There are two series of British standards that might appear relevant when designing, building and installing machine control panels. Derek Coulson and Paul Skyrme of Safe Machine look at which you should use.

FDB Panel Fittings offers traditional style diecast hinges for use on the outside of enclosures where they can facilitate lift-off operation, to ensure easy removal of doors for access to internal equipment during installation or maintenance.

TCP DC device circuit breakers from Phoenix Contact are the reclosable alternative for automotive fuses. The portfolio offers optimum overload protection for different applications with two characteristic curves.

The new PT 2,5-2MTB Push-in terminal blocks from Phoenix Contact have two disconnect zones. In conjunction with the three double function shafts, they enable a wide range of distribution applications to be realised in a small space. Compared to a standard disconnect terminal block, Phoenix Contact says the compact PT 2,5-2MTB reduces the length of the terminal strip by half.

The Railfix DIN rail adapter from Phoenix Contact optimises control cabinet building because it simplifies the mounting of fully equipped DIN rails. It is no longer necessary to remove individual components on the terminal strip in order to mount the DIN rail.