8th December 2024
Welcome to the second guest contribution in the Sustainability in UL Standards campaign, which brings to light the likely adjustments to standards in which machine builders and OEMs will want to be privy to, as they embark on bringing products to North American markets.
In this guest contribution from Phil Murby, UK Commercial Manager at Lutze, we explore a different approach to the construction of a control panel.
The approach to constructing a control panel for many years has been to use a backplate or mounting plate (often supplied with the control cabinet), Din rail for mounting the components and trunking to contain/support the wires terminated to the electrical/electronic components mounted on the Din rail.
Whether the control panel is for UL or European market, the manufacturing of the control panel tends to be the same, apart from additional criteria that have to be met for UL508A, such as maximum wire capacity not exceeding 60% in the trunking.
With this approach to manufacturing, a control panel restricts airflow around the mounted components as the trunking creates a barrier restricting the air flow, whether this is passive or air conditioning cooled. As an offshoot of this, ‘hotspots’ are created inside the cabinet through heat generating components like power supplies, or variable speed drives mounted on the backplate.
Component lifecycles are drastically reduced if the temperature rises above 60°C, and fans/air conditioning units have to work harder, but are only cooling the areas local to the source. This cycle isn’t then energy efficient or even a sustainable approach for UL508A control panel construction. (See Fig 1)
Fig 1: Comparison between the traditional backplate (L) and the LUTZE AirSTREAM (R)
Here at Lutze we have a different approach to the construction of the control panel called “AirSTREAM”.
The LUTZE AirSTREAM is a frame system that consists of various aluminium profiles (UL file E331566) mounted on a steel uprights (SR032), fitted with UL94V-0 wiring combs that utilise the space behind the frame for the conductors, allowing free air to circulate around the mounted components on the din rail profile and the conductors, reducing the risk of ‘hotspots’ and the risk of damaging or lowering the life expectancy of the components.
The video link below shows how the air can circulate around the components using AirSTREAM and AirBLOWER;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDwbwh–Dzg
Fig 2
Fig 3
Should the ambient temperature increase, this can be measured by 3 sensors located within the control panel (see Fig 2) and with the aid of a controller ‘AirBLOWER’, this can switch on fans (which are mounted on top of the frame shown in Fig 3) or a smaller air conditioning unit/ heater reducing the energy foot print of the control panel. The devices are only switched on when then cabinet needs to be cooled in hot temperatures or heated in cold temperatures. Use this link to see a ‘best practice’ on keeping a control cabinet cool.
When looking at the technology of AirSTREAM and its component parts which are aluminium, steel and UL94-V0 plastics, these support UL with achieving sustainability goals through the lifecycle of the control panel.
Firstly, where 85% of an AirSTREAM’s frame is made from aluminium, this is lighter than the traditional backplate of steel, reducing the mechanical handling and transportation costs of a UL508A control panel. Manufacturing time of the control panel is shorter with less wastage of material.
The operational life of the control panel, where the AirSTREAM frame helps provide better air circulation within the control panel, increases the life expectancy of electronic components inside the control panel, and reduces the amount of additional air cooling or heating required from other sources, therefore reducing the energy consumption and thus reducing the carbon footprint of the control panel.
At the end of life, the component parts or frame of AirSTREAM can be re-used or recycled for the next revision of the UL508A control panel. AirSTREAM and AirBLOWER is a sustainable way of building your UL508A control panel for now, and for the future.
Learn how combining duct-free wiring, fan systems, and needs-based cooling can enhance energy efficiency in control cabinets, emphasising the importance of planning for optimal temperature distribution to prevent failures and reduce emissions.
The Sustainability in UL Standards Campaign explores the evolving intersection between UL standards, particularly UL508A certification, and sustainability. As machine builders and OEMs target the North American market, they must stay informed about potential regulatory changes driven by sustainability initiatives. The series delves into how sustainability trends are reshaping certification requirements, posing challenges such as material adaptation and cost balancing, while also presenting opportunities like enhanced brand reputation and market leadership.
Key themes include eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, lifecycle assessments, and global compliance. The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness and equip stakeholders with foresight, enabling them to navigate this transformative shift and align with sustainability imperatives.
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Stefano Muraro of Rockwell Automation explores specific evolutions of UL508A standards and the impact on industrial control panels, highlighting innovative, sustainable solutions.
In this guest contribution to the ongoing Sustainability in UL Standards campaign, Phil Murby, UK Commercial Manager at Lutze explores a different approach to the construction of a control panel.
In this guest contribution to the ongoing Sustainability in UL Standards campaign, Phil Murby’s insights provide practical guidance on aligning control panel wiring practices with sustainability and compliance, offering tangible solutions for both efficiency and environmental stewardship.
As the manufacturing community increasingly leans towards sustainable practices, machine builders and OEMs find themselves at the centre of impact and progress. But there are several caveats to ‘doing the right thing’, that will almost certainly emerge. The implications for standards and certifications like UL508A for one, could be significant.
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Many definitions used in systems implemented in North America have no equivalent in the design of industrial installations according to European regulations. The reason for this is not a simple problem of different terminology, but a different conceptual approach altogether.
PP C&A has over two decades of experience with the North American standards (UL, CSA & NFPA70/79) and can design and fully certify to cUL508a. Explore further here.
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