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Question on installing US 110v sockets in the UK.

James Doolin

I have been asked to install 110v US NEMA style sockets for a company in the UK who test equipment bound for the US before shipping. To be clear they only require a single phase 110v to 0v supply feeding 15 amp socket outlets and not the split phase 110v 110v system providing 240v from 2 legs. The machines definitely require a 60Hz supply. They have sourced a static frequency and voltage converter (Sinalda FCL-30H-3:S10-SR50 30kVa) which will take a 63 amp 3 phase 4 wire 50Hz supply and convert it to a 230v 60Hz single phase 2 wire supply. This would supply a 3 phase distribution board with single phase link kit and be populated with RCBOs to feed 10 radial circuits feeding a single 15 amp socket per circuit. I have found a board and RCBOs from Schneider which are suitable for 110v 60Hz.
My 2 main questions are - do the RCBOs need to be double pole. They have an existing 110v US style installation using double pole RCBOs, I realise these are required on reduced low voltage 55v-0v-55v installations but don't understand why they would be required in this instance. My second question is regarding the earthing on the secondary side of the voltage frequency converter. The neutral of the secondary side of the converter is referenced to earth as standard. I would like to satisfy myself that this is safe as this is introducing a neutral earth link beyond the incoming supply.
I have realised that there is an issue with the converter the client has specified as it's output is variable so will be asking if it can be replaced for a fixed output model.
I also realise that it is unclear whose regulations I would be working to. I have spoken to my governing body and have been told that although BS7671 wouldn't cover such an installation, if it was installed in line with US regulations they can't see a problem with it. To this end I have found out as much as I can about the US system but realise the limitations of learning from Youtube!
Would appreciate any advice offered as I am a little out of my comfort zone.

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    I had considered the socket and lead approach but just don't like the fact it would mean more connections and possiblities for damage just to circumvent a regulation. On the question of GFCI sockets I am struggling to find a definitive answer as to whether the machines in question would need to be plugged into GFCI sockets in the US. The machines are used in labs and hospitals by technicians analysing tissue samples and not in patient care areas. Have read conflicting advice on the requirements for GFCIs so I guess it might be prudent to assume worst case and try and source some. Excuse for a holiday to the States  maybe. Thanks for the advice by the way this is my first ever post on any forum of any kind and I was a little nervous.

    James

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  • 0

    I had considered the socket and lead approach but just don't like the fact it would mean more connections and possiblities for damage just to circumvent a regulation. On the question of GFCI sockets I am struggling to find a definitive answer as to whether the machines in question would need to be plugged into GFCI sockets in the US. The machines are used in labs and hospitals by technicians analysing tissue samples and not in patient care areas. Have read conflicting advice on the requirements for GFCIs so I guess it might be prudent to assume worst case and try and source some. Excuse for a holiday to the States  maybe. Thanks for the advice by the way this is my first ever post on any forum of any kind and I was a little nervous.

    James

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  • 0 in reply to James Doolin
    James Doolin said:
    Thanks for the advice by the way this is my first ever post on any forum of any kind and I was a little nervous.

    Welcome indeed to this wonderful forum. Do stick around and join in. :-)

  • 0 in reply to James Doolin

    no need to be nervous - just don't expect us to all agree with each other ;-) I've said it before but not recently, the advice on here is to be treated at a comparable level to chatting to a group of fellow electrical types in the pub - so some topic drift and silly answers are quite possible.

    Note that over time the NEC has moved in the direction of more GFCI and AFCI  rather than less, much like RCDs here, so having one or two of each sort of socket on the test rig is probably sensible future proofing, even if not yet mandatory.

    Mike.

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