Entries by Victoria Anders

Selecting the right motor starter option

Of the various motor starter options, which is the best fit for your application? This article introduces the benefits and tradeoffs of the three main starter types: across-the-line starters, softstarters, and variable frequency drives.

How much time and money can push-in contactors save you?

Panel builders are always looking for ways to speed production, reduce costs, and improve panel reliability. Devices equipped with push-in connectors check all three of those boxes. Use this simple tool to calculate your potential savings.

Smarter breakers enable higher-performing panels

Some panel builders are content to offer traditional, serviceable designs. Others position themselves as higher-value providers, offering panels with more functions and performance. They often achieve that by relying on smarter breakers.

Boost the reliability of your backup-power control system

Facility managers with backup-power systems are like skydivers; they can’t know if the backup actually works until they need it. Using smart devices in power-control-system panels greatly increases backup-power system reliability.

Could you get into the UL 845 motor control center panel market?

—Rebecca Stamps, Product Marketing Manager LV & MV Motor Control, ABB Providing UL 845 motor control centers represents a step up the value chain for UL 508A panel shops. But that step up into a new and potentially profitable market requires a smaller step than you might think.

Streamlining panel design equals higher SCCR

—Sean Ghoddoucy, Segment Manager, National Alliance Accounts, ABBDaniel Lightsey, ABB Ability(TM), Smart Power Panels with higher AIC / SCCR ratings provide superior safety, helping protect employees and equipment while avoiding production losses and scrap. OEM machine builders and panel builders can pursue several paths to achieve those higher ratings.