Understanding the rules and regulations for export to North America

Adapting machinery and equipment for the North American market poses a special challenge, not least because of the different standards and the many questions that need to be answered in the process. For example, why are internationally proven motor-protective circuit breakers subject to restrictions? What do terms such as “feeder” or “branch circuits” mean? Why do the local product standards require different clearance and creepage distances? What types of devices are suitable as branch circuit protective devices? Control panel manufacturers and companies such as AZO CONTROLS rely on Eaton for professional support and project consultation when it comes to exports to North America.

Background 

AZO CONTROLS is a leading international automation specialist with four production sites in Germany. To date, the company has completed more than 2,000 industrial automation and control technology projects as well as 600 process control installations worldwide. Its projects range from the field level to MES solutions and the integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. As a UL-listed control panel manufacturer (UL file E316405), AZO CONTROLS is authorised to place the UL label on its panels (for example those intended for dosing and mixing systems) directly at the place of manufacture. In 2011, the company also became one of the very few German manufacturers to receive UL approval for equipment intended for hazardous locations. Eaton supported the company as it navigated the maze of codes, standards and country-specific practices.

Challenge 

Across North America, there are different types of approvals for machine-building components. To avoid any problems during the acceptance process undertaken by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), a number of factors need to be considered:

• different codes and standards apply across North America,
  
• only components that are certified by a nationally recognised testing laboratory (NRTL) such as UL and/or CSA should be used,
  
• certified devices should be correctly selected and combined in accordance with the applicable codes and standards, 
  
• North American market practices and usage habits also need to be taken into account. 
  

European machine builders producing for export to North America can easily purchase certified switchgear. Most of these devices are suitable for global use as well as for diverse applications. That being said, Eaton’s Moeller series portfolio comprises compact circuit breakers that have been specifically designed to comply with the North American requirements. 

In addition, it is also necessary to determine and indicate additional information, such as the short-circuit current rating (SCCR) of the entire control panel. In order to avoid acceptance problems with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or with end customers and machine operators, it is essential to be familiar with local habits and practices. Otherwise, exports to North America will quickly turn into a time-consuming process with high financial risks. 

Solution 

It is not easy for machine builders to acquire expert knowledge of all the relevant codes and standards on their own. Knowledge of particular usage habits can’t be gained from a textbook, but only through many years of experience. 

Given that Eaton has the necessary technological expertise for exports to North America, it hosts regular seminars that highlight the differences with IEC guidelines and address any issues that may arise. These seminars are not only about imparting theoretical knowledge, but provide a forum for practical explanation and discussion. This includes reference to the appropriate products and product combinations as well as relevant case studies. In addition, Eaton has published a number of white papers dedicated to questions surrounding exports to North America, which are available for anyone interested in the topic. 

This includes a white paper on the topic of “Supply circuit disconnecting means with rotary handles in compliance with NFPA 79 and UL 508A”. In order to comply with the deliberate action requirement of the North American standards, which applies when the door lock is released and the master switch is switched on while the control panel door is open, Eaton offers a special door-coupling rotary handle with additional rotary handle. 

For the North American version of the door-coupling rotary handle, this deliberate action consists of three steps: the additional handle has to be turned approximately 20 degrees in the “ON” direction, before pushing it in and then turning it fully until it is in the “ON” position. To turn the switch off, it simply needs to be returned to the “OFF” position. On Eaton devices, both the switch itself and the door-coupling rotary handle on the door can be locked. 

“These master switches from Eaton are very cleverly designed,” says Marco Zimmermann, Master Electrician at AZO CONTROLS. “The product is well ahead of its competitors in terms of design, quality, ease of use and installation.” 

Results 

For many years, AZO CONTROLS has relied on Eaton’s proven portfolio and comprehensive consulting services, enabling it to successfully complete numerous export projects for the North American market.

According to Marco Zimmermann, “Given our expertise in designing and building control panels for European customers, our aim was to do the same thing for the North American market. We therefore approached our long-standing partner and supplier Eaton, who offered us immediate support. Only six months later, our first North American control panel was approved by UL Germany. Thanks to our close ties with the experts from Eaton, we were able to implement this and other projects without any problems. In addition to global product availability, Eaton offers 24/7 support and quick response times to questions, with immediate confirmation from the US.” 

In the meantime, AZO CONTROLS has also set up a service facility in Memphis, Tennessee.