Control cabinet construction in Neuss – control and distribution cabinets to DIN EN 61439

What control cabinet construction covers

A control cabinet brings together the protective, switching and control devices of an installation in one place. In commercial buildings this might be power distribution for a hall or office building, in building services the controls for ventilation, heating, lighting or building automation, and in mechanical engineering the electrical equipment of a machine or plant.

Control cabinet construction includes the circuit diagram, the choice of components, the mechanical build, wiring, labelling and testing before delivery. The cabinet is then set up, connected and put into operation. Especially with controls for building automation, a clear, well-documented cabinet decides how quickly faults can be found and extensions carried out later.

DIN EN 61439: who is responsible for what

The DIN EN 61439 series (VDE 0660-600) covers low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies and divides responsibility between several parties. The ZVEI fact sheet describes the roles as follows:

Design verification shows that a cabinet system is basically suitable for the planned ratings. Routine verification is carried out and documented on every single cabinet built. Together they are the basis for the cabinet going into operation in line with the standard.

The series consists of general rules in Part 1 and product standards for specific types: Part 2 for power switchgear and controlgear assemblies, Part 3 for distribution boards operated by ordinary persons, Part 4 for assemblies for construction sites, Part 5 for cable distribution cabinets and Part 6 for busbar trunking systems. Which part applies depends on what the cabinet is used for.

What you should specify as the client

A control cabinet can only be planned as well as the information about the grid, the environment and the loads allows. The ZVEI names four areas in which the planner or operator defines the interface data:

• Connection to the electrical network, for example the prospective short-circuit current
• Installation and ambient conditions, for example the ambient temperature
• Circuits and loads, for example as a list of loads
• Operation and maintenance, for example the qualification of operating staff

If any information is missing, we work it out with you during planning, for example by visiting the installation site or coordinating with the machine manufacturer.

Control cabinets for machines: CE marking

Whether a control cabinet for a machine needs its own declaration of conformity and CE marking depends on who designs it and whether it contains safety functions. The DGUV information sheet FB HM-090 distinguishes three cases: if the machine manufacturer builds the cabinet itself or has it built to its own specifications as an "extended workbench", responsibility stays with the manufacturer and the cabinet does not receive its own declaration of conformity.

If an external panel builder designs the cabinet under its own responsibility, it takes on the manufacturer's responsibility. Without safety functions it issues a declaration of conformity under the Low Voltage and EMC Directives and affixes the CE marking; if the cabinet contains safety functions, it is classed as a safety component under the Machinery Directive. We agree in writing which role we take on in your project before work begins.

Upgrading and extending existing control cabinets

Older control cabinets are usually upgraded when spare parts are no longer available, the installation is extended or the documentation no longer matches the actual state. Often the existing cabinet can stay in use if individual assemblies are replaced, spare capacity is created and circuit diagrams are brought up to date. Many older cabinets were built to the predecessor series DIN EN 60439, which classified assemblies as type-tested (TSK) or partially type-tested (PTSK). For an extension we clarify how the existing parts and the new parts built to DIN EN 61439 can be documented properly.

After every change the cabinet is tested and the documentation updated. For the recurring testing of electrical installations and equipment in operation, the German Industrial Safety Regulation requires tests by a qualified person; we describe intervals and procedure on our electrical testing page.

How a control cabinet project works

It starts with the cabinet's task, the interface data and the installation site. From these come the circuit diagram, parts list and layout, which we agree with you before building. After assembly and wiring follow routine verification and documentation. On site the cabinet is set up, connected and put into operation together with you or the machine manufacturer.

The documentation includes circuit diagrams, terminal and cable lists, test reports and, where required, the declaration of conformity. For extensions in running operations we plan switchovers so that they fit in with your processes.

Control cabinet construction in Neuss and the surrounding area

As an electrician in Neuss we build and upgrade control cabinets for businesses in Hammfeld, Holzheim, Grefrath, Derikum and Rosellerheide as well as for buildings with extensive building services. Outside Neuss we work for customers in Kaarst, Meerbusch, Dormagen, Grevenbroich and Korschenbroich as well as in Düsseldorf, Duisburg and Cologne.

For a first conversation, the cabinet's task, a list of loads or an existing circuit diagram and the planned installation site are enough.

You can find every place we work in on our service area page.