust in the atmosphere.
We have also been working on an innovative line of Hygienic Design electrical carpentry complete with EHEDG-certified parts that meets the growing sterility requirements of food and pharmaceutical environments in particular, but not only.
