MCC vs. MCP: What’s the Difference?

A motor control centre is a centralized assembly that houses multiple motor control units, typically in standardized sections connected to a common power bus.

A motor control panel is a customized electrical panel designed around a particular machine, process, or group of motors. Depending on the application, an MCP can combine motor control, protection, power distribution, PLC control, VFDs, networking, and other automation equipment within one engineered system.

The main difference is how the motor control system is designed and organized. However, project schedule, available space, automation requirements, component selection, and future expansion can also influence which approach makes the most sense.

MCC vs. MCP at a Glance

What Is a Motor Control Centre?

A motor control centre (MCC) is a centralized assembly used to control and protect multiple motors from one location. It typically consists of standardized vertical sections connected to a common power bus, with individual units for starters, drives, breakers, and other motor-control equipment.

Usually found in: Larger industrial and commercial facilities where centralized maintenance, serviceability, and future expansion are important.

What Is a Motor Control Panel?

A motor control panel (MCP) is a customized panel used to control and protect the motors within a specific machine, process, or system. It can include starters, drives, breakers, relays, PLCs, and other control components, all arranged around the needs of the application.

Usually found in: Machinery, production lines, and process systems where flexibility, compact design, and close integration with equipment are priorities.

*Note: In some electrical contexts, MCP can also stand for motor circuit protector. In this article, MCP refers to a motor control panel.

Why Customers Are Choosing MCPs Today

MCCs remain an important motor control solution, but MCPs are becoming an option worth considering for more projects.

One major reason is project lead time.

Depending on the manufacturer, configuration and current market conditions, MCC lead times can be significant, with some projects facing lead times of a year or more, having a major impact on a project schedule.

A custom MCP may provide another path. Depending on project scope, engineering requirements and component availability, an MCP can often be designed and delivered faster than a traditional MCC.

There are other reasons customers may consider an MCP:

• Greater design flexibility: The panel can be designed around the application instead of fitting the application into a predetermined MCC configuration.

• Flexible component selection: MCP designs can allow engineers to select suitable components from different manufacturers rather than relying entirely on one manufacturer's MCC platform.

• Smaller footprint: Modern enclosure and power distribution systems can help reduce the amount of floor space required for motor control equipment.

• Integrated automation: PLCs, VFDs, remote I/O, networking, HMIs and other automation equipment can be incorporated directly into the panel design.

• Simplified procurement: Motor control, automation, power distribution, enclosures and related components can be planned as part of one coordinated solution.

For customers facing tight project schedules, limited electrical room space, or specialized control requirements, these advantages can make an MCP worth evaluating alongside a traditional MCC.

How to Choose Between an MCC and an MCP

The right choice depends on how the system will be installed, maintained, and expanded over time.

Choose an MCC when you need to control multiple motors from a centralized location and want standardized equipment that is easier to service or expand. MCCs are often a strong fit for larger facilities where uptime and long-term flexibility matter.

Choose an MCP when the controls need to be designed around a specific machine, process, or piece of equipment. MCPs can offer greater flexibility in component layout, enclosure size, and integration with PLCs, drives, and other automation equipment.

Before deciding, think about:

• Available installation space
• Maintenance and service requirements
• Future expansion plans
• The level of integration needed with the equipment

Can an MCP Ever Replace an MCC?

For many applications, yes, a properly engineered MCP can provide the motor control, protection, monitoring and automation functions traditionally associated with an MCC.

Modern modular enclosure and power distribution systems have expanded what can be achieved within an MCP.

For example, Rittal modular enclosure and busbar power distribution systems can provide the foundation for a custom MCP that incorporates motor starters, drives, protection devices, PLCs, networking and other control equipment.

Instead of purchasing these functions as part of a standardized MCC lineup, the system can be engineered around the requirements of the application.

That does not mean an MCP should replace every MCC.

An MCC may remain the better choice where standardized construction, centralized maintenance, individual unit isolation, serviceability and straightforward future expansion are primary requirements.

The important point is that customers now have another option. An MCC should not automatically be assumed to be the only solution simply because a project involves multiple motors.

What Could an MCP Look Like in a Real Application?

Consider an industrial process that requires:

• Multiple motor starters
• Several VFD-controlled motors
• A PLC
• Remote I/O
• An HMI
• Ethernet communications
• Motor and circuit protection
• Power distribution

Traditionally, a project might specify an MCC to house the starters and drives, with separate control panels used for the PLC, networking, and other automation equipment.

Depending on the project requirements, an MCP could be engineered to combine these functions into a coordinated motor control system.

The starters and VFDs would still provide motor control. Breakers and other protection devices would still protect the equipment. The PLC would still manage the process, while industrial networking would connect drives, I/O and other devices.

The required functionality remains, but the physical architecture changes.

This can give engineers greater control over the enclosure layout, component selection, automation architecture and overall footprint while potentially reducing dependence on the lead time of a complete MCC lineup.

Find the Right Motor Control Solution

EB Horsman & Son's Process, Automation & Controls team can help determine which motor control approach makes sense for your application, project schedule, available space, automation requirements and future plans.

For traditional MCC applications, we provide Siemens MCC solutions. For projects requiring a more customized approach, our PAC team can support the design and coordination of MCP solutions, including:

• Motor starters and controls
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• PLCs, HMIs and remote I/O
• Industrial networking
• Circuit protection
• Power distribution
• Rittal enclosures and modular systems
• Control and automation components

Our PAC specialists can also assist with specifications, product selection, design support, quotations, inventory, supply management, delivery logistics and post-sale technical support.

Whether the right solution is a traditional MCC or a custom MCP, the goal is the same: a motor control system designed around the electrical, operational, maintenance and project requirements of your application.

Explore our motor starters and Rittal products, or connect with our Process, Automation and Controls experts for help selecting and configuring the right MCC or MCP for your application.