South Korean standard receptacles in the US

[victor.cherkashi]

A South Korean company is constructing office space for their staff in New York City. They are bringing equipment with South Korean electrical plugs rated for 220V. The frequency in South Korea is 60Hz. They have requested that we install numerous South Korean standard receptacles throughout the space. I am considering installing an autotransformer to convert from 208V to 220V and a distribution panel.



The main questions I am considering are:



1. Is it legal to install South Korean standard receptacles in the US?

2. Is it legal for the tenant to use South Korean equipment that is probably not tested and listed by US laboratories?



Based on my research, the answers to both questions above are negative.

 

[infinity]

1) The receptacles regardless of their configuration would need to be listed.
2) Many think that what happens after the receptacle is not covered under the scope of the electrical code. The local AHJ or fire marshall would typically make that determination. Personally I wouldn't care what the end user plugs in.

 

[letgomywago]

Leviton makes a British style 240v 20a receptacle. There may already be a product that is listed for this

 

[darekelec]

What’s the actual line to line voltage in the building ?
I have seen 220V on many occasions

 

[roger]

As far as the end devices I would simply make conversion jumpers from NEMA to what ever.

 

[darekelec]

Twist lock 220 to korean

 

[Fred B]

Is equipment listed by a NRTL for use in the US? Nothing specific that allows or disallows Korean equipment other than having appropriate listing.

 

[winnie]

Leviton makes a British style 240v 20a receptacle. There may already be a product that is listed for this

Something like this:?

5835-T

leviton.com

I don't like it; it takes standard 5-15 plugs but is intended for use with 200ish volts

 

[victor.cherkashi]

Something like this:?

5835-T

leviton.com

I don't like it; it takes standard 5-15 plugs but is intended for use with 200ish volts

In South Korea, general home/office uses Type F and Type C receptacles.

 

[Jraef]

Something like this:?

5835-T

leviton.com

I don't like it; it takes standard 5-15 plugs but is intended for use with 200ish volts

Still, not listed by any acceptable NRTLs.

I would install standard NEMA 240V outlets appropriate for the task in the building space, then make them some power strips out of gutter with the Korean outlets in them to plug their stuff into.

 

[victor.cherkashi]

I was unable to find South Korean standard Type F and Type C receptacles from US suppliers that have been approved by a US recognized testing laboratory.

 

[victor.cherkashi]

The only feasible approach I can identify is to provide 220V power to NEMA 6-20R receptacles and allow the client to procure adapters compatible with their standard. Regardless, I must install a 220V distribution panel supplied by a three-phase autotransformer for 208V to 220V conversion.

 

[qcroanoke]

I was unable to find South Korean standard Type F and Type C receptacles from US suppliers that have been approved by a US recognized testing laboratory.

this what you're trying to use?
They have the KC mark, which is south Korea's UL mark as far as I can tell.

 

[victor.cherkashi]

this what you're trying to use?
They have the KC mark, which is south Korea's UL mark as far as I can tell.

Yes, that's the type. I don't believe equipment certified only by South Korean laboratories would be acceptable for installation in New York or anywhere else in the US.

 

[CoolWill]

Leviton makes a British style 240v 20a receptacle. There may already be a product that is listed for this

Yes, but why? Where are British receptacles being used with NEMA boxes? The instructions indicate that one of the terminals is a neutral, so it isn't intended for use with American 240 V.

 

[Birken Vogt]

International Configurations has lots of power strips and accessory type stuff. https://www.internationalconfig.com/ Could a power strip be found with a NEMA plug and Korean sockets?

You say they are 220 volt standard, by American standards 208 volts would seem to be "close enough" for direct use. Especially whenever I meter it, it always seems to be 212 or more.

 

[hbiss]

You say they are 220 volt standard, by American standards 208 volts would seem to be "close enough" for direct use. Especially whenever I meter it, it always seems to be 212 or more.

What exactly is the equipment they will be using? Computers and other office electronic equipment won't care.

-Hal

 

[tortuga]

They have requested that we install numerous South Korean standard receptacles throughout the space.

Shukos! use the real ones they are way safer than any US receptacle.
If my neighbor can install a non-listed GFCI from Harbor Freight, he says you too can install a non-listed but safe receptacle.

I am considering installing an autotransformer to convert from 208V to 220V and a distribution panel.

As others have mentioned not needed. If the transformer is customer owned and you can adjust the 208 taps up 5% that would get you 218Y/126 within their KEPCO voltage range.

Based on my research, the answers to both questions above are negative.

It probably wont be long before you can get a listed Shuko, if you cant now, however 90.4 is your friend:

By special permission, the authority having jurisdiction may
waive specific requirements in this Code or permit alternative
methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives can be
achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety.

In all seriousness if I was playing inspector I would allow 90.4 but I'd also say provide documentation that the receptacles do meet a equivalent standard like IEC 60309-2 and provide correct level of overcurrent and ground fault protection for equipment at your panelboard as is standard in South Korea.

 

[petersonra]

It seems to me that this is something the engineer involved in the project needs to deal with. I would be passing it back to him or her for resolution.

There are things it is best not to get involved in because you take all the risk but get nothing for doing so.

 

[tortuga]

2. Is it legal for the tenant to use South Korean equipment that is probably not tested and listed by US laboratories?

Regardless of what 'receptacle' and any adapter is chosen your question #2 means your doing the right thing and taking a moment to consider the safety of the employees using the Korean equipment in a US place of employment.
Since this is 'office space' not say a industrial plant floor with employees trained in electrical safety the 'alternative method where it is assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved ' would be follow how they protect the equipment there, so not over 16A, means probably a 15A OCPD and some type of ground fault protection of equipment, here that translates to 2-pole GFPE or GFCI breakers. One option would be use complete wiremold system from a reputable manufacturer like Panduit or Legrand that also makes US equipment. Here is a example of some international office space wiremold, its a Legrand product, Panduit also makes them: