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The G&G Blog


How to Wire the Control Terminals on an Invertek Optidrive Eco (ODV-3)
The Invertek Optidrive Eco (ODV-3) is a popular choice for HVAC and pump applications across the UK. Whether you're controlling a fan motor or a borehole pump, getting the control wiring right is essential for reliable operation. This guide covers the control terminal layout, common configurations, and the key parameters you'll need to set. Control Terminal Overview The ODV-3 uses a standard terminal block layout for control connections. All control terminals are low voltage
2 days ago4 min read


The Dangers of Emergency Stops (and Why They Don’t Always Do What You Think)
In the industrial world, the "big red button" is a universal symbol of safety. We are conditioned to believe that hitting an emergency stop (also known as an E-stop) acts as a magic wand that instantly renders a machine harmless. However, this assumption is dangerous. E-stops are complex control devices, and misunderstanding their physical and electrical limitations is a leading cause of avoidable accidents. Understanding Safety Categories First of all, let's understand categ
Dec 19, 20254 min read


Replacing Control Panel Components
Choosing the right control panel components can be daunting, especially for an onsite engineer having to replace dated parts. Here is a handy overview guide and some things to watch out for. Component Key Information Be careful of Isolator - Correct amp rating must be at least the rating of the MCB protecting the supply - Number of poles - Handle type: commonly door interlocked or direct mount Fused isolators can have different size fuses, some are push fit, some are bo
Dec 2, 20253 min read


Choosing the Right Level Sensing: Radar vs Hydrostatic vs Float Switches
Let’s explore how they work, what's good about each and what can go wrong in real-world use. These are all widely available products,...
Oct 3, 20252 min read


Why do single phase pumps block more often than three phase pumps?
As most pump engineers will be able to tell you, single phase pumps are much more liable to get blocked than three phase pumps. But why?...
Sep 26, 20253 min read


Why are multiple earths on the same stud banned?
When building electrical control panels, wiring practices are not just a matter of neatness, they are a matter of safety and compliance....
Sep 12, 20252 min read


Wiring diagrams: eating spaghetti for breakfast
For many engineers who haven't had formal training in controls design, wiring diagrams can look pretty daunting. The aim of this blog...
Aug 1, 20255 min read


Building Management Systems (BMS): what are they and how do they work
There are many different systems in modern buildings such as the heating, cooling, clean water, wastewater and many other elements that...
Jul 25, 20258 min read


G&G Working with SSE Energy Solutions - A Case Study
G&G Controls recently joined the SSE Energy Solutions supply chain for control panels, so we did a review of the first panel we made for...
Jul 18, 20251 min read


Form 4 or Form 2 enclosures, what does it mean?
When it comes to electrical control panels, one of the key considerations in design and specification is the “Form of separation.” This...
Jul 11, 20253 min read


Why Sewage Pits Need ATEX‑Rated Equipment
In the world of wastewater management, particularly sewage pumping stations and treatment works, flammable gases such as methane and...
Jul 4, 20253 min read


Understanding Motor Starting Methods: DOL, Star‑Delta, Soft Start & Inverter
When designing control panels, selecting the right motor starting method is a key decision that can affect cost, reliability, and...
Jun 27, 20253 min read


Why did a 72 million litre flood happen in a non-floodplain?
In September 2024, around 72 million litres of water submerged the A421 in Bedfordshire. What makes this event so concerning is that,...
Jun 20, 20252 min read


Best switchgear enclosure options in the UK
There are a lot of different types of the best control panel (switchgear) enclosures here in the UK, let's look at the options and which...
Jun 13, 20252 min read


Do you need surge protection in your panel? Here's what you need to know.
As a manufacturer of control panels, we frequently get asked - do we need surge protection in our control panel? The short answer is: in...
Jun 6, 20253 min read


Basix View: A Smarter, Simpler Approach to Level Sensing
Basix View is a simple way to get alternative level sensing, for example for use with a Vega radar level sensing head. But first, let's...
Apr 17, 20252 min read


G&G Controls Live: Ask the Experts Training Session
We’re hosting a live Q&A session this Friday, March 28th, and we’d love for you to join us! Whether you’re a sales professional,...
Mar 26, 20251 min read


Star/Delta motor starting - why is it so misunderstood?
Star/Delta motor starting is a common method used to reduce the surge in current and torque during the starting of large motors. However,...
Feb 14, 20253 min read


Cutting BMS panel build times by 50%
Our BMS clients have told us that two things are super important to them: getting a drawing very quickly and then getting the panel...
Feb 7, 20252 min read


Replacing failed inverters
Sometimes when the power to the inverters is turned off (power cut/maintenance/repair etc) the inverter won’t turn on again afterwards. ...
Jan 31, 20252 min read


Functional Safety Training - Should you do it?
By: Nathan Chapman, Electrical, Control and Instrumentation @ Richard Alan Engineering. As an EC&I design engineer I work with different...
Dec 20, 20242 min read


Float Switches vs Ultrasonics: Choosing the Right Pump Control for Your System
When it comes to managing waste water pump control panels, selecting the right level control method is crucial for reliable operation and...
Dec 6, 20243 min read


Mild steel vs polyester glazed enclosures: what’s the difference?
When selecting an enclosure for control panels, the environment, maintenance needs, and ease of use are key factors to consider. Two of...
Nov 29, 20243 min read


Controlling Water, why go custom?
By: John Kidson MD @ JK Irrigation Ltd Tristan from G&G Controls has asked me to produce blog content, due to our ever-expanding online...
Nov 22, 20242 min read
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