Pre-Power-Up Checklist for Control Panels

1. Safe work

• Work is covered by your site's permit or procedure
• Supply is locked out and tagged out, and verified dead
• Qualified persons are assigned to the work
• Test instruments are in good condition and suitable for the voltage

2. Inspection

• Panel is clean, with no tools, debris or off-cuts inside
• Components and ratings match the drawings
• Doors, barriers and covers are fitted
• Fuses and circuit breakers are the correct size and in the correct positions
• Drives, soft starters and power supplies are mounted with clearances for cooling

3. Terminations and wiring

• Power terminations are tightened to the specified torque
• Control terminations are tight and strands are secure
• Wire numbers match the drawings
• No wires are damaged, pinched or touching sharp edges
• Field wiring is landed on the right terminals
• Motor and load connections match the drawings and nameplates

4. Grounding

• Panel and equipment grounding conductors are connected
• Grounding continuity is verified
• Shield terminations are made as designed

5. Tests with the power off

• Insulation resistance is tested as specified, with electronics isolated as the manufacturer directs
• No short circuit exists between power conductors, and between each conductor and ground
• Control circuit continuity is verified where practical
• Emergency stop and safety circuits are verified before energizing

6. Supply and settings

• Incoming voltage and frequency match the equipment ratings
• Phase sequence is verified where required
• Transformer taps and power supply settings are set as specified
• Overload and protective device settings match the motor nameplates
• Drive parameters are entered from the motor nameplate before running a motor

7. Energize

• Energize in stages, starting with the main supply and then the control circuits
• Check voltages at the main points before energizing the next stage
• Controller and devices start and show healthy status
• Motors are bumped to check rotation before coupling to the load
• Anything unexpected is recorded, and the panel is de-energized to investigate

8. After energizing

• Settings and the as-found state are recorded
• Program and parameter backups are saved
• Labels, drawings and the lockout points are updated

Notes and punch list