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Switchboard and Control Panel Assembly Methods (Structure, Busbars, Internal Wiring, Testing & Inspection)

Electrical Equipment Assembly – Control Panels 電気機器組立て (Grade 2 theory) · 技能検定「電気機器組立て」2級 学科(配電盤・制御盤組立て) · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Classification of Switchboards and Control Panels, Standard Dimensions, Paint Color, and Enclosure Protection (IP Code)

Switchboards and control panels are divided into open-type panels with exposed live parts and enclosed-type panels fully covered by a steel cabinet. In factories and buildings, cubicle-type high-voltage receiving equipment (JIS C 4620), cabinet-type power control panels (JIS C 8480), and motor control centers (MCCs) grouping multiple motor control units are widely used.

According to the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association standard (JEM 1425), the order for calling the external dimensions of a panel is specified as 'Width (W) × Height (H) × Depth (D)' (excluding projections such as lifting eyebolts or ventilation fan covers).

The standard height H for vertical freestanding panels (VS) is specified in 7 sizes: '1400, 1600, 1700, 1900, 2000, 2100, and 2300 mm', and the inclination angle of the operating desk surface for desk-type control panels (DE-1) is set at '15°'.

Enclosures use cold-rolled steel sheets (SPCC, thickness 1.6 mm, 2.3 mm, 3.2 mm) or stainless steel sheets (SUS304) with sufficient mechanical strength to support the weight of mounted equipment. Munsell code '5Y7/1' (light greenish-gray) is widely used as the standard paint color for panels and instrument frames.

The enclosure protection degree 'IP Code' (JIS C 0920) uses the first characteristic numeral (0–6) for 'protection against access to hazardous parts and ingress of solid foreign objects' (IP2X prevents finger access, IP5X is dust-protected, IP6X is dust-tight), and the second numeral (0–8) for 'protection against water ingress' (5 for water jets, 6 for powerful water jets); vibration is not covered by the IP code.

Key points


  • In JEM 1425, the external dimensions of a panel are called in the order 'Width W × Height H × Depth D', and Munsell '5Y7/1' is the standard paint color

  • Vertical freestanding panels have 7 standard heights '1400, 1600, 1700, 1900, 2000, 2100, and 2300 mm', and the desk-type DE-1 operating surface angle is '15°'

  • The 1st digit of the IP Code (0–6) indicates protection against hazardous access and solid objects, while the 2nd digit (0–8) indicates protection against water ingress
WordMeaning
cubicle-type high-voltage power receiving equipment (JIS C 4620)
external dimensions (Width W, Height H, Depth D)
Munsell color notation (5Y7/1)
IP Code (degree of protection provided by enclosures, JIS C 0920)

Internal Cooling, Condensation Prevention (Space Heater), and Mounting of Doors, Nameplates, and Rubber Washers

To dissipate heat generated by transformers and inverters inside a control panel, taking advantage of rising warm air, an intake louver with a dust filter is installed at the lower part of the panel and an exhaust ventilation fan at the upper part. Outdoor panels exposed to direct sunlight are fitted with a 'heat shield plate' to suppress temperature rise from solar radiation.

When the internal panel temperature drops rapidly at night or during shutdowns, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets, causing insulation degradation and short-circuit accidents. To prevent this 'condensation (dew formation)', a 'space heater' is installed in the lower part of the panel and controlled via a thermostat or humidity sensor.

Doors on outdoor switchboards are equipped with a 'door stopper' so they will not slam shut unexpectedly in the wind during maintenance. Draw-out units are fitted with 'seismic stoppers' to prevent ejection during earthquakes, and panels shipped by truck are packed to protect against vibration, rainwater, and load shifting.

A main panel nameplate is mounted at the top center of the front panel, and a 'purpose nameplate (card holder)' indicating the controlled object or measured quantity is mounted immediately above (or below) each control switch and instrument.

Large acrylic nameplates are securely fastened with screws because adhesive alone may peel off over time. Furthermore, shock-absorbing 'rubber washers (Gomu-za)' used when mounting precision instruments on the panel face must be placed on the 'back side (inside surface)' of the panel before tightening the nuts, never on the front surface.

Key points


  • A space heater is installed to 'prevent condensation (insulation loss from moisture)' inside the panel, while a 'heat shield plate' protects outdoor panels from solar heat

  • The nameplate showing the function of an instrument or switch is called a 'purpose nameplate', and large acrylic nameplates must be fastened with screws

  • Shock-absorbing 'rubber washers' for panel-mounted instruments are placed on the 'back side (inside)' of the panel surface, not on the front side
WordMeaning
space heater (anti-condensation heater)
heat shield plate and panel ventilation fan
purpose nameplate and main panel nameplate
rubber washer (mounted on back of panel) and seismic stopper

Equipment Layout Standards on Panel Face and Interior, Arc Space, and Screw Fastening on Resin Bases

Equipment layout on the front panel face (JEM 1425, JIS C 8480) is arranged at heights easy for a standing operator to read and operate. Indicator lamps and indicating instruments are placed in the upper section (center height about 1500–1900 mm from the floor), while control switches and pushbuttons are grouped by function in the middle section (about 800–1600 mm).

Inside the panel, molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs) and magnetic contactors (MCs) are mounted 'vertically' in principle, with the upper terminals connected to the power source (primary side) and the lower terminals to the load (secondary side). High heat-generating devices such as transformers and braking resistors are placed in the 'upper part' of the panel.

When a circuit breaker (MCCB or ACB) interrupts a short-circuit current, high-temperature ionized gas (arc gas) is ejected from its exhaust vents. Therefore, a specified 'arc space (insulating clearance)' must be maintained above the line side of the breaker so the gas does not strike metal frames or wiring ducts and cause ground faults or short circuits.

When fastening circuit breakers or terminal blocks with synthetic resin (molded) mounting feet onto the mounting plate with screws, a 'plain washer (flat washer)' must always be inserted to distribute the clamping pressure and prevent cracking or sinking of the resin seat.

Small devices such as control relays and modular terminal blocks are mounted on standard JIS C 2812 aluminum or steel 'DIN rails (35 mm wide, etc.)' and secured at both ends with 'end brackets (stoppers)' to prevent lateral sliding (structural steel channels are not standard DIN rails).

Key points


  • Place indicator lamps and meters on the upper panel face, control switches in the middle, and high heat-generating equipment in the upper interior

  • Provide sufficient 'arc space' above circuit breakers to prevent short circuits caused by hot ionized gas discharged during fault interruption

  • Always use a 'plain washer (flat washer)' when screw-fastening synthetic resin mounting feet to prevent cracking the resin base
WordMeaning
arc space (clearance above circuit breakers)
plain washer (preventing damage to resin mounting feet)
DIN rail (equipment mounting rail, JIS C 2812)
power supply side (upper side) and load side (lower side)

Main Circuit Busbar Materials, Phase Arrangement, Color Coding, Bolt Fastening, and Torque Management

Main circuit conductors (busbars) in switchboards use 'hard-drawn copper bars (tough-pitch copper C1100)' or 'aluminum bars' having high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. Because heavy-current busbars experience strong electromagnetic forces during short circuits, they are firmly supported on 'post insulators (Shiji-gaishi)'.

According to JEM 1134 and JEM 1425, the phase identification colors for 3-phase AC busbars are 'Phase 1 (R/L1) = Red', 'Phase 2 (S/L2) = White', 'Phase 3 (T/L3) = Blue', and Neutral (N) = 'Black or White'. For 1-phase 3-wire systems, 'Phase 1 = Red, Neutral = White (or Black), Phase 2 = Blue'; for DC, 'Positive P = Red, Negative N = Blue'.

Viewed from the front of the panel (operating side), the busbar phase arrangement order is 'from left to right' for horizontal layout, 'from top to bottom' for vertical layout, and 'from front (nearest) to back' for front-to-back layout in the sequence 'Phase 1 (Red) → Phase 2 (White) → Phase 3 (Blue) → Neutral'. Statements specifying 'from the right' are incorrect.

To reduce contact resistance at busbar joints, the mating surfaces are finished flat and smooth, plated with 'tin' or 'silver' (paint or oxide film on contact surfaces is prohibited), and overlapped by a length equal to the busbar width in principle.

Bolted busbar joints are assembled in the order 'Bolt head → Plain washer → Busbars → Plain washer → Spring washer → Nut' and tightened diagonally to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Contact tightness is then checked with a 'feeler gauge (thickness gauge)', and a 'torque match-mark (Ai-mark)' is drawn across the nut and busbar.

Main Circuit Busbar Materials, Phase Arrangement, Color Coding, Bolt Fastening, and Torque Management

Key points


  • Three-phase busbar colors are 'Phase 1 = Red, Phase 2 = White, Phase 3 = Blue', arranged 'from left, from top, and from front' when viewed from the panel front

  • Busbar joint surfaces must be smooth and 'tin-plated or silver-plated' to minimize contact resistance

  • Tighten bolts with a 'torque wrench', verify contact with a feeler gauge, and apply a 'match-mark (Ai-mark)' to monitor against loosening
WordMeaning
busbar phase colors (Red, White, Blue) and arrangement (from left, top, front)
contact resistance reduction (tin plating, silver plating)
torque wrench and match-mark (Ai-mark)
feeler gauge (checking joint surface contact)

Color Coding of Low-Voltage Panel Wiring, Shielded Wire Colors, and Minimum Conductor Size (JEM 1134)

JEM 1134 specifies standard insulation colors for low-voltage panel wiring by circuit type: (1) 'AC and DC main circuits' use 'Black', (2) 'AC control circuits' use 'Yellow', (3) 'DC control circuits' use 'Blue', and (4) 'grounding circuits (protective conductors)' use 'Green or Green/Yellow stripes'.

In instrument transformer secondary circuits, current transformer (CT) secondary current circuits use 'Black' and voltage transformer (VT) secondary voltage circuits use 'Red'. Exam questions frequently include false distractors stating that grounding circuits use blue or black wire.

For 'shielded wire' used in weak-signal circuits, the outer sheath color is 'Gray or Black', and the inner core insulation colors are specified as 'single-core = Black', '2-core = Black and White', and '3-core = Black, White, and Red' (stating that a single-core shielded wire has gray core insulation is incorrect).

To ensure mechanical strength, the nominal cross-sectional area of panel wiring is in principle '1.25 mm² or more' for general control circuits, and '2.0 mm² or more' for instrument transformer (CT/VT) secondary circuits and grounding conductors.

In recent years, however, due to the 'miniaturization and high-density mounting of electronic devices and components' such as PLCs, wires smaller than 1.25 mm² (such as 0.75 mm² or 0.5 mm²) are increasingly used in electronic control circuits of 600 V or less (not because panels have become larger).

Key points


  • JEM 1134 wire colors are 'Main circuit = Black', 'AC control = Yellow', 'DC control = Blue', and 'Grounding = Green (or Green/Yellow)'

  • Shielded wire outer sheaths are 'Gray or Black', while inner core insulations are '1-core = Black, 2-core = Black/White, 3-core = Black/White/Red'

  • Control circuits use '1.25 mm² or more' in principle (CT/VT secondary ≥ 2 mm²), but '< 1.25 mm²' is also used due to 'device miniaturization and high-density mounting'
WordMeaning
panel wiring color coding (Black, Yellow, Blue, Green)
shielded wire core colors (1-core = Black, 2-core = Black & White)
control circuit wire size (in principle 1.25 mm² or more)
instrument transformer secondary wiring (2.0 mm² or more)

Crimp Terminals (JIS C 2805), Proper Use of Hand Crimping Tools, and Lead-Free Soldering

Non-insulated crimp terminals for copper wires (JIS C 2805) include 'ring tongue 1-hole (R-type)', 'ring tongue 2-hole (RD-type)' which cannot slip off even if the screw loosens slightly, and 'fork tongue (Y-type)' which can be inserted under a loosened screw. Ring terminals (R or RD) must be used for main circuits, CT secondary circuits, and grounding wires.

In the terminal designation 'R 5.5-4', '5.5' indicates a nominal conductor cross-section of 5.5 mm² (applicable range 2.63–6.64 mm²) and '4' indicates an 'M4 mounting screw (hole diameter 4.3 mm)'. Standard insulation sleeve colors for insulated crimp terminals are 'Red for 1.25 mm²', 'Blue for 2 mm² (e.g., 2-3.5 or 2-4)', and 'Yellow for 3.5–5.5 mm²'.

Strip the wire insulation to the proper length using a wire stripper without nicking or cutting the copper strands, and insert the conductor so the bare wire tip protrudes 'about 1 to 2 mm' beyond the terminal barrel (zero protrusion or excessive protrusion is defective).

Using a manual crimping tool (JIS C 9711, red handles for bare terminals), select the die matching the terminal size and squeeze the handles fully until the ratchet mechanism releases. After crimping, inspect the 'crimp mark (1.25 or ○, 2, 5.5)' and the crimp height.

Compared to conventional tin-lead eutectic solder (melting point 183°C), 'lead-free solder (Sn-Ag-Cu system)' used for connectors and PCBs has a 'higher melting point (approx. 217–220°C), slightly lower wettability (spreadability), a less glossy appearance, and is more prone to shrinkage cavities'. Flux removes surface oxide films to improve wetting.

Crimp Terminals (JIS C 2805), Proper Use of Hand Crimping Tools, and Lead-Free Soldering

Key points


  • Terminal 'R 5.5-4' fits a 5.5 mm² wire and M4 screw; 2-hole ring terminals are 'RD'; standard insulation sleeve colors are '1.25 = Red, 2 = Blue, 5.5 = Yellow'

  • Squeeze the ratcheting crimping tool fully in the matching die, then verify wire tip protrusion (1–2 mm), the crimp mark, and crimp height

  • Lead-free solder has a 'higher melting temperature and lower wettability' than lead solder, requiring proper heating with flux to remove oxides
WordMeaning
ring crimp terminals (R-type, RD-type) and fork terminals (Y-type)
standard insulation sleeve colors (Red 1.25, Blue 2, Yellow 5.5)
ratchet mechanism and crimp height
lead-free solder and flux

Duct Wiring, Bundle Wiring, Terminal Block Connections, Door Crossover Wiring, and Noise Separation

Internal panel wiring methods include 'duct wiring', where wires are housed in slotted synthetic resin ducts, and 'bundle wiring', where wires are neatly aligned and tied with cable ties; both methods are often combined in a single panel. Wiring ducts are cut squarely without burrs using a 'duct cutter'.

Under JEM panel wiring rules: (1) mid-wire splices are prohibited and all branches must be made at 'equipment terminals or terminal blocks', and (2) wires must never be clamped directly with bare metal clips without insulating sleeves or cushioning material.

At most '2 crimp terminals' may be fastened together on one side of a terminal block pole, and when stacking 2 terminals they must be placed 'back-to-back (flat undersides facing each other)' to maintain full contact area and stability. Wire mark tubes are oriented to read from left to right and from top to bottom.

For 'door crossover wiring' bridging from the fixed frame to a hinged door, form a U-shaped loop near the hinge so the bundle undergoes gentle 'twisting' rather than sharp bending when the door opens, secure both ends with mount bases and cable ties, and wrap the bundle in a 'spiral tube'. A protective 'bonding ground wire' must also connect the door to the cabinet.

To prevent electromagnetic noise from inverter outputs or power main circuits from entering PLC or sensor signals, 'main circuits and control/signal circuits must be routed separately'. Where crossing is unavoidable, cross them 'at right angles (perpendicularly)' rather than running them in parallel.

Key points


  • All wire branches must be made at 'terminal blocks or device terminals', with 'at most 2 terminals per screw (placed back-to-back)'

  • Never clamp wires directly with bare metal; protect door crossover wiring with a spiral tube and allow slack for torsion at the hinge

  • To prevent noise interference, 'separate main circuit wiring from control/signal wiring' and cross them 'at right angles' when necessary
WordMeaning
duct wiring method and bundle wiring method
branching at terminal blocks and back-to-back fastening (max 2 terminals)
door crossover wiring and spiral tube
separated wiring of main circuits and control circuits

Connection Methods for Instrument Transformers (CT, VT), Panel Meters, and Changeover Switches

For measuring and protecting high-voltage or heavy-current circuits, a 'voltage transformer (VT)' steps high voltage down to 110 V and a 'current transformer (CT)' steps large current down to 5 A (or 1 A). A voltmeter changeover switch (VS) or ammeter changeover switch (AS) allows a single meter to read all three phases.

While current is flowing in the primary winding of a current transformer (CT), its secondary circuit must 'never be open-circuited'. Opening the secondary saturates the core magnetic flux and induces a dangerous high voltage of several thousand volts across the secondary terminals, causing insulation breakdown, burnout, or electric shock.

Consequently, 'fuses must never be installed in a CT secondary circuit', and an ammeter changeover switch (AS) must use 'make-before-break (shorting) contacts' along with a shorting-bar test terminal block so the secondary circuit is never opened during switching or meter replacement.

Conversely, a voltage transformer (VT) secondary will burn out if short-circuited, so protective fuses are installed. To prevent shock hazards from high-to-low voltage contact, the Interpretation of Technical Standards for Electrical Equipment requires 'Class D grounding on the secondary circuit of high-voltage VTs/CTs' and 'Class A grounding on the secondary of extra-high-voltage VTs/CTs'.

Among panel indicating meters, an ammeter has a very low internal resistance and is connected in 'series' with the load, whereas a voltmeter has a very high internal resistance and is connected in 'parallel' with the load. Wattmeters and power factor meters have their current coil connected in series and voltage coil in parallel.

Key points


  • Opening a live CT secondary generates hazardous high voltage; therefore, 'never install fuses in a CT secondary circuit'

  • Under the Technical Standards Interpretation, apply 'Class D grounding' to high-voltage VT/CT secondaries and 'Class A grounding' to extra-high-voltage VT/CT secondaries

  • Connect ammeters (low internal resistance) in 'series' with the circuit and voltmeters (high internal resistance) in 'parallel'
WordMeaning
prohibition of open-circuiting and fusing CT secondary circuits
voltage transformer (VT) and Class D / Class A grounding
ammeter changeover switch (AS) and voltmeter changeover switch (VS)
internal resistance of ammeters and voltmeters

Testing and Inspection of Switchboards and Control Panels (Standard Conditions, Acceptance Tests, Insulation & Withstand Voltage)

In JEM 1425, the 'standard ambient conditions' for factory testing locations are defined by three parameters: (1) 'ambient temperature 20 ± 15°C (5–35°C)', (2) 'relative humidity 45–85%', and (3) 'atmospheric pressure 86–106 kPa' (exam choices including 'vibration' or 'noise' or stating '25 ± 2°C' are incorrect).

Panel tests include 'type tests (Keishiki shiken)' performed on representative units for new designs and 'acceptance/routine tests (Ukewatashi shiken)' performed on every completed panel before delivery. The 4 acceptance test items are '(1) visual and structural inspection', '(2) sequence (functional operation) test', '(3) insulation resistance test', and '(4) dielectric withstand voltage test'; the 'temperature rise test' is a type test and is not part of acceptance testing.

In the 'insulation resistance test', an insulation resistance tester (Megger, typically 500 V for low-voltage panels) measures resistance between all live parts connected together and the grounded metal enclosure. Because PLCs, inverters, and semiconductor elements can be damaged by high test voltages, their terminals must be 'disconnected orjumpered together' beforehand.

In the 'power-frequency withstand voltage test', the specified AC test voltage is applied for '1 minute' to verify that no insulation breakdown occurs. For low-voltage circuits, the test voltage is '1500 V for rated insulation voltages over 60 V up to 250 V (100 V / 200 V circuits)' and '2000 V for over 250 V up to 600 V (400 V circuits)'.

For the high-voltage main circuit (rated voltage 7.2 kV) of 6.6 kV cubicle-type high-voltage receiving equipment (JIS C 4620), the phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase test voltages are specified as '16000 V (16 kV) for 1 minute' at power frequency and '60 kV' for the lightning impulse withstand voltage test.

Testing and Inspection of Switchboards and Control Panels (Standard Conditions, Acceptance Tests, Insulation & Withstand Voltage)

Key points


  • Standard test room conditions are 'temperature 20 ± 15°C, relative humidity 45–85%, and pressure 86–106 kPa' (excluding vibration and noise)

  • Acceptance tests consist of 4 items: 'Visual/structural, Sequence, Insulation resistance, and Withstand voltage'; 'Temperature rise test' is excluded

  • The 1-minute power-frequency withstand voltage test uses '1500 V for >60 V to 250 V', '2000 V for >250 V to 600 V', and '16000 V for 6.6 kV cubicle main circuits'
WordMeaning
standard test room conditions (20±15°C, 45–85%, 86–106 kPa)
acceptance test and type test (temperature rise test)
insulation resistance test (Megger)
power-frequency withstand voltage test (1500 V, 2000 V, 16000 V for 1 minute)

Switchboard & Control Panel Assembly

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Official references

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