8 Common Questions When Outsourcing Custom Control Panels

Buying new custom control panels can seem like a daunting task. Having expert understanding of Electrical Engineering and being technically proficient in various systems isn’t for everyone. As a business manager or operator, it can be difficult to know what components to buy, what software can work together without problems, and just how all the pieces go together. Thankfully Automation Electric & Controls has years of extensive experience designing and building custom control panels, so we can guide you through the process.

We have decades of experience with custom control panels, and have gathered eight simple questions that are frequently asked during the quoting and information gathering stages. These questions and their respective answers should guide you through the initial steps and get you on your way to quoting a new outsourced custom control panel build.

Q: Do you have schematics or drawings available?

If you’re simply replacing a control panel that has reached the end of its service life, you may have initial drawings or schematics available that can duplicated. It will save time and money for the build process. If this is a clean sheet design and build, drawings can be created that can later serve in this capacity once the panel is completed and put into service.

Q: Can components from a Bill of Material be cross-referenced to an equivalent component?

You may not have complete drawings available, but do have a Bill of Material from a past project that can reduce research time for components. Your designer can utilize a B.O.M. to reference quality competitor components that may be sourced at a lower cost or faster shipping without sacrificing quality and reputation.

Q: Do you have a preferred manufacturer or supplier for components?

Pricing can vary based on the manufacturer or the supplier parts are sourced from. If you don’t have a specific manufacturer for components, it may be possible to reduce the price of the panel by sourcing qualified components for lower cost. If you have an extensive investment into employee training on a specific manufacturer brand, it may be more cost effective to just source from specific manufacturers that you are familiar with. In either case, knowing which direction to go will save time and money.

Q: Will you be supplying any of the panel components?

Your company may have proprietary agreements with select manufacturers, or you may have access to better pricing on components that your panel builder. If that’s the case, you may be supplying select components for a custom panel build for reduced investment or to meet contractual obligations. It doesn’t have to hinder the process, but your panel builder should know what you plan to supply in the early stages of the quoting process.

Q: What are the incoming and outgoing voltages of the control panel?

Every panel can be slightly different based on the incoming voltage to the control panel and the outgoing voltage to other equipment or components. Knowing what the requirements are, your panel builder can select robust components to match the voltages. Your custom control panel will be designed to be 100% compatible with other components and the work environment.

Q: What NEMA rating does the control panel enclosure need to be?

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (abbreviated NEMA) has set the industry standard when defining enclosures that can sustain hazardous, non-hazardous, dusty, moist, or corrosive environments. These details can make a significant difference in the rating of the enclosure and its associated cost. Buying the wrong enclosure could add cost where it is not required, or could undervalue a project that will later require upgrades or replacement to survive the work environment.

Q: Does the control panel require specific certifications?

There are multiple options for certifications on custom control panels. UL, CE, CSA, etc. You may need specific options, or none at all. Certifications can be completed in-house or by a 3^rd party if your panel builder doesn’t have the capability to complete them. Being specific on which (or if any) will be required for your panel will ensure your builder takes appropriate steps to complete the certifications on time and within the quoted budget.

Q: Does the project require additional programming?

Your custom control panel may offer control of a separate electrical drive, a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a human-machine interface (HMI). Writing a program for a new control panel is a common practice, but you may be able to reduce cost by using a current program that requires little to no modification for your application.

Final Thoughts

These eight questions are the tip of the iceberg, but they will get you headed in the right direction for quoting a new custom control panel. You can expect more questions as the specifics are researched. Your answers to the questions will drive the pricing and project timing, but don’t feel as if you’re on your own. Automation Electric and Controls can help navigate the custom control panel options with you to ensure your business purchases the right components to run at optimum performance.

AEC is a licensed ETL 508A panel building shop, and our work is defined by quality, safety, security, and flexibility. We can support your business with enclosures, breakers, motors, wiring, relays, contactors, and cloud-based solutions to monitor your software and hardware. We are locally owned and have operated in the Pacific Northwest since 2003. We have provided products for companies both local and global. When you’re ready for a new custom designed industrial panel, a custom mobile trailer or container, or the next evolution in cloud-based solutions, give us a call at (360) 428-0201 or email us at sales@automationelectric.com.