Industrial machinery for the North American market
Assessment of machines for the North American market
General
When manufacturing, exporting, and installing industrial machines for the North American market, different standards apply than those in the European market. Important standards include NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 79 (Electrical Standard for Industrial Machines), and UL508A (Standard for Industrial Control Panels). Designing a machine for the North American market requires the application of rules that are generally stricter than those of European standards.
Leerkes Engineering has considerable expertise in designing and evaluating machines for the North American market. We offer support from the initial design to the evaluation of existing designs, if necessary.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The National Fire Protection Association is a global non-profit organization, founded in 1896, dedicated to eliminating deaths, injuries, property damage, and economic losses from fire, electrical, and related hazards. NFPA provides information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy.
NFPA’s mission is to save lives and reduce losses with passion and knowledge. Its 300 codes and standards establish criteria for construction, processing, design, service, and installation worldwide to minimize the risk and consequences of fire. NFPA’s 250 technical committees, consisting of approximately 9,000 volunteers, review public input and vote on changes in a process accredited by the American National Standards Institute. NFPA also provides free online access to its codes and standards.
Overview of the connections between the relevant authorities, laws, codes, and standards for building industrial control panels and machines.
Overview of the Links Between Relevant Authorities, Laws, Codes, and Standards
This overview is essential for building industrial control panels and machines.
NFPA 70 standard
NFPA 70, also known as the National Electrical Code (NEC), is a standard established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the safe installation and use of electrical systems in the United States. It provides guidelines for the design, installation, maintenance, and inspection of electrical systems, and is widely accepted by states and local governments in the US. Compliance with the NEC is crucial for the safety of electrical systems and to protect against electrical hazards such as fire, shock, and electrocution.
The NEC covers a wide range of topics, including electrical conductors and equipment, electrical power and lighting systems, grounding and bonding, electrical safety requirements, and more. It also provides guidelines for special occupations, such as hazardous locations and healthcare facilities, and addresses emerging technologies and renewable energy systems. The NEC is updated every three years to reflect changes in technology, new research, and evolving business practices. Although the NEC is not a law in itself, many states and local governments have adopted it as a legal requirement for electrical installations.
NFPA 79 Standard
NFPA 79 is a standard established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for electrical equipment used in industrial machinery. The standard provides guidelines for the electrical design and installation of machinery, as well as the protection of personnel who operate and maintain it.
NFPA 79 covers a wide range of topics, including grounding and bonding, wiring methods, control panels, power supplies, and more. It also provides guidelines for the selection of components and materials, as well as the testing and maintenance of machinery.
Compliance with NFPA 79 is important for the safety of personnel who operate and maintain industrial machinery, as well as for protection against electrical hazards and machine malfunctions. The standard is widely accepted in the United States and is often used as a reference by regulatory agencies, insurance companies, and manufacturers.
NFPA 79 is periodically updated to reflect changes in technology and business practices. The latest edition was published in 2021 and includes new requirements for cybersecurity, energy efficiency, and the use of lithium-ion batteries.
Leerkes Engineering offers expertise in creating electrical designs for machines that comply with the latest UL/NFPA standards. This includes designing the entire electrical system, including control panels and field equipment.
UL 508A standard
UL 508A is a safety standard established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for industrial control panels in the United States. It provides guidelines for the electrical design and manufacture of control panels, including component selection, wiring methods, and safety measures.
UL 508A covers a wide range of topics, including overload protection, grounding and bonding, component spacing, and accessibility for maintenance and inspection. The standard also includes requirements for labeling and documentation, as well as testing and certification procedures.
Compliance with UL 508A is important for the safety of personnel operating and maintaining industrial control panels, as well as for protection against electrical hazards and equipment failure. The standard is often required by regulatory agencies, insurance companies, and customers as a condition for product acceptance.
UL 508A is periodically updated to reflect changes in technology and business practices. The latest edition was published in 2019 and includes new requirements for energy efficiency, overvoltage protection, and the use of equipment for hazardous locations.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
The term “Authority Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) refers to an organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing requirements from legislation and standards, certifying equipment and materials, and ensuring compliance with installation and procedural requirements in the United States. AHJs play a crucial role in electrical safety by verifying compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). The responsibilities and scope of authority of an AHJ may vary depending on the jurisdiction and approval authority, including federal, state, local, or regional authorities, insurance inspection services, or even the product owner or their authorized representative.
Leerkes Engineering offers a comprehensive NFPA 70/79 quick scan service to ensure that your electrical design complies with NFPA 70/79 design requirements. Our service includes a detailed report, in English or Dutch, highlighting all necessary improvements and recommendations.
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