Electrical Panels in Food Factories: Types, Functions & Applications

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

PMG Engineering | Build World-Class Food Factories | Article | Electrical Panels in Food Factories: Types, Functions & Applications