Introduction
Electrical panels—often referred to as load control centers—are essential components in food factory design and food processing facilities. These panels enable power distribution, system protection, and equipment control across various processes.
According to NEC® standards, an electrical panel is:
- Used for controlling lighting, heating, and power circuits
- Installed in cabinets or cut-out boxes
- Mounted on or within walls
- Front-accessible only
For any food manufacturing consultant or food technology consultant, selecting the right panel type is crucial for safe, efficient plant operation.
Classification of Electrical Panels
Electrical panels are broadly classified into:
- HT Panels (High Tension) – For voltages above 11kV
- LT Panels (Low Tension) – For voltages up to 415V
Both are integral to engineering services in food industry infrastructure.
HT panels include:
HT panels are used in substations and high-voltage industrial environments, including large food processing units. They manage voltages over 11 kV and offer strong insulation.
Types of HT Panels:
- LBS (Load Break Switch) Panels – Spring-loaded, trip-free switches
- VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breaker) Panels – Ideal for arc quenching in vacuum
- Metering Panels – Power usage monitoring for industrial setups
- Load Break Switches – Manual/electrical fault isolation
- Ring Main Units (RMUs) – Used in ring-type distribution networks with protection and switching functions
Food processing consultants often recommend VCBs and RMUs for better protection and uptime in high-capacity plants.
LT Panels
LT Panels control power from transformers or generators and distribute it within the factory. Designed for <415V, these are the backbone of internal power distribution in food plants.
Solar LT Panels
As renewable energy gains traction in the food industry, solar LT panels are increasingly integrated in green food factories.
Solar LT Panels:
- Receive and distribute energy from photovoltaic systems
- Are installed both indoors and outdoors
- Improve sustainability and reduce dependency on conventional power
Types of Solar Panels:
- Monocrystalline – Up to 300W per panel
- Polycrystalline – 240–300W, cost-effective
- PERC – Higher efficiency with reflective layers
- Thin-Film – Flexible and lightweight, ideal for unique surfaces
Safety
When working with electrical panels:
- Always turn off power before inspection
- Avoid touching neutral bus bars, burnt wires, or exposed terminals
- Follow safety protocols, especially in high-humidity environments like food factories
Certification
All electrical control panel manufacturers should be CPRI approved. The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) ensures compliance with industrial electrical safety and design standards, especially critical in food-grade environments.
A food industry consultant should always verify panel certifications during project planning or factory upgrades.
Conclusion
In the design and operation of modern food processing plants, the role of electrical panels is both strategic and essential. Whether it’s an HT panel for high-voltage control, LT panel for internal distribution, or solar and automation panels for sustainable and smart manufacturing, each plays a pivotal role in ensuring safety, reliability, and energy efficiency.
Choosing the right configuration—along with certified components and proper integration—is vital for food industry compliance, equipment protection, and future scalability. At PMG Engineering, we specialize in end-to-end food factory design, project management, and engineering consulting, delivering electrical infrastructure that meets global standards and supports continuous operations.
As a trusted food consultant and food technology consulting partner, we help our clients adopt smart power distribution systems tailored to their plant layout, automation needs, and energy goals.
Reference
[1] https://singhisotech.com
[2] https://analyseameter.com/2018/06/electrical-panels-types-benifits.html
[3] https://www.electrical4u.net
[4] https://www.aurorasolar.com/blog/solar-panel-types-guide
[5] https://www.accupanels.com/blog/types-of-electrical-controlpanel
[6] https://www.expertengineers.co.in/blog/dg-synchronization-panels-its-principle-of-working-and-advantages/
[7] http://www.rishaelectropowercontrol.com/
[8] Stan Stewart, Distribution Switchgear, IET, 2004 ISBN 0852961073,pp. 135-138
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