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Protect personnel, asset and machine reliability

Getting UL/CSA approval is easier than ever before

Read the new Control panel design guide according UL 508A!

Download Guide

Get a look at our different UL/CSA Whitepapers!

Whitepaper Overview

Learn about different machinery topics with our blogs!

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Hints and guidelines to meet standards faster and with less effort

Building machines and systems for the North American market requires a deep knowledge of local standards and regulations. As these standards are continuously updated and their interpretation may be a challenge for non-experts, it is recommended that you work with an experienced partner that will give you the right guidance to achieve approvals for your machine or system faster and with minimum effort.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines, that every electrical panel has to be marked with its short circuit current Rating (SCCR). Research indicates that the majority of OEMs design their machines to a typical minimum equipment SCCR of 5 kA. However, with the new NEC code, valid since January 2017, such a low SCCR value may make approval of installed equipment more challenging. With some simple measures and the selection of the right components, the SCCR can be increased to help to make approval easier.

    

Download our white paper

Other important topics that need to be considered when designing electrical control cabinets according to UL / CSA

Having knowledge of the dividing line between feeder circuits and branch circuits is vital for European machine builders to be able to select the correct components for their equipment. Our video gives you a short introduction. 
To learn more download our white paper

While in Europe there are earthed three-phase networks almost everywhere, in North America there are a variety of different network forms and voltages. Our video gives you a short introduction. To learn more download our white paper.

An example of the difference between North American regulations and IEC standards is article 430 of the NEC, which specified that a motor circuit must fulfill at least four functions. Our video gives you a short introduction. To learn more download our white paper.

The differences between IEC and North American standards for control panels is clear when you consider accessories. Learn more about the handles for main switches for the North American market. Our video gives you a short introduction. To learn more download our white paper.

Improving the SCCR of your cabinet can be an easy exercise if you choose the right methods and components. Watch the video to see how. If you need more information about SCCR requirements according to NEC 2017 you can download our white paper here.

Learn about the 3 step process for SCCR compliance in this animated movie.

Get answers to your questions in our blog articles

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Short-Circuit Current Rating (SCCR)? What is it needed for?

How to improve the short circuit current rating (SCCR)?

What is required for a UL 508A- compliant control panel?

Which significance do NEC, NFPA and CEC have in North America?

What should machine and system builders know about UL and CSA standards?

What are feeder and branch circuits?

How to wire a control panel in accordance with UL 508A?

Which network configurations and mains voltages are used in the US and Canada?

UL/CSA Training courses

Discover our training course series about UL/CSA Standards and take a quiz after each course to test yourself.

Learn more

How customers benefit from professional support to meet UL / CSA standards

For several years, AZO CONTROLS has been using Eaton’s wide product portfolio and professional consulting services to successfully manage and efficiently realize a number of projects in North America.
Read this customer success story

Thanks to the help from the experts at Eaton, we were able to complete our first project in North America without encountering any issues.

Marco Zimmermann, AZO CONTROLS GmbH

Easily select the right components for your next control cabinet

Once the parameters of a new panel have been defined, the right components need to be selected to fulfill the requirements. With Eaton's "Control panel design guide according to UL 508A" this task becomes much easier. All devices required for the feeder and the branch circuit are listed in a structured breakdown with all the data you need in one place.

Fast access to all products you need for your UL 508A control panel in a clearly structured design guide 

Sizing the feeder
UL 489 circuit breakers and molded case switch disconnectors
Group protection
Special considerations for manual motor controllers and motor starters in North America (NEC Article 430).
Circuit control for motor load
Branch circuit protection for type E combination motor controller, UL 489 circuit breaker with motor protection calibration and drive circuits
Heater and lighting load circuits
Branch circuit protection: PKZM4-CB and circuit breaker xEffect FAZ-NA
Power circuit wiring
Internal wiring according to section 29, 66.5 and field wiring reference to section 28.3, 66.4
Designing the control circuit
UL low voltage branch circuit and supplementary fuses, control transformer protection

Control panel design guide according UL 508A

Helping designers of cabinets for the North American market select the right products for their application.
Download the design guide here

Code changes based on the 2020 NEC

The scope of this publication shows significant chapters, articles and parts of the 2020 NEC. Each code section is noted as being a “REVISION” or “NEW” followed by an explanation on its significance, related NEC sections, what to look for to determine if there is Code compliance, and, if appropriate, a more detailed explanation of agency standards.
Download the manual

Overview Whitepaper UL / CSA Standards

Find here a sampling of more extensive white paper related to different regulations in the UL / CSA standards
Whitepaper Overview

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Sign up for our newsletter for machine and panel builders. Stay connected for information about changing regulations or new technologies and services that facilitate your daily work and help you to grow your business faster.

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