This question relates to the use and application of power cords provided into the EU when shipped from the USA.
A company builds one version of a highly configurable product. The user chooses any combination of optional pwbs (over 20 different options) plugged anywhere into a large backplane along with a choice of several different power supply assemblies (universal auto-voltage detect, redundant, non-redundant, etc.). The product is handled by European distributors who order a large number of units for their warehouses for reshipment to any country within Europe, including non-European countries. The manufacturer, located in the USA, has no idea what country the unit will be sold to or how it is finally configured since this is up to the European distributor to configure and sell the unit. The USA manufacturer provides a North American power cord set as a default item to all shipping assemblies, since most units sold are to North America. The company, at no charge, will provide to the distributor a power cord appropriate to the end country's application. This power cord is purchased from a European power cord manufacturer, located in the UK, and dropped shipped to the distributor, also located in the UK (one of several European distributors throughout the continent). The following issues have now been raised by a sales manager in the UK which we are unable to answer. 1. Is it legal to ship North American, 120VAC power cords into the UK, knowing that these cords will be thrown away upon receipt? Please provide the statutory Instrument in UK law that says 120 VAC rated cords are illegal for importation, even if they will never be used. 2. Please provide the UK statutory Instrument (and any other European Country National Law) that mandates products received from North America must contain a power cord appropriate to their national electric requirements, plug specific. 3. In examining the LVD and EN 60950, no mention is made regarding the legal requirement to ship a particular power cord into Europe. The LVD para 3.2.4 mandates electrical requirements and type of cordage required. 4. If the USA manufacturer cannot stock variations of European power cords, then how does your company handle this issue of multiple power cordsets for use worldwide. 5. Are their any other statutory Instruments or requirements related to power cord usage within the EU not addressed above. Thank you. Mark Montrose ma...@hls.com
