Written by Introduction
Ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical systems requires adherence to appropriate standards. At Tork Mekatronik, we strictly adhere to European standards in panel manufacturing. In this blog post, we will discuss the key aspects of electrical panel manufacturing with references to European norms. Topics include grounding, cable colors, protection measures against direct contact in case of electric shocks, the tests we conduct, and using EPLAN software for project planning.
European Standards in Panel Manufacturing
Compliance with European standards is a testament to our commitment to safety and quality. Standards such as EN 61439 for low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies provide comprehensive guidelines to ensure panels are safe, reliable, and efficient. This standard specifies detailed requirements for the design, production, testing, and certification of electrical panels. At Tork Mekatronik, we diligently follow these standards.
Grounding of Electrical Panels
Grounding is a fundamental aspect of electrical safety. According to European norms, grounding provides a low-resistance path to prevent voltage buildup that could cause electric shocks or fires. The EN 50522 standard outlines specific requirements for the design and installation of grounding systems. Our panels are grounded in accordance with these standards, ensuring a safe working environment.
Cable Colors
The correct use of cable colors is crucial for the safety and functionality of electrical panels. European norms specify color codes to minimize errors during installation and maintenance. The EN 60446 standard regulates cable and conductor color coding. The cable colors used in our panels are as follows:
- Protective conductor / ground PE: Green/yellow
- PEN conductor / Equipotential bonding conductor: Green/yellow
- Neutral main circuit midpoint conductor N: Light blue
- Phases for AC and DC voltage in main circuits: Black
- Auxiliary circuits for AC voltage: Red
- DC voltage: Blue
- External voltages: Orange
These color codes are standardized across Europe, and our panels are manufactured in accordance with these guidelines.
Protection Measures Against Electric Shocks
Direct contact with live electrical parts can lead to severe electric shocks. To mitigate this risk, our panels incorporate several protective measures. The EN 61140 standard specifies general requirements for protection against electric shocks. The protective measures in our panels include:
- Insulated barriers and enclosures to prevent accidental contact
- Automatic disconnection devices to cut off power in case of a fault
- Residual current devices (RCDs) to detect leakage currents and provide additional protection. These RCDs are set to operate at a maximum of 30 mA for safety. While some applications use 300 mA RCDs, this is very dangerous and does not comply with safety standards.
Tests Conducted on Our Panels
We conduct various tests to ensure the safety and functionality of our electrical panels. These tests are performed in compliance with European norms and guarantee that our panels meet high-quality standards. Some of the tests we conduct include:
- High Voltage Test (Dielectric Test): Performed according to EN 61439 to verify the electrical strength of the panel.
- Insulation Resistance Test: Conducted as per EN 61557 to measure the insulation level of the panel.
- Protective Earth Continuity Test: Ensures the continuity of the grounding circuit according to EN 60204.
- Functional Tests: Checks whether all functions of the panel operate correctly.
These tests ensure our panels are safe, durable, and functional.
Project Planning with EPLAN Software
Accurate and efficient project planning is critical in panel manufacturing. At Tork Mekatronik, we use EPLAN software, a leading tool in electrical engineering. EPLAN enables us to create detailed and accurate schematics and layouts, ensuring every aspect of the project is meticulously planned and executed. This software enhances our ability to deliver customized solutions that meet our clients’ specific requirements while adhering to stringent quality standards.
Conclusion
At Tork Mekatronik, we manufacture safe, reliable, and efficient electrical panels by adhering to European standards. We implement robust grounding and protection measures, use standardized cable colors, conduct comprehensive tests, and utilize advanced tools like EPLAN. You can trust Tork Mekatronik for your panel manufacturing needs; safety and quality are our top priorities.
For more information or to discuss your project requirements, please contact us at Tork Mekatronik.