What is mimic panel?

A mimic panel shall be provided integral to the Fire & Alarm Control Panel (FACP) for continuous monitoring of the Fire & Alarm System (FAS). The mimic shall contain a simplified layout of the buildings, which are to be monitored.

The indications on the mimic panel shall be driven through hard wired signals from the FAS. The detector types are indicated by means of colored LED’s.

The installation of the LEDs are such that they protrude at least 3 mm above the surface of the panel so that an alarm can be easily recognized from different perspectives.

A typical example for Mimic panel is shown below

How to study a mimic panel?

The process or flow charts are pictorially displayed on the front panel of the Control Desk in mimic display or mimic boards. They are generally printed on polyester or polycarbonate sheets nowadays and are supplied for protection with acrylic front covers.

The MIMIC PANELS also uses super bright LEDs with a viewing range of 100 meters to mount equipment on the MIMIC display.

Types of mimic panels

Printed Mimic Panels

Most mimic boards use 10 mil polycarbonate that can be reverse printed with symbols in custom colors and sizes to fit all apps.

Engraved Mimic Panels

A mimic bus has been cut out of plastic inventory in the past and screwed onto the board. Weatherproof adhesives can now be used to anchor plastic mimic buses, eliminating the need for mounting holes to be drilled.

Components of Mimic Control Panels and Cubicles

Control panels and cubicles typically include several key components for monitoring and controlling systems effectively:

• Schematic Mimic: A front-facing diagram that represents the system being controlled, providing a visual overview of the process.
• Lamps and Indicators: These display the status and position of various elements within the system, offering real-time insights.
• Switches: Used for controlling and adjusting the status of plant items, enabling manual operations as needed.
• Alarm Annunciators and Fault Recording Equipment: These tools alert operators to system issues and record faults for later analysis, helping maintain operational safety.
• Internal Wiring and Equipment Mounting: The panels have comprehensive internal wiring and equipment installed both on the front and internally to ensure reliable operation and ease of access for maintenance.

This combination of features helps operators manage and control complex systems efficiently and safely​

Application of Mimic Panels

Mimic panels provide a visual representation of any process plant or system on a control panel or desk. This visual layout allows operators to monitor the entire plant from a single location, making it easier to manage complex systems. Additionally, mimic panels often function as a secondary backup, complementing digital systems such as HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) or SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. This backup capability ensures that operators can continue to oversee operations effectively, even in the event of digital system failures​.

Mimic Panels and Bus

Mimic panels, or mimic buses, provide direct or schematic representations of systems used across various industries for diverse applications. These panels display a simplified layout of processes or equipment, making it easier to monitor and manage complex operations.

Examples of applications include:

• Electrical switchgear panels: Displaying a series of electrical symbols and specifications to indicate circuit statuses and facilitate troubleshooting.
• Process plants: Offering a layout of the plant to quickly identify faults or breakdowns, enhancing response times.
• Security and gatehouses: In business or residential complexes, mimic panels help pinpoint the location of activated alarms, aiding in efficient security management.

Mimic panels are widely employed in industries like cement plants, railways, petrochemical facilities, public utilities, foundries, distribution centers, power generation stations, and laboratories

Mimic Panels in Fire & Gas Applications

In fire and gas systems, mimic panels provide a geographical layout of the installation and equipment, enabling rapid visual appraisal of fire and gas hazards. These panels are strategically installed in easily accessible locations, often near building entrances, for quick reference by personnel.

Mimic panels in this context are equipped with indicators or lamps to signal the presence of a fire or gas leak and feature pushbuttons or switches for manual activation of plant shutdown or fire suppression systems. They also display the status of critical equipment, such as fire water pumps and foam systems. To prevent accidental operation, crucial buttons on the panel are often protected with flaps or covers.

Some mimic panels use a tile matrix construction, allowing for easy modifications by adding or removing tiles as needed​

Additional features in Mimic panel

• Detector failure
• Ground fault detection in the loop
• FAS failure
• Power failure

What is the purpose of a mimic panel?

A mimic panel is designed to provide a visual representation of a process or system, allowing operators to monitor and control equipment effectively. These panels display the operational status of various components in real-time, helping operators quickly identify any issues and take appropriate actions. Mimic panels are commonly used in power distribution and industrial processes to enhance situational awareness and streamline operations.

What is a mimic panel in a substation?

In substations, mimic panels serve as control interfaces that depict the layout of the electrical network, including breakers, transformers, and switches. This visual setup helps operators manage power distribution by providing an at-a-glance view of the system’s status and enabling quick responses to faults or system changes. The panels can include LEDs and indicators for equipment status, often connected to a PLC or SCADA system for enhanced control​.

What is a mimic panel diagram?

A mimic panel diagram is a schematic layout printed or displayed on the front of a mimic panel, showing the process flow or system configuration. This diagram includes symbols representing key components like valves, pumps, or electrical switches, often color-coded for clarity. It is typically made from durable materials and can be customized to reflect specific process requirements. The diagram helps operators understand and manage the system at a glance​.

What are mimic displays?

Mimic displays, also known as mimic panels, are control interfaces that visually represent processes, making them easier to monitor and control. These displays can be static or interactive, incorporating elements like LEDs and switches to provide real-time updates on equipment status. Mimic displays are valuable in complex systems, such as those in power plants, where they simplify control and improve operational safety​.