Insights

Insights on important topics

Spare capacity in Industrial Control Panels
The Doubt: In an Industrial Control Panel, is it required to leave a certain Spare capacity for “future” development?
Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Mitigation
Proof Test and Diagnostic Coverage
THE DOUBT: What is the difference between a Proof Test and a Diagnostic Test? CONSIDERATIONS: The Proof Test concept is coming from IEC 61508 and it is im...
Process Safety
Proof Test and Diagnostic Coverage
IEC 61508 (all parts)
This is the “mother” of all Functional safety standards used in several industries worldwide. It was written in order to allow the use of Electronic components in safety critical systems.
Functional Safety
High versus Low Demand
THE DOUBT : What does it mean that a Safety Control Systems is operating in High or in Low Demand and why is it important to know it? CONSIDERATIONS:...
Process Safety
High versus Low Demand
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC: Introduction
The Machinery Directive contains 29 articles and 12 annexes and is addressed to the Member States, which are obliged to implement its requirements in national legislation.
Machinery Directive
The Modular Approach for Distribution Panels
The doubt: in order to CE mark my distribution panel, shall I do EMC tests?
Machinery Safety
Is IEC 61439-1 applicable to Industrial Control Panels?
The doubt: in order to CE mark an Industrial Control Panel, shall I follow the prescriptions given by IEC 61439-1?
Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Mitigation
Double Bonding
THE DOUBT We sometimes notice electric motors having a double bonding. Is it mandatory?
Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Mitigation
The Seven Golden Rules for a successful Risk assessment and Risk Reduction
There are about 700 harmonised standards to the machinery directive. Few of them, like ISO 12100, are about the risk assessment; the majority are about how to reduce the risk.
Machinery Safety
Six key symbols for Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety is well standardized, in the sense that there are may technical documents written on the Subject, normally by the  International Electrotechnical Commission, or IEC.
Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Mitigation