Control panels are more than simply cabinets with stuff inside them. They guard the internal components from the environmental extremes of temperature, moisture, vibration, and contaminates—while keeping workers safe. They also control heating devices, the lighting within a structure, and/or the motors within the facility. Industrial control panels may be designed for the purpose and intent of controlling specific types of equipment, ranging from cranes, machinery utilized in the industrial setting, equipment that controls refrigeration, and even pumps. CSA C22.2 No. 286-2023: Industrial Control Panels And Assemblies applies to industrial control panels and assemblies.
What Is CSA C22.2?
CSA C22.2 No. 286-2023 applies to industrial control panels and assemblies rated at not more than 1500 V, intended to be installed and used in non-hazardous locations. The industrial control panels and assemblies covered by this standard are intended for use in an ambient temperature of 0 to 40 °C (32 to 104°F). Additional investigation of the equipment will be required when equipment is to be used in an ambient temperature outside of this range. Examples of industrial control panels and assemblies covered by CSA C22.2 No. 286-2023 include motor control panels, process control equipment panels, heating panels, programmable control panels, heating and cooling equipment control panels, etc. The standard specifies that the term “control” as applies to both starters and controllers.
The standard does not cover electrical instruments that can be included as part of control equipment such as meters, nor does it apply to external loads controlled by the industrial control panels and assemblies. Other equipment that the standard does not apply to, but is not limited to, include power supplies; automatic transfer switched; fire pump controllers; enclosed switchers; switchgear; line isolation monitors; power factor correction capacitor banks, panels boards and custom panel boards; motor control center unites and actions; hydro-massage equipment; power factor correction capacitor banks; elevator equipment; hazardous location equipment; etc.
Industrial Control Panels
An industrial control panel is a collection of electrical components used to monitor and control industrial devices in industrial applications, including the operation of industrial electric motors and drives, production, assembly, and conveyance. More specifically, an industrial control panel is an assembly of two or more components, such as motor controllers, switches, circuit breakers, and control devices. It provides a centralized and organized means to corral the electrical and control components for machinery and equipment, and in doing so, it helps optimize the entire process, enhance safety, increase uptime, and ensure product quality. CSA C22.2 No. 286-2023 specifies two types of industrial control panels:
- Enclosed-type assembly: An industrial control assembly that is provided with an overall enclosure.
- Open-type assembly: An industrial control assembly that can include internal wiring, field wiring terminals, and components that are mounted on a subpanel or backplane but not provided with an overall enclosure
Where Are Industrial Control Panels Used?
Industrial control panels can be used in equipment automation for heaters, motors, pump loads, or a combination of any of these. They can also be used for more heavy-duty equipment like cranes, elevators, manufacturing equipment, refrigeration units, and other large industrial machinery. Additionally, industrial control panels are commonly used for distributing power, housing pneumatics, and protecting automation electronics associated with machines, equipment, and processing systems.
CSA C22.2 No. 286-2023: Industrial Control Panels And Assemblies is available on the ANSI Webstore.
