IEC / NEMA Compatibility

I repeat what Lyn said, noting that it can be done.We work with several European design firms here and frequently get panels designed under the IEC. Usually a few mods are required, but not too much.

I will add that areas of difference that cause concern are, noting that some of them probably wont apply to your case:

1. Exposed equipment with an IP rating won't pass where a NEMA rating is required.

2. For fault calculations, look closely at SCCR ratings with IEC equipment, particularly with MPCB's. My experience with European equipment is that is less of an issue over there. It is quite common to get packaged equipment designed under IEC that only has a 3KA overall rating. (we change breakers or add fuses in European built panels to get a good rating quite often)

3. From what I can find, only NEMA rated breakers will be allowed for branch circuit protection, because all IEC rated breakers I've found are only rated UL 1077, not UL 489 so cannot be used as branch protection. (maybe some IEC breakers exist that are UL 489 - I just can't get them from the manufacturers I normally use)

4. Occasionally you get terminals on the IEC stuff that won't hold the required size wire in a system inspected under NEC. (IEC allows wire smaller than AWG 14 for low amperage AC equipment, so when space is a concern the terminals are reduced to hold what is required under IEC)

5. If doing a UL inspection, the IEC stuff has to also have a UL approval to be used. If not, you get into a complicated isolation transformer arrangement.

6. Some single phase IEC breakers will have a switched neutral. Allowed but not generally desired in a system under the NEC.