Expanding a sit-stand program across countries is more than placing purchase orders. A height adjustable desk includes powered electronics, moving parts, and safety features that must work with local voltage, plug types, and compliance rules. Get the details right and your rollout feels seamless. Miss them and you face delays, returns, and support tickets. Use this guide to specify power, certifications, labeling, and logistics so every standing desk arrives safe, compliant, and ready to plug in.

Why power standards matter

A control box, motors, and a desk controller sit at the heart of every electric standing desk. Regions differ on voltage, frequency, and plug types. The fastest path to global readiness is to standardize on wide‑input electronics and region‑specific cord sets—then document the plan.

Power fundamentals by region

• Input voltage and frequency

• North America (U.S., Canada): 120 V, 60 Hz

• EU: 230 V, 50 Hz

• U.K. and Ireland: 230 V, 50 Hz

• Australia and New Zealand: 230 V, 50 Hz

• Japan: 100 V, 50/60 Hz (region dependent)

• China: 220 V, 50 Hz

• Korea: 220 V, 60 Hz

• Wide‑range control box

• Specify a control box rated 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz with an IEC C14 or C18 inlet. This lets you swap only the cord set per country.

• Require inrush and overcurrent protection, plus a standby draw less than 0.5 W to control heat and energy use across fleets.

• Plug and cord sets

• U.S./Canada: NEMA 5‑15P to IEC C13

• EU (most): Schuko CEE 7/7 to IEC C13

• U.K./Ireland: BS 1363 Type G to IEC C13 with fused plug

• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS Type I to IEC C13

• Japan: JIS C 8303 Type A/B to IEC C13

• China: GB 2099 Type I to IEC C13

• Do not ship travel adapters. Use certified, region‑specific cords with strain relief and proper conductor gauge.

Electrical and EMC compliance

• CE (EU): Supplier’s declaration covering safety and EMC. The control box, desk controller, harness, and lifting column motor assemblies should be in scope.

• UKCA (U.K.): UKCA replaces CE marking for U.K. market; mirror the CE technical file with U.K. references.

• RCM (Australia/New Zealand): Electrical safety and EMC compliance under the RCM mark.

• FCC (U.S.): Class B EMC for residential/office use on the control electronics.

• RoHS and REACH: Restriction of hazardous substances and SVHC declarations for electronics and finishes.

• Others by market: PSE (Japan), KC (Korea), NOM (Mexico), INMETRO (Brazil). Confirm whether the control box or complete desk is the regulated unit.

Labeling and documentation that speed customs

• Ratings label: Voltage, frequency, input current, and supplier name on the control box. Include a QR to the latest declaration of conformity and manual.

• Language packs: Provide safety and quick‑start in the local language for each destination. Keep the reset procedure and anti‑collision test on a one‑page card.

• Serial and traceability: Unique IDs on the control box and lifting columns mapped to shipment lots. This enables targeted recalls or fixes without blanket returns.

• HS codes: Use accurate harmonized codes for desk frames and electronics to avoid customs holds. Include a parts list for OEM/ODM shipments.

Installation differences to plan for

• Outlet locations and grounding: Some markets favor wall outlets; others use floor boxes or power spines under benches. Standardize a rear cable tray with a mounted power strip and route one power drop via a vertical cable chain.

• Ring mains (U.K.): Fused plugs protect downstream devices; keep cord lengths manageable and avoid daisy‑chaining strips.

• Circuit density: Check local current limits. Heavy AV tables and multi‑monitor stations may need separate circuits.

• Cable management: Separate AC and low‑voltage runs inside trays. Tie down bricks so ports never carry weight. Snags and tight cables are the top cause of false anti‑collision triggers.

Safety features and on‑site checks

• Anti‑collision: Require bidirectional detection and adjustable sensitivity. On install day, test with a foam block under the edge and a padded shelf above.

• Soft start/stop: Gentle ramps reduce end‑of‑travel thumps and noise in quiet offices and libraries.

• Stability: Long feet, a rigid crossbar, and tight column tolerances reduce wobble at full height. Perform a corner push test during commissioning.

• Reset and presets: Run a full down‑reset, then save seated and standing heights on the desk controller. Post a quick‑start card with the 20‑8‑2 sit‑stand‑move rhythm.

Packaging, pallets, and labeling for different networks

• Cartons: ISTA 3A for parcel/LTL; double‑wall corrugate with molded pulp or honeycomb corner guards. Inner cartons for control electronics.

• Pallets: U.S. 40×48 in; EU 1200×800 or 1200×1000 mm. No overhang; use corner posts and a top cap. Strap and wrap per route.

• Labels: “No tip,” “team lift,” center of gravity arrow, and SKU/serial QR on two faces. Color‑code finishes (black/white frame; two‑ or three‑stage) to speed staging.

• Room‑ready staging: Palletize by floor or neighborhood to cut on‑site shuffle time and reduce install errors.

Training and support that travel well

• Five‑minute onboarding: The same script globally—save presets, adjust monitor arms, use the child lock, and run a reset. Localize the card and video.

• Field spares: Ship one control box, one desk controller, and one lifting column per 50 desks to each region. “Swap, don’t debug” reduces downtime and language friction.

• Support scripts: Translate error code cheat sheets and wiring diagrams. Keep a photo index of the control box ports to close tickets faster.

Procurement checklist for global deployments

• Control electronics

• 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz control box; IEC inlet; standby less than 0.5 W

• CE/UKCA/RCM/FCC as required; RoHS/REACH declarations

• Soft start/stop, hall‑sensor sync, anti‑collision up and down, clear error codes

• Frames and mechanics

• Dual‑motor standing desk frame with three‑stage lifting columns

• Long, gusseted feet; reinforced crossbar; low noise under load (mid‑40s dB(A))

• Power and cables

• Country‑specific cord sets (certified) to IEC C13

• Rear cable tray with mounted surge strip, vertical cable chain, tied‑down bricks

• Separation of AC and low‑voltage in trays; strain‑relief clips along crossbars

• Docs and labels

• Multilingual quick‑start and safety card; reset procedure; anti‑collision test

• Ratings label and QR to declarations; serial tracking for control box and columns

• Packaging and logistics

• ISTA 3A/3E test evidence; pallet plan by region; “no tip” and “team lift” icons

• HS codes and parts list for customs; room‑ready staging labels

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Travel adapters in the box: Skip them. Send certified country cord sets that fit the control box inlet.

• Narrow‑range electronics: A 230 V‑only box will stall your North American sites. Standardize on 100–240 V units.

• Missing declarations: A CE sticker without a document packet raises red flags. Host the declaration and manual behind a QR.

• Daisy‑chained strips: One power drop per desk, always inside a rear tray. Daisy chains are a safety and compliance risk.

• Noise and wobble at height: Retorque hardware, tie down bricks, and verify column sync and cable slack before blaming motors.

Global rollouts succeed when you design the power and paperwork first. Choose a wide‑input control box, ship certified cord sets, and carry the right marks—CE, UKCA, RCM, FCC, and RoHS where applicable. Pair those with a stable standing desk frame, disciplined cable management, and a simple, localized quick‑start. With the right kit and labels, your height adjustable desk program will plug in cleanly, move quietly, and deliver ergonomic value in every region you serve.

• Explore globally compliant height adjustable desks, control electronics, cord sets, and rollout support at Venace: https://www.vvenace.com

• Contact us: tech@venace.com