Tips for Wiring Your UL 508A Control Panel

[@Busytech109]

I've seen in several situations with intermittent problems, that adding ferrules can make the problem disappear. Especially with safety circuits or situations where vibration is an issue. I always use them with spring terminals. I've been sold on them since I started using them for around 15 years ago.

[@TimWilborne]

I agree. It takes a little more time but it doesn't take much time chasing down that one little fray wire to pay for them.

[@tcs9787]

Love the tips and tricks videos helps refresh my memory to stay sharp when wiring 😊

[@TimWilborne]

Glad to hear it!

[@mattylad8035]

I have always called these ferrules "Bootlace Crimps" because they look like the Aglets on the end off a boot lace. There are other types of ferrule as well. Re the cable marking - Thank you Tim! I have always followed the left to right and bottom to top direction, based on years of circuit drawing and following a standard for that, so that it is readable in 2 directions only. I have always thought that having wire markings upside down is counter productive, especially when your up a ladder looking into a control panel etc. However, all those that I work with seem to have come from historical training where they were taught to put the wire markers on the same way not matter what direction the cable is pointing, this is even specified in an IEC standard, which is part of IEC60204 - the std (like UL) that EU/UK panels should adhere to in order to be safe etc. (I'm in the U.K.) Being someone that always questions everything, I question why they were taught this way? I suspect it's because it's a lot easier to do, no having to figure out the cable direction - everything is done the same - t'was dumbed down. Unfortunatly, as everyone else in the company uses the dumb way I have been forced to change, although it makes it faster to load applicators IMO it makes it harder to read. A bit like why ANSI gate symbols have been taught and used for years, the original guy that taught someone used them, his student used them and taught them to someone else etc. Anything else just does not represent a gate to me. Re the electric screwdriver, I have arthritis so cannot do the job without one, however I have a Phoenix electric driver that has calibrated torque settings, I also use a small cheap 12 electric driver/drill, I can hold the 1/4" bit while I pull the trigger and it will not turn - so it's weak. This means I can then go everything up and go round it all with a torque driver afterwards. Keep up the good work mate :)

[@TimWilborne]

I had to eat my words on the marking, see video below... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ2ZqIVtZdWhmdU

[@dywirnach783]

I have a few things to add on these contents : 1- ferrules are a must until you reach 16mm2 square of size after I prefer using a different type of ferrule , the regular one with the heat tend to expand and you have a loose power wire in those cases if you don’t have the right one I prefer to tight without any … Also on the long run I prefer the nomenclature of the cables doing it with a plastic tube as protection, if you work in a harsh environment the printed labels disappear after 10-15 years And maybe because I was teach from a European company I preferred to use the scissors but it’s just me … What you think about those new machines from ePlan? That makes the right length of the wire and the labels directly from the schematic?

[@TimWilborne]

I would like to play with one of those ePlan machines. It could bring your panel building to a whole new level.

[@coltoncarey5094]

Hey Tim! I had a question about the wire ferrules. I am running into an issue where my mcb recommends my wire strip length to be 14mm, but unable to find a single ferrule with the barrel length of 14mm, but in 12 or 18 mm. Would you say that uising the 12mm barrel length ferrule is acceptable?

[@TimWilborne]

That is a good question. I would reach out to Phoenix Contact and ask. Let me know what they say.

[@DEFE1994]

What are you using for labeling all the wires?

[@TimWilborne]

This is a Brady BMP71

[@the_industrious_electrician]

Why do you still use transformers in your panels? Could you not use solely switch mode power supplies? I always feel transformer's are heavy and take up a lot of space. Interested to get your take.

[@surplusautomationsupply3427]

They are typically used to get single phase power from 3-phase. If you need 3-phase AC and single phase AC in a panel I don't believe they make power supplies for this.. I've never seen one at least.

[@TimWilborne]

In my case, I am powering this training cell with 120 VAC but I needed 230 VAC for the robot, it was my only option. But you are correct, in many cases You can go directly from your incoming power including for 480 VAC 3 phase to a 24 VDC power supply

[@surplusautomationsupply3427]

@TimWilborne Yeah, I actually watched the video and saw the transformer after I replied. There are definitely times when a transformer is the only option. I thought the comment from the other guy acting like transformers are obsolete was odd.. Keep up the good work Tim!

[@the_industrious_electrician]

@@surplusautomationsupply3427 Usually in the UK we run a three phase supply with a neutral to a control panel. This means we can get single and three phase supplies @400V and 230V. I used to use 110Vac centre tap transformers for control but with the advancement in SMPS and 24vdc control gear, I find transformers obsolete for most applications.

[@TimWilborne]

This is partially a difference in our voltages. 480VAC is common on plants but when center tapped you get 277V which isn't common except in lighting applications. While less needed today, there are some products that are 120 volt only. Also don't forget about transformers noise reduction capabilities and reduction of SCCR.