spray booth requirements/compliance

[JimRDowney]

Hi all,

Firstly, I'm a licensed electrical contractor based in Australia so please forgive my lack of knowledge of the specifics of the US electrical supply network.

I've been asked to construct an industrial control panel for a spray booth that my client is looking to export to United States (California). I have purchased the NFPA 33 & 70, but still would like to confirm a few things to ensure the installation meets the US safety and functional requirements.

One thing I would like to clarify is the supply voltages available (120/208 & 277/480). Could anyone confirm which voltage would be commonly used within a panel repair or medium sized industrial facility (i'm assuming 277/480). Is there a way to determine which supply voltage would be available without attending the site? i.e. Do all industrial facilities have the 277/480 supply as standard?

Also regarding the certification of the installation- would there be any inspectors on here that are based within the California region that i may be able to get in contact with? Specifically with hazardous area/spray booth expertise?

Again, pardon my lack of local knowledge however any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

cheers,


Jim.

 

[GoldDigger]

It really varies all over the map (literally) as local POwer COmpanies (POCOs) have different "standard" voltages.
Regardless of the service voltage you can count on there being some 120/240 single phase three wire or 208Y/120 three phase four wire being available, even if only from a customer owned transformer.
For small to medium commercial 208Y/120 is probably most common while heavy duty industrial will have 480Y/277.
If you do not want to supply optional transformers for custom order I guess you will just have to pick one of the two voltages and let your customers deal with it by writing clear specifications.

As for inspections, if national recognition and testing to specific UL standards is required there is a short list of Nationally Recognized Testing Labs (NRTLs) which you can find on the web. Underwriters Laboratory probably does the largest volume of field inspections but may charge more than others.
Not to try to interfere with your business, but a custom order from a UL recognized panel shop in the US may cost the customer less than your panel plus field inspection, especially if it does not pass the first time.

 

[JimRDowney]

Thanks for that. So would I be correct in assuming that the use of these transformers is a common occurrence and they would be easily sourced? We have been liasing with UL, but they said they don't cover spray booths in field inspections...

 

[GoldDigger]

Thanks for that. So would I be correct in assuming that the use of these transformers is a common occurrence and they would be easily sourced?

Yes. But take a look online at the cost. For controls only they would be cheap. For the whole spray booth and heaters the cost is higher.
PS: I have added to my original post.

 

[JimRDowney]

no worries, yeah i edited my post also. so the "thanks for that" comment was for your input prior to your edit- i wasn't being rude for pointing out the cost factor.
cheers