Is your installation being exported to North America? If so, choosing the correct UL standard can determine the success of the project as early as the design phase.
More and more, industrial projects are being designed for an international market. For installations that are to be installed in the United States and Canada, different requirements apply to control panels and automation systems.
At PIA Service B.V., we support our customers with the design, construction and certification of control panels in accordance with both UL 508A and UL 698A.
But what exactly is the difference?
UL508A is the standard for industrial control panels and includes requirements for component selection, protection, wiring and short-circuit current rating (SCCR). This standard is widely applied across industrial sectors such as food, logistics, machine building and the process industry.
UL698A goes one step further and is specifically intended for control panels installed in an unclassified area that are connected to equipment located in a classified area (Hazardous Location). Typical applications can be found in the chemical industry, tank storage facilities and processes where flammable vapors, gases or substances may be present. In addition to the requirements of UL508A, extra design requirements apply to component selection, wiring, sealing and the implementation of intrinsically safe circuits.
To ensure that the correct standard is applied, our engineers support customers from an early stage of the project. A design that is not developed in accordance with the applicable UL requirements from the outset can result in costly modifications during inspection or commissioning.
Recently, a Dutch machine builder encountered difficulties with the UL requirements and the certified construction of the control panels. The project had come to a standstill and included a penalty clause for exceeding the agreed acceptance date with the end customer. Our engineers, together with our panel-building technicians, supported the project and were able to complete the required work within the deadline.
Thanks to our experience in the food, logistics, machine-building and process industries, we know how to combine international standards with practical and maintainable solutions.
UL engineering for control panels, including validation and certification: we take care of it.
This ensures that installations not only meet our customers’ requirements, but also comply with the requirements of inspection bodies and local authorities.
International projects require more than technical expertise alone. They require a thorough understanding of standards, safety and compliance throughout the entire project lifecycle.
That is exactly where PIA Service makes the difference.
Want to know more?
Do you have questions about UL508A, UL698A or how these standards apply to your specific project? Please contact PIA Service, Jeroen van der Linden:
- On LinkedIn: Jeroen van der Linden | LinkedIn(opens in new tab)
- By Email: JvdL@piaservice.nl
