UL 508A Control Panels

UL 508A Control Panels

UL 508A is a standard for industrial control panels, also known as "industrial control equipment," published by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). It specifies the requirements for the design, construction, and testing of control panels used in industrial and commercial applications.

Control panels are used to control and monitor the operation of electrical systems and equipment. They typically include components such as switches, relays, circuit breakers, and other electrical and electronic devices, as well as various types of enclosures to protect the components and ensure safe operation.

The need for UL 508A arises from the fact that control panels can pose a significant risk to people and property if they are not designed and built properly. For example, if a control panel is not properly protected against electrical shock, it can cause injuries to people working on or around it. Similarly, if a control panel is not properly designed to control electrical equipment, it can cause equipment failures or damage, which can result in costly repairs or even harm to people or the environment.

The design criteria for UL 508A control panels are intended to ensure that control panels are designed and constructed in a way that minimizes these risks. These criteria cover a wide range of issues, including the materials used, the construction and assembly of the panel, the safety and performance of the components and devices used, and the testing and certification of the panel.

Some of the key design criteria for UL 508A control panels include:
  • Electrical safety: Control panels must be designed and built to minimize the risk of electrical shock and other electrical hazards. This includes using appropriate materials, such as non-conductive enclosures and components with proper insulation, and ensuring that all electrical connections are properly made and maintained.
  • Performance and reliability: Control panels must be designed and built to function reliably and meet the performance requirements of the application. This includes ensuring that the panel is properly sized and configured to handle the electrical load and meet the operational needs of the system.
  • EMC: Control panels must be designed and built to minimize the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can interfere with the operation of other electrical and electronic equipment. This includes using appropriate shielding and grounding techniques, as well as other measures to reduce EMI.
  • Testing and certification: Control panels must be tested and certified to ensure that they meet the requirements of UL 508A and other relevant standards. This includes testing for electrical safety, performance, and reliability, as well as other factors such as environmental performance and durability.
Overall, the design criteria for UL 508A control panels are intended to ensure that control panels are safe, reliable, and effective in controlling and monitoring electrical systems and equipment in industrial and commercial applications.

Analynk Wireless
(614) 755-5091

Coming Soon! UL 508A Control Panel Design and Fabrication from Analynk

Coming Soon! UL 508A Control Panel Design and Fabrication from Analynk


UL 508A is a standard for the design and fabrication of control panels. It sets out requirements and guidelines for the design, construction, testing, and inspection of control panels in industrial environments.

The UL 508A standard is a requirement for all new control panel designs. The standard is also applicable to existing panels that are being modified or upgraded.

The UL508A Control Panel Certification is a standard for control panels operating in industrial environments. This certification is necessary to meet the safety requirements of an industrial environment.

The certification process includes testing to ensure that the panel will withstand harsh conditions such as high heat, humidity, and vibration without causing excessive wear on components or controls. UL508A panels are also tested for reliability, with additional tests to ensure they do not malfunction under stress. UL508A panels must be made with the highest level of factory quality control and meet many standards to be certified. 

Analynk's certification is forthcoming, and production begins in January 2023. For more information, call 614-755-5091 or visit this website

Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosures for Safety, Reliability, Convenience and Cost Savings

Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosures


Industrial wireless networks are a much-needed solution for hazardous areas where wired connections are impossible. Wireless networks are also an ideal choice for temporary or mobile applications.


Industrial Wireless Networking is a newer technology quickly becoming the standard for companies that need to transmit data wirelessly in hazardous areas. Industrial wireless networks are gaining traction in hazardous areas with distinct advantages over hard wiring. However, some disadvantages make it less desirable than hard wiring.


Industrial wireless networks are a cost-effective solution to provide reliable, secure, and fast internet access in hazardous areas. In recent years, the demand for industrial networks increased with the increasing popularity of IoT (Internet of Things). This industrial network segment is seeing a surge in demand as more instruments and supervisory control systems connect their devices to the Internet.


Wireless has been a solution to many challenges faced in industrial networking, from remote locations to temporary installations, with the convenience of mobility and reduced installation costs.  


An access point is a device that establishes a wireless local area network, often known as a WLAN. An access point uses Ethernet to connect to a wired router, switch, or hub and broadcasts a WiFi signal to a specific region of a building or plant. However, a significant challenge remains: how to prevent access points from causing ignition and protect the access point against harsh environmental conditions? 


Hazardous Access Point Enclosures
 are enclosures used to protect wireless access points in hazardous areas. They provide safety to the wireless network equipment and the people who work in the area.

Some of the hazards that might be present in a hazardous area include combustible gases, oxygen-rich atmospheres, and flammable dusts. These hazards can cause a fire or explosion if they come into contact with an open flame, spark, or heat source.


To ensure that access point devices can operate reliably in hazardous environments such as oil rigs or chemical plants, they need protection from combustible gases, dust particles, and corrosive chemicals.


The need for Hazardous Access Point Enclosures is increasing daily due to new wireless network technology and are a requirement for all access points operating in hazardous industrial areas. These enclosures protect the access points from dangerous areas and environments. They have various features to ensure the environment is protected and secure for the personnel working in the area.


Some of these features include:


  • Compliance with international standards
  • Resistance to extreme temperatures
  • Permits installation in any location within a hazardous area
  • Protection against dust and water ingress


Industrial wireless networks have a lot of benefits over hard wiring. The lack of wires makes installing and moving around in hazardous areas easy. In addition, you can eliminate the cost and hassle of having to replace or repair wires if they break or get cut. Access points are critical components of industrial networks, and Hazardous Area Enclosures are an essential safety measure for access point manufacturers when applying their products in these settings.

Analynk AP628 Dual-Band Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosure for Aruba AP-574

Analynk AP628 Dual-Band Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosure for Aruba AP-574

The AP628 is designed to house the Aruba AP-574 dual band access point for use in hazardous areas. The enclosure, all hardware, and antennas are rated for  Class I, Division 1, groups C & D Hazardous Locations. All hardware, mounting plate, antennas and RF cables are provided to make installation of the access point quick and easy. The enclosure utilizes our proprietary ex-plosion proof CTX series of antennas, six dual band 2.4GHz/5GHz are included.  

Ratings: 
  • Class I, Division 1, Groups, C & D 
Applications:
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Oil refineries
  • Oil & Gas Platforms
  • Chemical Plants
Ordering information:
AP628-N4 (NEMA 4 option)
AP628-ATEX (ATEX Zone 1 option)

For more information call Analynk at 614-755-5091 or visit this web page.