Have you ever wondered how automated machinery is controlled? The answer lies in the control panel. This amazing piece of kit is responsible for keeping automated equipment on track. Discover what control panels are, how they work and how they are made in our guide.

What is a control panel?

In simple terms, an electrical control panel is a metal panel or enclosure that contains a combination of electrical devices. These devices monitor and control equipment using electrical power and send signals to direct the operation of machines or equipment.  

Within a basic control panel there are a few main components:

• The main circuit breaker - where all the power comes into the panel from various devices.
• The surge arrestor - protects the panel from electrical surges such as a lightning strike. 
• The transformer - switches the power down in order to supply smaller devices.
• The terminal block -  a modular block that connects devices and joins two or more wires together. 

 Control panels can be configured very simply or can be extremely complex to meet the needs of different industrial environments.

What do control panels do?

Behind the scenes of every factory, there are lots of control panels that drive the process and keep it working efficiently. Factories use control panels to operate functions like production lines or conveyor equipment. 

As more companies move towards automation and robotics, the control panel plays a pivotal role in controlling the entire manufacturing process. A well designed control panel will reduce downtime, increase productivity and protect vital equipment. 

You can find control panels in the dashboard of motor vehicles, ships and aircraft. The panels are used to monitor and gauge information such as speed and distance. They also operate essential systems like motor control, navigation and autopilot. 

But it’s not just factories and vehicles that use control panels. Organisations around the globe rely on control panels for many daily processes. From mainframe computers to security systems or life saving medical equipment.

 Industries that use control panels

Control panels are used in all walks of life and are found across a vast range of industries including automotive, utility, agriculture, security and leisure. Most of these industries will use bespoke control panels designed and manufactured by a specialist team. 

The Automotive Industry 

The automotive industry is experiencing a green revolution with the electrification of vehicles from buses and trucks, to agricultural equipment. To meet the demands of this changing technology, businesses require innovative control panels that facilitate the development of their products and services as they adapt and grow. 

At Assembly Solutions, we are proud to work with Alexander Dennis, a global leader in the design and manufacture of double deck buses. For over 10 years we have developed and fabricated a range of control panels alongside their other electric products. 

Read more about our projects with Alexander Dennis and why they consider us to be the UK’s best control panel manufacturer. 

The Nuclear Industry 

The nuclear industry uses control panels to detect and monitor plant activity. The control room in a nuclear power station contains a combination of complex panels and boards. This equipment is safety-critical and control panels must be 100% reliable. 

To design, manufacture and build control panels for the nuclear industry requires a wealth of knowledge and experience. The panels are more complex and technical than in other sectors and are made by a team of specialist panel builders. 

Assembly Solutions is a trusted manufacturer of nuclear electrical control panel equipment. We have over 10 years of experience in the Nuclear Industry.  We are proud to be an approved supplier to Sellafield power station and have even built special cells within our factory where Sellafield’s panels are produced.

How control panels are made

Control panel development begins at the design stage where the manufacturer works closely with the customer to understand their ideas and develop a fitting design. The panels are manufactured in a state of the art facility using quality panel wiring alongside computer-aided design. Each panel is tested and quality approved before the final installation. 

At Assembly Solutions, our engineers carry out on-site visits to discuss your project and develop the most cost-effective solution for your business. Our team offers a flexible service and fast turnaround times on all of our panel builds.

Expert control panel and cable assembly manufacture

We’ve been manufacturing control panels for over 25 years and are the preferred supplier to an impressive list of global companies including; Aston Martin, Siemens and Vodafone. 

The range of control panels that we manufacture include Mains Distribution Control Boxes, Leak Detection Panels, Winch mounted Vehicle Control Panels, Ultraviolet water treatment Control Panels and many more! 

As well as control panels, we are the leading UK’s leading Cable Assembly and Panel Wiring Manufacturers. Proud winners of Manufacturing Business of the Year Award. 

All of our products are quality assured and delivered on time with excellent customer service. 

To enquire about our control panel services, or to discuss your electrical assembly project, contact our knowledgeable team today.