Common Industrial Control Panel Design Changes

03 Aug 2026

Inside the New Technologies, Interfaces, Serviceability, Scalability and Flexible Designs

Industrial control panels (ICP) have been progressively changing over the last few years to achieve compliance to the North American standards; UL 508A and CSA 22.2 No. 286. These changes can include newer technology, interfaces, serviceability, scalability, and flexible designs.

New Technologies

As we enter into a new era with technology-based products increasingly including AI, IoT, and other functional safety applications, the need to use secure communication and encryption is a must to ensure product functionality and safety. When software or firmware are utilized in this application for the purpose of providing the safety of the machine or persons using the ICP, the usage of these programable safety measures must be evaluated and controlled.

Interfaces

Industrial control panels are becoming more user-friendly with viewable interfaces to allow operators to engage with the panels operating systems. These interfaces require a more controlled layout for the internal structure and components. This can require the need for barriers, separation of high voltage and low voltage circuits by routing and/or higher insulation factors to consider when wiring, bonding of accessible parts, and even ergonomics for operator’s usability.

Serviceability

With the vast use of control panels in many applications that may include machinery, marine, air conditioning/refrigeration, aquatics, and water park rides, these units must have the ability to be serviced in the field. The integration of these ICP in the above-mentioned applications unfortunately do not allow for those panels to be taken out and serviced at the manufacture. For that response the ICP must ensure that precautions are taken in the design of the units to safeguard the service personnel. Interlocks, barriers, and emergency stops are some of the key aspects that must be thought of during the design phase of these products.

Scalability/Flexibility

Many industrial control panels are built with a specific design as related to the function and usage of that unit. Intertek does offer clients the chance to enter our PanelShop Program, which allows for applicants/manufacturers to design individual ICP to meet their clients demands. This also permits the manufacturer to use any approved and rated components, interchangeable between designs. Intertek accepts any NRTL-approved components to be installed into a panel, as long as they are approved for the application. This gives flexibility and scalability to provide your clients with a fast past turn-around time.

Final Thoughts

When common industrial control panel design changes are needed, with the understanding of newer technologies, interfaces, serviceability, scalability, and flexible designs application, Intertek is the leader in client satisfaction.