backup-power control system

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.

Read more
automatic transfer switch

3 things to think about when selecting an automatic transfer switch

The automatic transfer switch has moved from a relatively mundane role in power distribution and control systems to being a major player. Read about three traits to consider to ensure you select the right ATS for your application.

Read more
UL845 motor control centers panel

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.

Read more
Streamlining panel design

Streamlining panel design equals higher SCCR


Sean Ghoddoucy, Segment Manager, National Alliance Accounts, ABB
Daniel 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.

Read more
Digital tools for finding and buying panel components

Digital tools for finding and buying panel components


Molly Hannigan
OEM Sales Manager
ABB Electrification Business

The pandemic greatly increased the use by manufacturers and distributors of digital and online tools to stay in touch with customers. Panel builders are using these digital tools for finding and buying panel components needed to keep production on track.

Read more
energy management systems

3 big benefits of an energy management system


Kevin Jordan
Market Development Manager
ABB AbilityTM

For facilities where power is critical and costly facility owners and managers rely on energy management systems (EMS) to better control their power distribution devices. Increased control is just one of three benefits of an EMS.

Read more
SCCR circuit breaker ratings

Power circuit breaker ratings explained

Darryl Moser
Sales Enablement Manager
ABB Electrification Products Division

When selecting the right low voltage power circuit breaker for an application, it is important to consider both short-circuit current ratings and short-time current ratings. Understanding these performance characteristics will help you choose between the various circuit breaker designs.

Read more
short circuit current ratings

4 Steps to calculate short circuit ratings in industrial control panels

This article has been updated March 2024, read the latest version here.

Daniel Lightsey
ABB Ability Smart Power

Marcel E. Valdes, PE, IEEE Fellow
Applications Engineering Manager

ABB Electrification Business

Short-circuit current ratings (SCCR) are a critical specification when designing industrial control panels. Determining the appropriate SCCR actually requires no calculations. Instead, there is a simple, four-step process to follow.

Read more
Machine safety fence solution

A simpler safety fence solution

Darrell Burkeen
Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV NORD)
ABB Jokab Safety Products

A simpler safety fence solution for manufacturers that provides effective protection from danger. A new approach to fence design helps make it easier to design, purchase, install and maintain safety fence systems.

Read more

Bigger motors need better protection

John Belshe
Product Marketing Manager
ABB Electrification Products Division

Your large (>400 HP) motors require special protection to ensure reliable operation and a long life. Learn how the features of today’s smarter motor-protecting circuit breakers are up to the task.

Read more