Feature Panel building


Panel building solutions: considering the overall picture


Cost is often the main consideration when it comes to panel building, however the best technical solution should be the deciding factor, as in many situations it enables both panel builders and customers to benefit from new technologies as well as reduced maintenance and downtime. It is


therefore up to the contractor to encourage their customers to consider the overall picture during the specification process, says Chris Edwards from HellermannTyton


W


ith the current economic climate continuing to be challenging, it has never been more important for panel builders to ensure they remain competitive. This has led to, what appears to be, two different approaches. The first involves a more technical method, whereby the panel builder will sell their expertise by focusing on more complex, custom designs, and will consistently use the same products. On the other side, there are those who focus on volume sales, tending to work more with mod- ular designs, and who will generally be keener to embrace new technologies that will provide cost savings. Market conditions are likely to have caused these approaches to arise, as well as the demands of the customer who is mainly concerned about the price of a panel and does not see beyond the initial capital cost of the installation. Other important factors that


require consideration include comparing technical solutions that can offer greater reliability, ease of mainte- nance and enhanced safety. It seems that, in some cases, the actual products are a secondary thought in the overall specification of the panel.


One example to consider is enclo- sures, their selection and use. While the enclosure plays a vital role in protecting valuable equipment and safeguarding the personnel who are using it, it is often considered a commodity product. Selecting a substandard product can, however, result in problems such as leaks, with the potential of putting the public at risk and eventually leading to costly downtime as the damaged component will need to be replaced. Substandard products are not only


those that are poorly made but also those which have been incorrectly specified for the application. For example, the enclosure may not have the appropriate IP rating to handle harsh environments; or, it could be one that has not been manufactured to


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stringent standards and therefore is not suitable to provide even the most basic level of protection.


It is worth noting that while two separate enclosures may have the same IP rating, they may be made from differ- ent materials and will not necessarily be suitable for the same installation. In such situations, the panel builder could easily unknowingly provide a substan- dard product to meet the needs of the required application. Over-specification can be almost as problematic as incorrect selection, and anecdotal evidence suggests this is a common occurrence with many panel builders. In such cases, these enclosures are providing very little benefit to the finished application


and only increase the installation cost for the customer.


Enclosure materials


Enclosures are made from a wide range of materials and it is important to recognise each type for its strengths and weaknesses, as well as its suitabil- ity in differing situations. Purchasing a high quality enclosure made from the wrong material can prove to be a costly mistake and one which can easily be avoided with the right level of consid- eration during the selection process. Mild steel enclosures, for instance, are considered suitable for most general purposes. While this material is a cost effective solution for indoor applications and its ability to be easily


WINTER/SPRING 2013 Enclosure & Panel Building Solutions


Working closely with equipment manufacturers can pay dividends for panel builders looking to find the best solution


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