Knowledge
Hygienic design and washdown for control equipment
Electrical equipment in a food plant has two jobs: survive daily sanitation, and never become a place where bacteria can hide. Both start at the design stage.
Start with placement
The most hygienic panel is the one that isn't in the process area. Where possible, we put control panels in electrical rooms or dry corridors and bring remote I/O or field devices into the washdown zone instead. What must stay in the wet area should be as small and simple as possible.
Ingress ratings
| Rating | What it covers |
|---|---|
| NEMA Type 4X / UL Type 4X | Protection includes hose-directed water and specified corrosion resistance under the applicable standard. Verify the manufacturer's rating, and any claimed UL certification, separately. |
| IP66 / IP67 | Powerful water jets / temporary immersion. |
| IP69 / IP69K | High-pressure, high-temperature water-jet protection under the stated test standard. Verify the exact designation and test conditions; this does not establish sanitation-chemical resistance or hygienic suitability. |
Select and install penetrations and accessories (glands, push-buttons, HMIs, cooling devices) under the enclosure manufacturer's instructions and applicable certification conditions, so the completed assembly retains its required rating. Also verify chemical compatibility, temperature limits and hygienic cleanability.
Hygienic details that matter
- Stainless steel (typically 304, or 316/316L where chlorides or aggressive chemicals are used) with smooth finishes.
- Sloped tops so water and debris don't collect, and no horizontal ledges.
- Standoff mounting so the space behind the enclosure can be cleaned and inspected.
- Bottom cable entry with hygienic glands, and no open cable trays above product zones.
- Hygienic gaskets and fasteners without crevices, compatible with your sanitation chemicals.
- Condensation management. Temperature cycling during washdown can draw moisture into sealed enclosures. Breathers, heaters or cooling are selected for the duty.
- Instruments with hygienic process connections suitable for the duty. Where specified, verify a current 3-A Symbol Authorization or EHEDG certificate for the exact equipment configuration, and follow its installation and cleaning conditions.
Built in our panel shop
Gross Automation designs and builds industrial control panels in our UL 508A shop in Brookfield, Wisconsin, including washdown-rated enclosures specified for the area each panel will live in. About us →