How To Write Better Electrical Specifications For Food Manufacturing Equipment

Michael Mccollum, Process Project Engineer Ii, Stellar

Creating effective equipment specifications is crucial for maximizing ROI in food processing. Neglecting to establish standardized specs during procurement can directly impact safety, sanitation, efficiency, and profitability. Small- and mid-sized companies often have room for improvement in this area. Whether your specs list is too simple for scaling up or outdated, it’s essential to address various factors when developing vendor equipment specs. In this post, we’ll focus on electrical specifications, an often-overlooked area that can derail projects if mishandled.

9 Factors Impacting Electrical Specs Effectiveness

1. Hardware Brands: Standardizing hardware brands simplifies maintenance, reduces operator errors, and minimizes spare parts requirements. Mismatched hardware protocols can complicate operations and increase costs.

2. Communication Protocols: Standardized communication protocols facilitate smoother product handoff and faster startup when integrating multiple systems.

3. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Mismatched or outdated PLCs can lead to interconnectivity failures in automated lines. Aligning equipment with the same communication protocols simplifies integration and reduces troubleshooting costs.

4. Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Configurations: Standardizing HMI configurations improves operation efficiency by preventing disruptions in production caused by multiple software versions and protocols.

5. Specific Food Plant Environment: Distinguish different plant areas in your specs to prevent incompatibility issues. Specify materials and construction methods based on the environment, including NEMA or IP6X panel ratings, conduit supports, and HMI shields.

“There is a myriad of factors to consider when developing and reviewing your specs list. The last thing you want is to overlook a detail that could create challenges and delays for your personnel and operation”

6. Evolving Technologies: Stay updated with industry best practices and technological advancements. Consider working with experienced system integrators to identify automation opportunities and upgrade control systems.

7. Facility Age and Project Scope: Building a new facility offers the opportunity to integrate the latest technology. Upgrading existing facilities may require more investment, but it’s crucial to avoid costly legacy hardware and protocols.

8. The Level of Detail: Clear and detailed specifications are essential for quality control. Vague or incomplete specs can lead to misunderstandings with OEMs and contractors, affecting equipment efficiency and reliability.

9. OSHA and NFPA Requirements: Ensure your specs require compliance with the latest codes and regulations from organizations like OSHA and NFPA. Stay vigilant about changing ingress and egress codes and maintain compliance in older facilities.

By addressing these factors, you can develop comprehensive electrical specifications that enhance safety, streamline operations, and maximize ROI in your food processing equipment.

Working With A Qualified Partner:

Lean on a knowledgeable partner throughout this process. There is a myriad of factors to consider when developing and reviewing your specs list. The last thing you want is to overlook a detail that could create challenges and delays for your personnel and operation.

At Stellar, we partner with plant owners to ensure every detail of their facility — from wire colors and case packaging to hygienic design — is tailored to meet their business needs and goals while adhering to the strict codes and regulations of the food manufacturing industry