Understanding the Distinction: Control Panel vs. Mimic Panels

Control panels and mimic panels serve distinct purposes in various industries:

Control Panel

• Function: A control panel is used for controlling and changing the status of plant items.
• Components: It typically includes switches, lamps, indicators, alarm annunciators, and fault recording equipment.
• Representation: Control panels have a schematic mimic on the front that represents the system being controlled.
• Usage: Widely used in power systems for electrical power transmission, distribution, and generation.
• Customization: Can be standard 19” rack type or custom-sized to meet specific requirements.

Mimic Panel

• Function: Mimic panels are primarily for monitoring purposes rather than control.
• Representation: Mimic panels display a pictorial representation of the process or flow charts on the front panel of a control desk.
• Materials: Often printed on polyester or polycarbonate sheets with acrylic front sheets for protection.
• Applications: Commonly used in various industries like cement plants, railways, petrochemical plants, and more.
• Fire & Gas Application: Mimic panels are crucial in fire and gas systems for rapid visual appraisal of hazards.

In summary, while control panels are focused on actively controlling plant items with switches and indicators, mimic panels are designed for visual monitoring through graphical representations of processes or systems. Each serves a specific function in industrial settings to ensure efficient operation and safety.