Abstract: In a centrifugal separator which has in the top panel of its case an opening communicating with a rotor chamber and a control panel disposed behind the opening, a lid for covering the opening has a cutaway made in its lower portion for receiving the control panel and the pivot of the lid is extended laterally to the rear of the control panel. The lid is spring biased toward its open position and is opened by depression of a foot pedal that is connected to a lid lock mechanism. The control panel includes an indicator of rotor rotational frequency and rotor chamber temperature, the indicator being supplied with electrical signals produced by sensors within the case of the centrifugal separator.