AMETEK NCC — Frequently Asked Questions

About NCC

What does NCC (National Controls Corporation) do?

National Controls Corporation (NCC) designs and manufactures advanced electronic controls for food service equipment and industrial applications, including commercial kitchen timers and cooking computers, industrial process controls, dust-collector controls, and touchscreen HMI displays. NCC partners with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop controls that emphasize functionality, reliability, and cost competitiveness. Its technology platform is built on common software tools and embedded control solutions, enabling the rapid development and deployment of customer-specific control solutions across multiple industries.

Who is NCC and how does it relate to AMETEK?

NCC is National Controls Corporation, a brand within AMETEK's Instrumentation, Controls & Vision business segment, which is part of AMETEK, Inc. NCC is recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacture of specialty electronic controls. As an AMETEK company, NCC combines its long-standing expertise in control design with the global resources, manufacturing capabilities, and quality systems of a large international organization.

Where is NCC located?

NCC is headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, USA, at 705 Enterprise St, Aurora, IL 60504. The company can be contacted by phone at 630-231-5900 or 800-323-2593. NCC supports customers through its U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing operations and works with a network of authorized distributors and international partners to serve customers worldwide.

Which industries and applications does NCC serve?

NCC serves a broad range of industries, including food service and commercial kitchen equipment manufacturing, industrial and process equipment, industrial air filtration and dust-collection systems, and medical and laboratory equipment. Its controls are also used in robotics, automation systems, and heavy-duty industrial operations. Common applications include fryers, cooking and holding equipment, dust collectors, pneumatic conveying systems, temperature and liquid-level monitoring, motor timing controls, load management systems, and operator HMI displays.

Does NCC design custom controls for OEMs?

Yes. Custom OEM control design is a core part of NCC's business. Using standardized software tools and reusable embedded-control technologies, NCC develops customer-specific solutions ranging from monochrome LCD and LED/switch interfaces to advanced touchscreen HMIs and complete process-control systems. These controls are tailored to each manufacturer's product requirements, budget, and development timeline. This platform-based approach helps reduce development time while maintaining reliability, performance, and cost competitiveness.

Products — Food Service Controls

What food service controls does NCC make?

NCC manufactures a wide range of electronic controls and timers for cooking and food-processing equipment, including cooking computers, commercial kitchen timers, fryer controls, custom operator interfaces, Wi-Fi adapters, and IoT gateways. Its operator interfaces range from monochrome LCD and LED/switch/dial designs to high-resolution touchscreen TFT LCD displays. These products help food-service equipment deliver consistent cooking performance while enabling connectivity with kitchen-management software. NCC offers both standard off-the-shelf controls and fully customized OEM solutions for cooking equipment manufacturers.

What are NCC cooking computers and commercial kitchen timers?

NCC cooking computers and commercial kitchen timers are electronic control systems designed to manage cooking and holding times, temperature settings, and multi-stage cooking programs in food-service equipment. The product range includes advanced electronic timers such as the Atlas 2000 and touchscreen-based solutions like the D4000 Series. These controls help improve cooking consistency, food quality, and operational efficiency and can be integrated into fryers, ovens, and holding equipment as either standard products or customized OEM solutions.

What is the NCC IoT Gateway and Wi-Fi adapter?

The NCC IoT Gateway and Wi-Fi adapter are connectivity solutions that connect commercial kitchen equipment and NCC controls to wireless networks and restaurant-management software. They support features such as remote equipment monitoring, energy-management programs, operational data collection, and system diagnostics. These technologies enable food-service operators to integrate cooking equipment into connected, data-driven kitchen environments that improve efficiency and support energy-saving initiatives.

What HMI and touchscreen displays does NCC offer?

NCC provides a variety of human-machine interface (HMI) solutions, ranging from monochrome LCD displays and LED/switch/dial control panels to high-resolution touchscreen TFT LCD displays. These interfaces give operators intuitive and efficient control over commercial kitchen equipment and industrial machinery and can be customized to match an OEM's branding and functionality requirements. NCC also develops smart display HMI controllers for medical and laboratory devices, as well as for robotics, automation systems, and heavy-duty industrial applications.

Products — Industrial Controls & Monitors

What is a dust collector controller (sequential timer)?

A dust collector controller is a sequential timer board that activates the cleaning solenoid valves on a pulse-jet (bag house) dust collector or pneumatic conveying system in the proper sequence and timing. NCC's DNC-T series output sequencers use digital, microprocessor-controlled circuitry to provide precise pulse timing and allow programming of on-times, off-times, and the last output used through an integrated keypad.

By pulsing compressed air through the filter bags in sequence, the controller keeps the filters clean, helping the dust collector maintain airflow and efficient dust capture performance.

How many solenoid outputs can NCC dust collector controllers handle?

NCC dust collector sequencers can control from 3 to 32 solenoid outputs, making them suitable for applications ranging from small dust collectors to large multi-bag filtration systems. The DNC-T series, including models such as DNC-T2003 through DNC-T2032, is available in configurations matched to the number of cleaning valves required.

These controllers feature a compact footprint to reduce enclosure costs, surface-mount construction for enhanced reliability, universal AC voltage operation, RoHS-compliant construction, and mounting on a metal chassis suitable for installation in a NEMA 4 enclosure.

What is the difference between continuous and on-demand cleaning?

In continuous cleaning mode, the controller pulses the filter-cleaning solenoids on a fixed, repeating timer cycle regardless of filter condition or loading. In on-demand cleaning mode, cleaning is initiated only when filter loading reaches a specified level, as measured by the pressure differential across the filters.

On-demand cleaning, which can be enabled using a pressure differential meter such as the NCC DNC-PS700-A10, helps reduce compressed air consumption and extend filter life by eliminating unnecessary cleaning pulses. NCC sequencers support both continuous and on-demand operating modes.

Can NCC dust collector controls replace my existing controller?

Yes. NCC offers retrofit models designed as direct drop-in replacements for many older NCC products as well as numerous competitor controllers. This simplifies upgrades, maintenance, and repair projects while minimizing downtime.

The controllers are easy to program using a keypad that allows configuration of on-times, off-times, and the last output used. When replacing an older NCC or competitor controller, contact NCC or an authorized distributor with the existing model number and the required number of solenoid outputs to identify the correct replacement.

Products — Medical, Robotics & Automation

Does NCC make medical and laboratory display controllers?

Yes. NCC develops smart display and touch-controller solutions for medical and laboratory devices, leveraging its expertise in embedded controls and human-machine interface (HMI) technology. These solutions are designed to meet the accuracy, reliability, and usability requirements of medical and laboratory applications.

NCC touch displays serve as operator interfaces for diagnostic equipment, laboratory instruments, and other medical devices, providing intuitive control and monitoring capabilities.

In addition to standard display modules, NCC can also develop custom-designed controllers tailored to the specific requirements of an OEM's device, ensuring the best fit for the intended application.

Can NCC controls be used in robotics and automation?

Yes. NCC offers smart display HMI controllers for robotics, automation systems, and heavy-duty industrial operations. These solutions provide rugged and reliable operator interfaces along with embedded control capabilities for automated equipment operating in demanding environments.

NCC's controllers are designed to support efficient machine operation, monitoring, and user interaction while maintaining durability in industrial settings.

Using a flexible platform approach, NCC can customize these controllers to meet specific application requirements, including interface design, connectivity options, and environmental durability needs for robotics and automation projects.

Technical & Application Questions

Can I trigger an NCC timer with a voltage source?

No. For applications that require a start switch, the NCC timer's start input must be a dry contact closure rather than a voltage signal. Directly applying a voltage signal to the start input is not recommended.

If your application only provides a voltage signal for triggering, NCC recommends using its universal voltage input buffer (part number ASY-INPUT-BUFR). This device converts the voltage signal into the required dry contact closure for proper timer operation.

Using the input buffer helps protect the timer input circuitry and ensures reliable triggering from a powered signal source.

How do I set the time range on a fixed-resistor NCC timer?

On fixed-resistor NCC timers, the desired delay is established by selecting an external resistor value (RT). The resistor value is calculated using the following formula:

RT = ((Time Required − Time Minimum) / (Time Maximum − Time Minimum)) × 1,000,000 ohms

For example, a Q1F-00060-311 timer with a timing range of 3 to 60 seconds requires approximately a 474 kΩ resistor to achieve a 30-second delay.

Always ensure the desired delay falls within the model's specified minimum and maximum timing range, and refer to the product documentation for exact specifications, resistor values, and wiring requirements.

Are NCC products RoHS compliant, and what enclosure ratings do they use?

Many NCC industrial control products, including the DNC-T series dust collector sequencers, are RoHS compliant and utilize surface-mount technology to enhance reliability and manufacturing consistency.

Dust collector controllers are supplied on a metal chassis designed for installation within a NEMA 4 enclosure, providing protection against dust and water exposure in industrial environments.

Because compliance certifications and environmental ratings can vary by product model and application, users should verify the applicable specifications and approvals in the individual product datasheet.

What voltage ranges do NCC controls support?

Many NCC controls, including dust collector sequencers and numerous time-delay relay models, offer universal or wide-range AC voltage inputs. This allows a single control model to operate across multiple supply voltages, simplifying inventory and application flexibility.

Some products are designed for specific nominal voltages. For example, the 120AZ and 240AZ undervoltage monitors are intended for use on 120 V and 240 V systems respectively.

Before selecting a control, always review the product datasheet to confirm the exact input voltage range, frequency requirements, and any other electrical specifications relevant to the application.

Documentation & Support

Where can I find a manual or product documentation?

Product manuals, datasheets, specifications, and other technical documentation are available on the NCC Literature page located within the Support section of the NCC website.

If you are unable to locate documentation for a specific product, you can submit a request through the Contact Us form and NCC will assist in locating the appropriate information.

For wiring diagrams, time and voltage specifications, product references, and cross-reference information, the literature library and individual product reference sections are the primary resources.

Can I obtain a schematic or parts list for an NCC product?

No. NCC does not provide schematics or parts lists because they are proprietary and considered confidential intellectual property.

If a product or circuit board requires service, NCC recommends contacting an NCC customer service representative rather than attempting board-level repairs.

This policy helps protect proprietary designs while ensuring repairs and servicing are handled through authorized support channels.

How do I get an NCC product serviced or repaired?

To obtain service or repair assistance, contact an NCC customer service representative through the Contact Us page and provide the product model number along with a detailed description of the issue.

Because NCC does not release repair documentation such as schematics or parts lists, servicing is handled through authorized support channels.

Having the product model number, application information, and a description of the problem available will help NCC determine whether repair, replacement, or a current-production substitute is the best solution.

How can I find out if a part is still available?

If you cannot find a part on the NCC website or are unsure whether it is still in production, submit the part number through the Contact Us form and NCC will verify its availability.

If the part has been discontinued, NCC can recommend an appropriate replacement. For obsolete timer products, NCC also provides substitution guides and cross-reference lists to assist with selection.

Providing the original part number along with key specifications such as the required time range and voltage range can help NCC identify the correct current equivalent more quickly.

Buying & Contact

Where can I buy NCC products?

NCC products are available through a network of authorized distributors, and NCC can provide an up-to-date distributor list upon request or through its website.

Many standard NCC controls, timers, and related products can also be purchased through major industrial suppliers as well as NCC's online store.

For OEM applications and custom control projects, customers can work directly with NCC through the Contact Us page rather than purchasing through a distributor.

Does NCC ship internationally?

NCC does not maintain distributors located outside the United States. However, its authorized U.S. distributor partners can ship NCC products to customers worldwide.

NCC can provide a current list of authorized distributors that support international orders and global product delivery.

For international OEM programs and specialized projects, customers should contact NCC directly to be connected with the most appropriate distributor or partner for their region.

Can I buy NCC products online?

Yes. NCC operates an online store at store.ametekiscd.com/ncc where many electronic controls, timers, and related products for food-service and industrial applications can be purchased directly.

The online store provides a convenient purchasing option for standard, currently manufactured products.

For custom designs, high-volume OEM requirements, or products not available through the online store, customers should contact NCC or an authorized distributor for pricing and availability information.

How do I contact NCC or request a custom design?

You can contact NCC through the Contact Us page on its website, by phone at 630-231-5900 or 800-323-2593, or by mail at 1725 Western Drive, West Chicago, IL 60185, USA.

For custom OEM control projects, NCC's engineering team works directly with customers to define project requirements and develop tailored control solutions.

Providing details such as the application, required functions, operating environment, and estimated production volume helps NCC recommend the most suitable standard product or custom-designed solution.