I want to know the differences between theses two terms. For my own understanding, I think they mean the same thing but appearences are different. Or could it mean that the control panel is usually in the control cabinet?
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2It may help to note that in general, a panel has the controls "on" it, while a cabinet "encloses" the controls. (panel <- pane: flat surface; cabinet <- cabin: small room.)– KrisCommented Oct 3, 2013 at 12:32
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2 Answers
Here's an image from Quartz TSL showing a cabinet they made:
It has a door, and inside it are a number of panels containing individual controls. You can see cabling feeding the back of an additional panel which is accessible when the door is closed.
Control panel: a collection of controls
Control cabinet: a cabinet housing controls (which are probably mounted on panels)
answered Oct 3, 2013 at 10:56
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This is a nice example , but there's no reason why a control cabinet can't have controls on the outside (this one might, even). Size may be a factor as well, but if the user has to open a door to access the controls that tips the balance in favour of "cabinet" even if it's quite small.– Chris HCommented Oct 3, 2013 at 12:10
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@Kris I agree, and nice to give the etymology. If it were an answer it would deserve a vote - this is after all question about English, not engineering terminology.– Chris HCommented Oct 3, 2013 at 12:44
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"which are probably mounted on panels": rather, it may have panels (sheets on all sides) -- some of which will have openings for access to the controls. Dials & switches (what the layman thinks of as 'controls' mainly) are mounted on panels, with the actual stuff enclosed safely inside the cabinet.– KrisCommented Oct 3, 2013 at 12:48
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For heaven's sake: if people think they can do better than this answer, write one!– Andrew Leach ♦Commented Oct 3, 2013 at 12:50
The control cabinet is the complete thing - the electrical cabinet with all there is to it. The control panel is just the door in front of the control cabinet - when this door has buttons and/or touchscreens for operating. You could also substitute for 'operator panel'. The control panel can also be a seperate 'button' panel inside a desk or something. Use google images for clear examples of the difference between control cabinet and control panel. Good luck!
