A Smarter Commercial HVAC Control Panel, Built for the People Who Use It

Installing a control panel for commercial HVAC systems is a process that requires patience, precision, and—depending on the setup—hands that can miraculously fit into impossibly tight spaces. If you’ve ever tried to land a thick-gauge wire onto a cramped terminal block, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

That’s why we redesigned our control panels for the multimotor plenum fan to give you more room to work, better wire management, and an overall smoother experience. The best part? These upgrades are already standard. No extra steps, no extra stress—just a smarter commercial control panel built with you in mind.

From Outsourced to In-House: Taking Control of Our Commercial Control Panels

In the early days, we outsourced our control panel production to another company, which meant we were at the mercy of their supply chain, design restrictions, and long lead times. If we wanted to make a simple design change, it required jumping through hoops and waiting months. And when the pandemic hit, supply chain issues turned into full-blown delays. So, we did what any company obsessed with quality and reliability would do—we set up a UL508a panel shop. This gave us full control over design and supply chain and, most importantly, the ability to make improvements in real-time based on customer feedback.

The Problem: Too Small, Too Tight

One thing we kept hearing from contractors and facilities teams? Our commercial control panels were too tight inside. Large wires needed room to bend and land cleanly on terminals, and our old design made that process frustrating, if not outright impossible, in some cases.

The Solution: A Bigger, Better Commercial Control Panel

With the launch of FS1 V3, we’ve made a major improvement: our control panels are now larger across 95% of our installations. That extra space isn’t just for show—it’s designed to make your job easier. You now have more room to work, better wire management, and an overall cleaner install.

Beyond space, we’ve also upgraded the control panel’s communication capabilities. We’ve moved from a homegrown communication protocol to an industry-standard, more robust system that reduces EMI (electromagnetic interference) and provides a more reliable connection between the panel and the fan controller. We’re also rolling out BACnet IP in the near future, giving customers greater control and integration options.

What This Means for Commercial Resellers, Installers, and Facilities Teams

If you’re installing or maintaining a Q-PAC multimotor plenum fan, here’s what you need to know:

  • You don’t have to request the larger panels—they’re already standard.
  • If you have a project requiring the old size, let us know—we can accommodate special requests for a limited time through your normal Special Request process.
  • New communication upgrades are coming soon, making our system even more seamless to integrate.

We didn’t just build a bigger commercial control panel; we built a better experience for the people who install and use it. Every shipment that leaves our facility carries the best version of our design—no waiting for a new model next year, just continuous refinement in real time.

Technical Summary: 

Q-PAC Commercial HVAC Control Panel Update 

As of December 1st, 2024, Q-PAC has transitioned to larger commercial HVAC control panels across 95% of installations. This change was driven by customer feedback, particularly from installing contractors and facilities teams, who reported difficulty working within the tighter enclosures.

Key Updates: 

  • Increased Panel Size: More internal space for wire management and terminal access, improving installation efficiency and reducing frustration.
  • Enhanced Communication Protocol: Transition from a proprietary system to a robust, industry-standard communication protocol, reducing EMI and improving signal reliability.
  • BACnet IP Capability: The larger enclosure allows for the addition of a network switch, enabling BACnet IP integration (expected launch in Q1 2025).
  • Ongoing Special Requests: Customers requiring the previous panel size can submit a request through standard special design channels. Accommodations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

These changes reinforce Q-PAC’s commitment to rapid iteration, customer responsiveness, and seamless integration for all commercial HVAC control panel installations. Looking ahead, we’re continuing to refine our systems, with further enhancements to connectivity, diagnostics, and user experience already in development. If you have any questions regarding these updates, please reach out to our team.

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