Panel Building
How to choose the right panel builder
It’s never easy choosing the right supplier. Here Gibbons Drive Systems offers 5 steps to consider when selecting the right panel builder for your application:
Step 1 - Design
It pays to get panel advice BEFORE your project starts. Otherwise a raft of problems are likely that can prove costly to rectify and that can be avoided by talking with the design engineers in advance.
Consider: Electrical hardware, systems sequencing, circuitry, plc software, machinery and computer interface.
What Gibbons offers:
Gibbons control panels cover control, monitoring, instrumentation and factory automation. It designs effective but not over complicated systems that are built with quality components, engineered to last. All work is quality controlled.
Call Matthew Gibbons. Tel: 01621 868138
Step 2 - Manufacture
Motor control centres
Motor control centres need to be designed to comply with:
- BS EN 60439-1 1994 - partially type tested low voltage switchgear & control assemblies having a totally segregated busbar and dropper system to ‘Form 4’ standard. Type 2,3,5,6 or 7 of the National Annex can be provided.
- The majority of the water companies’ general specifications including W.I.M.E.S 3.01 & Sewers for Adoption 5th Edition.
- Tested & ASTA certified up to 50kA for 3 seconds, with a current carrying capacity of up to 3,000A.
- Air insulated HDHC copper bar as standard with the option for tin plating and/or PVC insulation at extra cost.
Customised panels
- Customised panels can be adapted to the application and space requirements.
- Cubicle heights, widths and depths can be adapted to suit the spaced needed for the equipment to be housed and any on site restrictions in space availability or installation accessibility.
Motor starters
Individual motor starters of all types, DOL, ASD, auto-transformer, stator rotor, ‘soft starts’ and variable speed should be available.
Custom built to the clients specification to include the protection, control and supervisory signals that may be required.
Panel refurbishments
Existing motor control centres and starters on site, can sometimes need refurbishing, upgrading or modifying. This can take the form of installing new starters or controls into existing panels or updating the panel to comply with the latest HSE regulations.
Consider: Panel building, detailed assembly, mounting sensors and comprehensive testing. Control panels can include simple relay logic, PLC’s (Programmable Logic Controllers), data acquisition, MMI/HMI and touchscreen technology.
What Gibbons offers:
Gibbons specialise in the design and manufacture of motor control centres for the water, food and beverage, power generation, oil gas and marine, general commercial, transport distribution, aviation and general industries. It has extensive knowledge of both conventional ‘hard wired’ and PLC based control systems for clean and dirty water pumping stations and most treatment processes. The control panels are usually one-off bespoke systems designed to customer’s requirements and specifications.
Call Barry Horsfall. Tel: 01621 868138
Step 3 Programming
Check the level of programming expertise that your supplier is able to offer in-house.
Consider: In-house PLC & HMI programming capabilities that cover all major types of PLC and HMI.
What Gibbons offers:
Latest programming development including special applications such as process monitoring, diagnostics and management reporting.
Call Barry Horsfall. Tel: 01621 868138
Step 4 Installation
Installation of control systems, on-site commissioning and further enhancement of software for optimum system performance.
Consider: Delivery, handling, safety procedures, location, foundations, mounting, motor/load components, bearings, mechanical alignment, electrical considerations.
What Gibbons offers:
Installation of control systems, on-site commissioning and further enhancement of software for optimum system performance.
Call Matthew Gibbons. Tel: 01621 868138
Step 5 After Sales service
Make sure that CAD electrical schematic diagrams and general arrangement drawings are issued, either in paper or any standard electronic form. Full documentation including FAT (factory acceptance test), SAT (site acceptance test), method statements, risk assessments and operating & maintenance manuals should all be provided as required.
Consider: Operator manuals, detailed spares lists and experienced engineers providing after-sales support and training.
What Gibbons offers:
Gibbons has gained a formidable reputation with its customers for a high quality product, reliable delivery schedules, an efficient quoting & documentation service and excellent after-sales services all at a competitive price. Gibbons genuinely care about its quality & service, as its objective is to establish lasting relationships with customers, many of whom Gibbons has supplied since the company was formed.
Call Barry Horsfall on 01621 868138 to discuss your requirements
