Brian, There are a whole bunch of standards that cover this discussion. IEC 61082-1, Preparation of documents used in electrotechnology - Part 1: Rules <https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/4469> is the “gateway standard” into this discussion. IEC 6108-1 is referenced in IEC 60204-1, and the IEC 61439 family among others. There are a series of standards that then deal with how to identify and cross-reference devices, and how to lay out panels. There is a grid system described in the standard that allows a designer to locate devices in space, as well as by function and product characteristics.
On the North American side, the base standard is NFPA 79, which may be combined with other standards like UL 508A, CSA C22.2 #301, and others. In addition, due to voltage separation requirements, EMC considerations and logical organization, panels are normally laid out with all the mains voltage components in one area, control voltage components in a separate area, hottest devices at the top of the panel, heaviest devices at the bottom, etc. In North America, the NEC and the CEC require a mechanical interlock between the main disconnecting device and the access door. This is not mandatory internationally, as you can also use a tool operated fastener to secure the door, or use an electrically operated interlock to achieve the same conditions. The use of Panduit-style raceway in the panel is a longstanding method for routing and containing wiring inside the panel. Not all panels are done this way, as some simple panels may still use wire bundling, but these are few and far between these days. The vast majority of industrial control components are designed for DIN-rail mounting, with heavy items like transformers and chokes, and high frequency components like EMI filters and motor drives mounted directly to the backplane. Doug Nix [email protected] +1 (519) 729-5704 > On 4-Apr-2017, at 08:54, Kunde, Brian <[email protected]> wrote: > > I notice that most industrial factory machinery is designed with a large > metal electronic box with a hinged door and some kind of keyed lock. Inside > the components are DIN mounted and the wiring is all dressed very neatly in > these gray plastic cable runs with snap-on lids. Every wire is labeled with a > small tag. > > Why are these machines so similar in design? Even among different > manufacturers, they look similar. Is there a standard or standards that > dictate exactly how this is done? What criteria is used to determine if your > product must follow these construction rules? > > Seems strange to me that they are so similar and if required to be that way, > then standards and/or governments are dictating design. Even if it was for > the “greater-good”, I thought that was a no-no. Dictate design, stifle > creativity, invite those who would take advantage for financial gain. > > Just curious. I’m most interested in the criteria question, though. > The Other Brian > > LECO Corporation Notice: This communication may contain confidential > information intended for the named recipient(s) only. If you received this by > mistake, please destroy it and notify us of the error. Thank you. > > - > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc > discussion list. To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to > <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> > > All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: > http://www.ieee-pses.org/emc-pstc.html > <http://www.ieee-pses.org/emc-pstc.html> > Attachments are not permitted but the IEEE PSES Online Communities site at > http://product-compliance.oc.ieee.org/ > <http://product-compliance.oc.ieee.org/> can be used for graphics (in > well-used formats), large files, etc. > > Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ <http://www.ieee-pses.org/> > Instructions: http://www.ieee-pses.org/list.html (including how to > unsubscribe) <http://www.ieee-pses.org/list.html> > List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html > <http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html> > For help, send mail to the list administrators: > Scott Douglas <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> > Mike Cantwell <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> > > For policy questions, send mail to: > Jim Bacher <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> > David Heald <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> > - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to <[email protected]> All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieee-pses.org/emc-pstc.html Attachments are not permitted but the IEEE PSES Online Communities site at http://product-compliance.oc.ieee.org/ can be used for graphics (in well-used formats), large files, etc. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ Instructions: http://www.ieee-pses.org/list.html (including how to unsubscribe) List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas <[email protected]> Mike Cantwell <[email protected]> For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: <[email protected]> David Heald: <[email protected]>
