Exporting machines: American standards 1

[freddy]

Introduction: We are a small firm in Italy and we build little machines for agriculture (kind of stirrers for manure). Those machines are obviously composed of mechanical and electrical parts: an electric motor and a low tension switchboard. I mean, nothing special, just a normal little machine with the right protection to prevent injuries (I mean "right" for European Standards).
Problem: we are selling one in Napa, California and I am concerned about the electrical parts and eventual special safety requirements: do I need to certificate something? Do I have to follow special codes? Do I have to ask my client what kind of electrical alimentation they have (I mean, is 60 Hz the rule everywhere in the States? which tension do they have beyond 110V?)? May customs block the machine if they don't see special certification they may look for?
I would appreciate if somebody can help us.
Regards, Alfredo

 

[Dan76]

Alfredo, you should consult the National Electric Code (NEC) For the US as to specific tensions. 60 Hertz is pretty much the US Standard, but most homes have a 220 Volt service for washers and dryers, ovens, shop tools and other high demand machines. I would also recommend contacting Underwriters Laboatories (UL) and having your machine UL listed. UL is an independent company. Technically I would reccommend a dual- or multi-voltage single phase motor something like 120/208-240 volts (120/208 volt systems are common as are 277/480 volt systems in larger applications such as farms, medium to large buildings, manufacturing, etc..) and a motor that operates on 50 or 60 Hz would be Ideal. As far as customs and Importing machines, I don't know a thing about that. Also although the metric system is becoming more prevalent in the US Most of our machinery is built to "English" standards you may want to check The National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Standards for motors. Don't let this discourage you from US sales, Metric equipment is available here it just costs more sometimes. Good Luck, Dan76