Tools needed to build UL 508A Industrial Control Panels Part 1 of 6

[@JL-ql2jo]

Thanks for the info! I have spent the past two years taking on the role of producing UL listed industrial control panels in-house for the company I work for. The challenge was out of necessity and I've learned so much in the process having had no previous experience. I am pleased to discover that in teaching myself essentially, I have implemented many of the techniques and steps you demonstrate by considering anything I can that would make the process enjoyable, mistake free, safe, and efficient.... though now having done all I can myself, my notepad was filled quickly with info from your series of videos on this. Thanks again from this newbie for your expertise!

[@TimWilborne]

Glad it was helpful Jonathan!

[@irwinjimenez]

I use an old school manual DRAFTING TABLE that architecs and Engineers used to use back in the day to draw up old school blueprints. You can use a ½" x ½" x 48" long stick of aluminum L- channel from Home Depot with two pressure clamps to help secure stuff from sliding down off the table. Allows you to tilt it from horizontal flat to full upright vertical 90° deg up with a simple mechanical lever. The pedestal stand has a built-in small 120v motor with a simple left/right pedal operated by you shoetip, that allows the table to be raised up or down.

[@lonelyprepperhomestead911]

After 30 years as a professional with literally thousands of panel builds, I just had to subscribe. Programming computers and PLC’s was probably my favorite responsibility but panel building was definitely next on my list. Even thought about opening my own shop when I took an early retirement in 2004. I never realized how much I’d miss my work once retired. But I manage to tinker around with little projects which act as a pacifier. :)

[@TimWilborne]

It is an enjoyable profession. Amber and I have always said that the day that it isn't fun anymore is the day we'll close the doors and we're still at it. Thanks for subscribing! Our next series will start at the beginning of next year, Micrologix PLC programming.

[@lonelyprepperhomestead911]

Tim .... Please don't make me want to go back to work. LOL

[@TimWilborne]

@@lonelyprepperhomestead911 Maybe I can keep you entertained enough to reminisce about the good ole days :)

[@DieselDog1929]

Awesome! thanks for what you do. In my line of work being an electronics maintenance technician i wish we had more people in the industry that use the guidelines and presicion that you yourself use. It is very satisfying to watch your videos, whether you are wanting to get into that field of expertise or you are like me and always want to continue to excel and learn more information. I appreciate you being very thorough and making it simple for most people to understand.

[@TimWilborne]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonaslinchangco824]

I've been searching for 4 months and I've finally found it! Thanks for this Tim!

[@TimWilborne]

Glad you found us! Here is a playlist that includes subjects on control panel building that have been added to the original series. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJu7iJZ6hdx7n9U

[@Universalengineerings]

N Awesome Workshop Tim... How mtr sq your Workshop Tim..?

[@tresurehammer2027]

thanks for all your videos ....lots of professionalism...have a good day

[@TimWilborne]

You're welcome!

[@kingofslotsmillion3263]

Hi Tim Do you have a video on the steps one can take to start there own UL panel building buissness

[@TimWilborne]

Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXLcZpawmqt2pac

[@karldahlman274]

Look into flexcraft building materials. Out of Minnesota. Basically erector sets for adults! I don’t work for them but I will probably be getting their stuff for the exact same reason.

[@TimWilborne]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have a look at them. I think I'm going to come up with a concept and may make a video out of the build.

[@karldahlman274]

Tim Wilborne awesome! flex-craft.com/ Here is their website.

[@TimWilborne]

@@karldahlman274 Thanks!

[@csdrip]

Do you have a "go to" checklist that you use prior to shipping a panel? Safety relay, pushbuttons, etc?

[@TimWilborne]

That is a great question Chris. We do have some basic checks we do on all control panels and I should probably formalize them and make them available Probably the most important thing we do for control panels shipping out is we record the functionality for the customer to review before it ships. Here are some samples. kzbin.info/www/bejne/epS0ZXyoZ9mgb8U By the way, nice sunrise in your profile pic.

[@rohitdeshpande9872]

thanks for sharing. quite informative. Which make of wire stripper do you use?

[@TimWilborne]

I like the Phoenix Contact Wirefox stripping tools www.phoenixcontact.com/en-us/products/hand-tools/stripping-tools

[@highlonesomebluegrass8286]

That’s an awesome set up, I’m just breaking the ice on building control panels. I need to get together with some pros to get a better grasp on things.

[@TimWilborne]

Thanks and welcome to the world of building control panels! What do you need help grasping?

[@highlonesomebluegrass8286]

Pretty much from square one, is there a way we could correspond through email or even telephone. There is quite a bit to explain if you have the time.

[@TimWilborne]

Between being in manufacturing plants, videoing, and chasing two kids we're rarely available for a long phone conversation but feel free to email us at [e-mail] and we'll do our best to help.

[@highlonesomebluegrass8286]

Thank you, I’ll try and reach out to you soon. Thanks again.

[@jordanrobillard6446]

Hey Tim have you ever dealt with UL certification? I am curious how that process works. Thanks.

[@TimWilborne]

See if this one helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXLcZpawmqt2pac

[@Aliskaeraa]

Hi Tim I’m very interested in getting into this field of work I’m a beginner willing to learn just don’t have any idea on how to get the training I need to begin if you have any recommendations how should I get started I would really appreciate thanks you

[@TimWilborne]

Well watching our videos is a great start :) What do you currently do for a living?

[@Aliskaeraa]

I manufacture medical tubing that uses extrusion and expansion machines that I’m interested in learning how to services and build

[@TimWilborne]

@@Aliskaeraa Check out this video. I can't remember the specific question number but I address this in it. www.theautomationstore.com/plc-training-44-questions-and-answers-about-plc-programming-part-2/

[@rixpanapasa8977]

hi tim...I really appreciate the efforts you put in your videos and they are very educational esp for a newbie like me who's intrested in industrial automation...just a question...before building your panel how do you actually figure out the right size of panel to fit all those electrical components?

[@TimWilborne]

Hi Ricco. We're getting ready to do the video about panel layout. The biggest things I seen missed starting our is not grouping similar components and not leaving enough space around components for cooling and neatly wiring.

[@rixpanapasa8977]

@@TimWilborne awesome...looking forward to that video..🍺

[@Chilllybob]

Want something that tilts moves up & down what about a drafting table but a heavy duty one

[@TimWilborne]

It isn't beefy enough to support larger panels. I did find that raising my tables 10" helped tremendously, but they are still flat. Thanks for watching!

[@DoctorPLL]

Don't forget the step where you get UL508/508A & CAN CSA C22.2 no. 14.

[@TimWilborne]

That's in part 6. It should be ready on November 15

[@jacobonassar9840]

Hey Tim! I really liked your cable setup on the roof, I was looking for something similar but couldn't find anything online. Where did you bought it? Thanks for making this series I've learned a lot.

[@TimWilborne]

It started out with a few wire spool racks like these then I made the bigger spool holder underneath. amzn.to/3QvGRmL

[@jn.007]

@@TimWilborne Thanks tim!

[@TimWilborne]

Here is the link to the next installment, Part 2, Cutting Holes in Enclosures. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZmrd3iKhr53gsU

[@dusten9310]

Your videos are awesome! What kind of licensing do you have to acquire to build panels for residential and commercial installation?

[@TimWilborne]

@@dusten9310 Have a look at UL 508A.

[@brianincontrol]

Tim, I’m seriously wanting one of those wiring stripper cutters. What brand is that? Any recommendations or gotchas? I reached out on mrplc but I don’t think you have been it. Thanks in advance.

[@TimWilborne]

Hi Brian. That machine is great but we don't keep it very busy. What are you looking to use it for? The biggest gotcha of it is you need to be prepared to organize the wire as it comes out of the machine. It takes Amber and myself both fully concentrating. If you don't then you're have a huge tangles mess. But we can cut several months of wire in about 30 minutes. I'll see if I can get you a brand and past number tomorrow.

[@brianincontrol]

Tim, hoping to make up batches of wires for wiring arms and maybe jumper and such. It seems like I’m always doing this and it wastes lots of time. I recently got smarter and started having my teenager do this. And that helps but I feel this would save lots of time. I could see how it spitting them out could make a mess in a hurry.

[@TimWilborne]

@@brianincontrol We have a video coming out on November 22 that details out us using ours. It isn't ready yet but in it we offer the use of ours to others. If you know the wire size, length, and quantity you need then we might be able to make you some to try for the cost of the wire and shipping.

[@brianincontrol]

@@TimWilborne sweet thanks for the offer. Nice looking forward to the video. Can you tell me what the model # is and where you got it?

[@TimWilborne]

Forgot to grab that for you. I'm on the road. Will you remind me next week?

[@johnbrinkley1440]

I draw everything on paper first , then CAD , then I start ordering all the parts , and last I put it all together.

[@TimWilborne]

I think a lot of people think that paper step is obsolete but I do it often also.