Electrical Engineering Blog

Selecting control panel components

Jonathan Doncet
Product Marketing Manager
ABB Electrification Products Division

The latest panel technology often offers big benefits. But depending on the application, the older technology may be better. Here are some factors to consider when selecting control panel components and the applications where traditional NEMA components can be a better choice than newer IEC technology.

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Think twice about bolt-on solutions

Rich Gibson
Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV NORD)
ABB Jokab Safety Products

When faced with a new or changed machine-safety risk, bolt-on solutions may seem like the easiest, cheapest approach. In most cases, it makes sense to consider a safety PLC, which can provide a far superior, lower-cost solution.

Superior safety, from switches to sensors

Rich Gibson
Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV NORD)
ABB Jokab Safety Products

Superior safety, from switches to sensors. The first-generation safety interlocks, like the mechanical door switch, were the best available solution 50 years ago ‒ but were far short of perfect. Read how the technology evolved – not always smoothly – to today’s safer, more reliable sensors.

Simplify panel building

Berea Janzen
Product Marketing Manager – EPR, Pilot Devices, Limit Switches
ABB Electrification Products

In every assembly process, simplicity saves time and money. Two simple technologies that simplify panel building are push-in connections and compact pilot devices. Learn more about how they can help improve your assembly process.

Power control technology

See power control technology in action at ABB Customer World. ABB Customer World is a chance to learn, connect with peers, and find solutions. This year, it includes a remarkable simulation of the ABB Ability Electrical Distribution Control System, connecting devices throughout the showroom in working demo.

Making smart component choices

Allen Austin
Market Development Manager-Americas – Renewable Energy & Power Generation
ABB Electrification Products Division

Are you making smart component choices? When selecting components for energy storage power control systems, traditional designs are the right choice in some cases. For automatic transfer switches and current monitoring systems, it’s a smart idea to consider today’s smarter digital devices.

Benefits of more-compact panels

Rich Gibson
Product Marketing Manager
ABB Jokab Safety Products

Actions to solve one problem often have other, unexpected consequences. Panel builders opt for digital components primarily to create more-compact panels. But they also discover other unexpected additional benefits of interest to both panel builders and buyers. Here are 3 unexpected benefits of more-compact panels.

Less is more when it comes to machine safety

Rich Gibson
Product Marketing
ABB Jokab Safety Products

Most machine builders have been going the wrong way on safety, adding more protective devices in their effort to reduce risks. Turns out that the right approach is to actually use fewer devices. Read how less is more when it comes to machine safety and keeping things simpler actually makes machines safer.

Smart technology in solar

Allen Austin
Market Development Manager
ABB Renewable Energy & Power Generation

Smart devices are proving to be very popular among solar developers and operators, it is expected that soon the adoption rate of digital technology in the solar industry will reach the adoption rate of general industry today. Learn how 3 smart applications of smart technology in solar are being used.

Panel building productivity

Chris Lovell
Product Marketing
ABB EPPC North America

The people who build panels spend a considerable amount of their time with screwdrivers in their hands. Push-in connections not only eliminate the need to tighten terminals but also result in more reliable, vibration-proof connections. Read about the benefits of push-in connections and ABB Push-in Spring solutions for motor starters and how they can increase panel building productivity.