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InControl – control panel news
Building machines today demands speed, reliability and power, while also delivering energy efficiency and a smaller footprint. ABB’s InControl newsletter will keep you up to date on innovative new control panel technologies, real-world applications and educational articles designed to help you save time and improve profitability.
Safety by design in 3 easy steps
Industrial accidents involving electricity and electrified equipment are one of the leading causes of lost hours and employee fatalities. By choosing the right electrical components, panelboard OEMs can help customers promote workplace safety.
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Past Issues
2024
September 2024
Next-generation, software-defined devices deliver business benefits for OEMs and end-users
Multiapplication devices deliver operational benefits for OEMs while future-proofing electrical systems to help industrial customers reach their operational and sustainability goals.
August 2024
4 ways equipment OEMs help meet the growing demand for battery power
Battery manufacturers play a critical role in meeting the worldwide demand for battery power as do the equipment OEMs that ensure these manufacturers can meet their customer commitments. Here are four ways these OEMs contribute to the battery manufacturers’ operations.
July 2024
Actionable strategies for data center cooling efficiency and sustainability
Data centers consume as much as 3% of the world’s energy. With 40% of that energy usage coming from cooling systems, HVAC OEM panel builders play a vital role in helping data center operators keep energy consumption in check. Motor control systems designed for the unique needs of data center cooling can help.
June 2024
Enhanced circuit protection: An evolution in safety, efficiency, and reliability
More than a century ago, the first electrical fuses designed to protect electrical systems against excessive currents were introduced. Since then, innovations in enhanced circuit protection solutions have made electrical power more efficient, reliable, and safer.
May 2024
Cost-effective short circuit current solutions
With temperatures as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, an arc flash can result in catastrophic injuries, substantial equipment damage, and unplanned downtime. ABB’s cost-effective short-circuit solutions help utilities and industry increase electrical safety and mitigate the damage caused by an arc flash incident.
April 2024
Battery energy storage: Ensuring power reliability at net zero
Utilities and grid operators are keenly interested in battery energy storage systems to support the supplementation and eventual replacement by renewables of fossil fuel generation sources.
March 2024
4 Steps to calculate short circuit current ratings in industrial control panels
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.
February 2024
Demystifying the UL 1008 testing requirements and ATS ratings
The UL 1008 Standard for Safety – Transfer Switch Equipment encompasses stringent testing for reliable operation under various conditions. This standard helps OEMs and panel builders optimize product safety and performance in critical power applications.
January 2024
The basics of trip curves for panel builders
A critical but often confusing characteristic of miniature circuit breakers are trip curves. Knowing the basics of trip curves can ensure selecting the lowest-cost breaker that will provide the needed protection without nuisance tripping.
2023
December 2023
How car wash operators and OEMs utilize technology to improve safety and sustainability
Modern car washes use cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly methods to enhance safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, contributing to greater profitability.
November 2023
7 Reasons businesses choose hybrid gensets
Hybrid gensets blend traditional and alternative energy, offering businesses reduced emissions, fuel savings, reliability, and lower operational costs, aligning with green and cost-efficiency goals.
October 2023
Higher EV charger uptime starts with better components
Enhancing EV charger uptime hinges on superior components, confronting reliability issues, and fortifying the charging infrastructure vital for the expanding electric vehicle sector.
September 2023
Capture new opportunities in the growing small power-generation systems market
Smaller-scale power generation systems are creating new opportunities for OEMs and panel builders. But they need to understand the unique feature that generator breakers must include.
August 2023
HVAC builders need to prepare for new UL 60335-2-40 standard
When new UL standards are enacted, electrical component makers and OEMs need to ensure compliance. OEMs in the HVAC market should confirm their suppliers for contactors can meet the new UL60335-2-40 standard by the January 1, 2024 deadline.
July 2023
Apps build both safety and a path toward digitalization
The apps available to monitor, manage, and maintain power control and protection devices offer instant benefits to both panel builders and end users. These apps also represent a simple but strong first step toward digitalization.
June 2023
New automatic transfer switch technology enables panel builders and OEMs to expand project opportunities
The size and complexity of traditional, multi-component automatic transfer switches created issues for panel builders and OEMs.
May 2023
The key to reducing energy use in conveyors
Energy costs are becoming an increasingly important consideration for facility managers when selecting motors and related control components for their conveyor systems. OEMs are taking notice and designing in the capability to monitor and manage power.
April 2023
CHIPS Act offers rewards and risks for panel builders
The CHIPS Act will open the floodgates of funding to increase domestic integrated circuit production. For panel builders, this creates a huge opportunity to serve production-equipment OEMs and chip-fabrication facility managers.
March 2023
UL 98 vs. UL 508 disconnect switches – Choose wisely
UL 98 or UL 508 disconnect switches? Panel builders and OEMs often make poor choices, resulting in project delays and increased costs. What do you need to know when selecting the right switch for your application?
February 2023
The basics of trip curves for panel builders
A critical but often confusing characteristic of miniature circuit breakers are trip curves. Knowing the basics of trip curves can ensure selecting the lowest-cost breaker that will provide the needed protection without nuisance tripping.
January 2023
Choose enhanced breaker and controller options to build more-competitive panels
Panel builders have many opportunities to incorporate smart, connected devices to make panels more functional and desirable to customers. In this article, we will examine the benefits and applications of 4 potential motor-protection-device configurations.
2022
December 2022
3 Solutions for power panels in semiconductor fabs
Machine builders serving the semiconductor industry face some particularly tough requirements for power quality and reliability. Read about three technologies available in panel components that can help meet those requirements.
November 2022
Learn the 4 key benefits of plug-in breakers
Plug-in technology is gaining wider acceptance among panelboard and switchboard equipment builders. They are capitalizing on the four big benefits of plug-in breakers to differentiate themselves with safer, more reliable products.
October 2022
Four benefits of digitalizing control panels for vertical farms
The benefits of vertical farming are somewhat offset by the challenges of indoor agriculture. The need to optimize energy usage and reduce maintenance are increasingly being met with features found in digitalized control panel components.
September 2022
Choose enhanced breaker and controller options to build more-competitive panels
Building machines today demands speed, reliability and power, while also delivering energy efficiency and a smaller footprint.
August 2022
Three key benefits of unlocking the data in your digital components
Most panel builders and OEMs are missing out on a simple way to greatly enhance the functionality and value of your products. Consider capitalizing on the power of the simple software available to unlock the hidden power in your products.
July 2022
Choose the right technology for your surge-protection devices
There’s a surge in demand for surge protection, and it will only grow in the future. Panel builders and OEMs need to know the fundamental difference between the two most-common surge protection technologies.
June 2022
Are you selecting and installing your rope-pull safety switches correctly?
Rope-pull safety switches remain a simple but effective approach to providing safety stops along conveyors and in other applications. Despite their simplicity, care is required to ensure these systems are designed and installed correctly.
May 2022
The three levels of motor-starting controls
Providers of many products and services have long classified offerings as “Good, Better, or Best” to help guide buyers. That three-tier classification also works well for panel builders designing motor starting systems.
April 2022
3 Approaches to reducing the danger and damage of arc flash
There are a number of ways to help reduce the damage and danger of arc-flash events. There’s also a way simply to help prevent them. Learn more about three common methods of arc-flash mitigation.
March 2022
Higher solar voltage / New panel opportunities
Solar-PV energy providers no longer need complex solutions to match 800/1000 VAC array outputs to lower-voltage storage systems. Panel builders can support their shift to much simpler, more efficient, more reliable 800/1000 VAC storage.
February 2022
Control panel, motor control, selection made easy
Selecting devices matched to your motor to help ensure safe, reliable operation has never been easier. The just released ABB Motor Starting and Protection Selector mines relevant catalogs and resources to provide a bill of materials for the circuit.
January 2022
UL duel: UL 98 or 508 for disconnect switches?
Choosing panel components often comes down to “What’s the lowest-cost device that meets all application requirements?” Some OEMs and panel builders answer incorrectly without a good understanding of the differences between UL 98 and UL 508.
2021
December 2021
Know the 3 Cs of designing reliable panel power systems
Panel builders and end users interested in more reliable, more functional panels should consider the three Cs: Complexity, Clutter, and Cost.
November 2021
Getting inside the humble transformer
Transformers are a foundational component in almost every panel. While it’s a fairly straightforward device, there are probably some things you don’t know about how it works and how you should select your supplier.
October 2021
Three insights on ensuring compliance with UL standards for MCCs
Builders and buyers of motor control centers (MCCs) rely on standards, notably UL 845, to ensure panel safety and functionality. This article provides insights and tips to help you better understand key elements of those standards.
September 2021
4 Benefits of Safety PLCs
In many applications, Safety PLCs can not only help ensure required safety levels but also provide process control. Panels using only a Safety PLC can be smaller and simpler, and help panel builders keep their costs lower.
August 2021
Renewable energy storage = Big opportunities for OEMs and panel builders
The bread-and-butter business for panel builders and OEMs has been safely delivering and controlling electric power. Today, storing that energy represents a new and growing opportunity. How big is the potential and what systems are involved?
July 2021
What you need to know about miniature circuit breaker trip curves
One of the critical criteria when selecting miniature circuit breakers is their trip curve. Awareness of these curves will help you select the right breakers for your applications, and diagnose potential nuisance tripping issues.
June 2021
UL duel: UL 98 or 508 for disconnect switches?
Choosing panel components often comes down to “What’s the lowest-cost device that meets all application requirements?” Some OEMs and panel builders answer incorrectly without a good understanding of the differences between UL 98 and UL 508.
May 2021
3 ways to help make your control panels more competitive
When selecting panel components, OEMs can boost their competitive position by looking beyond price at three other factors that can elevate the quality, reliability, functionality, and price-competitiveness of their panels.
April 2021
Deliver innovation using these control panel builder resources
Industrial manufacturers have been expanding their online, self-service resources available to customers. This curated guide contains innovative digital resources that are helping panel builders and OEMs simplify panel design and optimize component selection.
March 2021
Why the increased need for surge protection?
Surge protection devices are evolving from being “accessories” toward “necessities.” Learn why more OEMs and panel builders are making the smart move to include these devices in their designs.
February 2021
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.
January 2021
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.