Electrical Cabinets

NoseyMike2010

Is there anyone here involved in designing/building electrical cabinets? Do you need a trade .... or where is the best starting point!!!

pieface_ie

As in building electrical distribution boards?
I know a apprentice electrician who worked for one of the main switch gear manufacturers and he spent all his time manufacturing boards.

A electrical trade would be desirable i think, maybe try the electrical forum?

2011

I am involved in the design end of things as part of my job, but I don't work on my tools. AFAIK you need to be a qualified electrician to built them. What type of cabinet are you trying to build?

NoseyMike2010

2011,

I was taking about electrical cabinets that house PLC, IO modules, etc

Philistine

NoseyMike2010 wrote: »

2011,

I was taking about electrical cabinets that house PLC, IO modules, etc

It doesn't really matter what equipment, devices or control gear is inside an electrical cabinet, they're still designed and built by electricians, electrical technicians and electrical/controls engineers.

NoseyMike2010

Where can I read up more about where to start when it comes to designing these cabinets??

Philistine

Do you have an electrical background?

NoseyMike2010

I have done a degree in Electronics with some electrical theory. I am trying to branch away and focus on PLC's and Cabinet Design for Control systems. I am not sure where I should start to look .... or what information I need to get me started.

Philistine

Books will only give you the general electrical theory. I’m not aware of any one book that “teaches you how to design and build electrical panels”.
Most / all equipment (PLC, HMI, VSD, Remote i/o etc…) that’s installed in a control panel will come with a technical data sheet / installation and maintenance guide.


To design you really need to know CAD or another design package.


You’re electronics qualification should be a good starting point but you really need hands on practical training.


Publications I’d recommend:

Newnes: Industrial Control Wiring Guide (by Bob Mercer)
This is a basic guide but is fairly dated. Still worth a read but costs €36 in Eason’s.

ETCI: National Rules for Electrical Installations
www.etci.ie Essential for all electrical work.

ETCI: Code of Practice for Control Systems Involving Programmable Electronic products & Systems
www.etci.ie €15.80

Practical Aspects of Industrial Control Technology
(Telemecanique Technical Collection)
This is an excellent book with a full chapter on control panel building and installation. A quick search on the net and only RS appear to have it listed but with no price showing. I got it from Schneider Electric in Leixlip before they closed down. You could try Schneider in the UK.