Welcome to another blog in our ongoing series, Ask Lewis Bass!

This series features actual submitted questions from companies in the industries we provide engineering safety consulting services to.

Topics covered include those associated with our work in 3rd party field labeling, SEMI S2/S8/EMC/F47 testing, CE Marking evaluations, and general engineering questions.

Question:

Hey Lewis Bass team,

We’re in the process of upgrading the control panels for our automated assembly line. Some of the equipment we’re integrating is sourced from Europe, and while it meets CE standards, I’m unsure if it aligns with NFPA 79 requirements here in the U.S. Specifically, do we need to modify the control wiring or labeling to ensure compliance, or is CE certification sufficient?

Asked by Mike in Cleveland, OH

Lewis Bass:

Hello Mike,

Great question, Mike! And one we hear more often than you’d think. When dealing with industrial machinery and automation systems, it’s essential to understand that CE compliance and NFPA 79 compliance are not interchangeable.

NFPA 79, “Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery,” focuses on safety requirements specifically tailored for industrial equipment in the United States. While CE certification might indicate compliance with European standards (like EN 60204-1), NFPA 79 has some distinct requirements that must be addressed before your equipment can pass inspection here.

Key Differences to Watch Out For:

1. Wiring Methods: NFPA 79 has specific requirements for conductor sizing, color coding, and protection. For example, control wiring colors in Europe may differ from NFPA 79 compliance requirements (e.g., white for neutral in the U.S. vs. blue in Europe).
2. Disconnects and Overcurrent Protection: In the U.S., main disconnect switches and branch circuit protection must meet NFPA 79 standards. European designs may use slightly different components.
3. Labeling and Markings: NFPA 79 mandates clear, English-language labeling on control panels and safety devices.
4. Emergency Stop (E-Stop) Circuits: The design and placement of emergency stop circuits are tightly regulated under NFPA 79, which might differ from European EN standards.

What Should You Do Next?

Your best bet is to have the equipment field-evaluated by a qualified third-party agency familiar with NFPA 79. At Lewis Bass, we’ve helped many clients bridge the gap between CE compliance and NFPA 79 compliance requirements.

If modifications are needed—whether it’s wiring corrections, labeling updates, or hardware adjustments—it’s far better to address them during integration rather than during an AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) inspection.

Final Thoughts:

CE compliance is a great starting point, but NFPA 79 has its own unique requirements that you’ll need to meet. Reach out if you’d like us to take a closer look at your control panels. We’ll make sure your upgrade sails through inspection without a hitch.

Stay safe, Mike—and happy assembling!

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