Panel features you wish you had

summerofgeorge · Apr 4, 2012

I'm trying to do my panel right the first time. It's inevitable that there will be something I wish I added but hopefully you guys can prevent some of that. I'm wondering which features you wish you included or features that you have that are really glad you included? Here's what I'm planning for the panel for my 3 keggle/2 pump system:

Main power switch with indicator light
Safe start interlock
Emergency stop
3 PIDs
2 timers
2 element switches with indicator lights for ON
2 lights showing when power is going to elements
2 pump switches with indicator lights
Alarm buzzer
Alarm switches for PIDs and timers
Alarm "active" indicator light
Panel tags
Auxiliary 120v outlet for cell phone/computer/etc.
Possibly DIN distribution blocks
DIN circuit breakers inside for each element, lights/pumps, and auxiliary outlet

I thought about the volt/amp meters but I don't think there's a good place for them in my panel and some folks suggested that they weren't worth it.

Obviously, all of these aren't required to make good beer...but cost aside, why not include as many features as possible as long as it doesn't make the panel too cluttered? I'd rather pay a little more up front instead of cutting things and having to retrofit later.

stlbeer · Apr 4, 2012

You did exactly what I did - forgot to plan for my temp probes.... and I don't see contactors in your list.

I was thinking about putting a light inside the panel and a door switch so it would come on when I open the door - like a refrigerator - but dumped the idea. Here - it's all yours.

Sparky · Apr 5, 2012

I put a clock on mine. Love it.
No, I do not wear a watch.

summerofgeorge · Apr 5, 2012

stlbeer - I'm going with 3 RTD probes from Auber. Just forgot to list them. The light idea is neat. I'm not sure how often I'd be opening the panel when it's powered up though.

Sparky - funny that you mention it. As I was trying to get to sleep last night I was wondering about a clock. I think I looked at them a while back but just forgot about it. What did you go with? Do you have to reset it every time you turn your panel on or is there a battery backup of some sort?

iijakii · Apr 5, 2012

I wish I had a timer and also the amp/volt meters like Kal. I cut them out due to simplicity, because they're really quite pointless. But man are they blingy as hell.