Wires that run between the control panel and operator station must enter and exit the panels through what?

Wires that run between the control panel and the operator station must enter and exit the panels through terminal blocks because terminal blocks serve as a point of connection for electrical wires. They provide a secure and organized way to terminate individual wires while allowing for easy access for maintenance and troubleshooting. Terminal blocks facilitate the neat arrangement of wires and help prevent damage that might occur if wires were left loose or improperly secured.

Conduits, while essential for protecting and routing electrical wiring, do not specifically serve as the connection points within the control panel itself, but rather as the pathways through which the wires run. Connectors are used to join different wires or cables together but do not provide the structural support and organization that terminal blocks offer. Cable trays are used for managing cable systems but, like conduits, do not function as direct connection points within the panel. The proper use of terminal blocks ensures reliability and safety in the electrical system setup.