Building Excellence: Good Practices and Standards for Industrial Control Panels
Over the last 5 years since our conception, we’ve worked tirelessly to design and build our panels to meet UL and clients’ specifications. At Edwards Automation and Design, we understand the rigorous nature of what our panels will need to do in demanding industrial environments across the Four Corners region and the San Juan Basin. We are proud to answer our clients with our work, and our track record shows that we have successfully produced over 500 panels at this point. Every panel that leaves our facility in Farmington, New Mexico, reflects our commitment to safety, reliability, and client satisfaction. We don’t just build panels—we engineer solutions that keep operations running smoothly for years to come.
Why UL 508A and Industry Standards Matter
At the heart of our process is strict adherence to UL 508A, the Standard for Industrial Control Panels. This isn’t just a certification sticker; it’s a comprehensive framework that ensures every panel can safely handle the electrical loads, short-circuit currents, and environmental stresses it will face on the job. UL 508A requires proper component selection (only UL-listed parts), calculated Short-Circuit Current Ratings (SCCR), adequate spacing to prevent arcing, and documented wiring methods that comply with the National Electrical Code and NFPA 79.
We also follow NFPA 79 guidelines for electrical standard for industrial machinery. These standards protect workers, reduce fire risks, and help panels pass inspection by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). By building every panel to these benchmarks, we deliver products that are not only code-compliant but also built for longevity in harsh conditions like those found in oil and gas, manufacturing, and water treatment facilities throughout our region.
Collaborative Design: Turning Challenges into Improvements
Great panels start long before the first wire is cut. During the design phase, our engineers review client schematics with a critical eye. We check for proper component ratings, feeder and branch circuit sizing, overload protection, and overall layout efficiency. If we spot potential issues—whether it’s undersized conductors, insufficient clearances, low SCCR calculations, or components that may face long lead times—we reach out immediately.
We believe clear communication is key. We sit down with clients (in person or via detailed markups) to explain the concern and offer practical solutions. Maybe we recommend a higher-rated breaker for better SCCR, suggest an alternative enclosure for better heat dissipation, or propose grouping motors more efficiently to save space and cost. Our clients appreciate this proactive approach because it prevents costly field changes later and often improves the final performance of the system. We’ve seen projects go from “good enough” to truly optimized simply because we took the time to collaborate.
Precision Construction: Wiring and Assembly Best Practices
Once the design is locked in, our skilled technicians follow a detailed build checklist rooted in UL 508A and NFPA 79 requirements. Every step is documented so we can trace decisions back if needed.
We begin with proper component mounting—ensuring secure fastening, correct torque on bus bars, and adequate spacing for heat and arc-flash protection. Then comes the wiring, where attention to detail makes all the difference.
- Correct wire sizing and routing: Conductors are chosen according to ampacity tables, with derating applied for bundling or ambient temperature. Wires are routed neatly along wireways or with proper supports to minimize electromagnetic interference and mechanical stress.
- Appropriate color coding: We strictly follow NFPA 79 conventions so anyone troubleshooting in the future can work safely and quickly. Black identifies ungrounded AC power conductors, red is used for ungrounded AC control circuits, blue for ungrounded DC control circuits, white or gray for grounded neutrals, green or green/yellow for equipment grounding conductors, and orange for circuits that remain energized when the main disconnect is off. Consistent color use prevents mistakes during maintenance and keeps panels intuitive.
- Wires not pulled too tight: Proper bend radius is maintained (typically at least 4–6 times the cable diameter, or per manufacturer specs) and wires are given just enough slack for thermal expansion and vibration without sagging. Cable ties and clamps secure everything neatly—no loose loops, no strain on terminals. This practice dramatically reduces the risk of insulation cracking over time, especially in panels subject to constant vibration or temperature swings.
All terminations use the correct lugs or ferrules, torqued to manufacturer specifications with calibrated tools. Every wire is labeled at both ends with machine-printed markers showing source and destination. This level of care ensures the panel performs reliably from day one.
Our Comprehensive Inspection Checklist: Multiple Layers of Verification
Quality isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into every stage. We perform multiple inspection checkpoints, with the final “release” inspection being the most thorough. Here’s a look at the key items on our checklist that guarantee perfection for our clients:
- Correct Destination Wiring – Every single conductor is traced point-to-point using the approved schematics. We verify terminations match the drawing exactly. This step catches any swapped wires before power is ever applied.
- Appropriate Wire Colors – A dedicated team member double-checks that all conductors follow our NFPA 79 color standard. Any deviation is corrected on the spot.
- Wires Not Pulled Too Tight – Visual and physical inspection confirms proper bend radii, adequate slack, and secure support. We tug gently on each run to ensure zero strain on terminals.
- Component Security and Spacing – All devices are mounted firmly, with required clearances maintained per UL 508A tables. We measure and document spacing around power components.
- Grounding and Bonding – Continuity is tested from every ground point back to the main grounding bus. No panel leaves without verified low-resistance paths.
- Terminal Torque and Connections – Every screw and lug is re-torqued with calibrated tools and marked. Loose connections are the #1 cause of panel failures—we eliminate that risk.
- Labeling and Documentation – All components, wires, and safety warnings carry durable, machine-printed labels. Full as-built drawings, parts lists, and SCCR calculations travel with the panel.
- Electrical Testing – We perform continuity checks on every circuit, insulation-resistance (megger) testing, and functional testing of controls where possible. Any anomalies trigger immediate correction and re-test.
- Visual and Mechanical Inspection – Enclosure integrity, door alignment, gasket condition, and overall neatness are confirmed. The panel must look as professional on the outside as the wiring does inside.
- Final Client-Specific Verification – We cross-reference every requirement from the original purchase order—special finishes, communication protocols, or custom features—before signing off.
Only after every item passes do we apply our UL 508A label (when applicable) and prepare the panel for shipment. This multi-stage process is why we can stand behind every panel we deliver.
Meeting Deadlines Without Compromising Quality
We know time is money in your operation. That’s why our entire team works efficiently to hit promised ship dates. From design approval to final crating, we track progress daily and keep clients informed. The only exceptions occur when specific material components fall on extended back order or when external events disrupt supply chains—like the tariff situation we navigated last year that delayed certain imported components and slowed pipelines into the U.S.
Even in those rare cases, we communicate transparently, offer alternatives when possible, and work overtime to minimize impact. Our clients tell us this honesty and flexibility set us apart.
Proud to Serve and Earn Your Continued Trust
We are genuinely pleased that our clients work with us and continue to choose Edwards Automation and Design for their automation and control panel needs. Whether it’s a simple motor control panel or a complex PLC-based system with SCADA integration, we treat every project as an opportunity to deliver excellence.
The 500+ panels we’ve built over the past five years represent more than just hardware—they represent trust earned through attention to detail, open communication, rigorous standards, and a genuine desire to see our clients succeed. If you’re planning your next control panel project, we invite you to experience the Edwards difference.