I am working on a medical device that operates at US standard 115V and 50-60Hz (with estimated 20Amps, we require 20A outlet). We are being considered for out first international sale that requires 230V and 60 Hz. Im assuming this is commonly done and will involve some kind of step up transformer. I haven't done something like this before... could someone please explain the process and components that would be needed to achieve this? Additionally, how would I go about testing said system after it is complete and prior to sending out the device (how would I test the now 230V system in the US to do verification testing)? Thank you all.
Apologies for any confusion regarding the system specs.
The device I am referring to has an operating voltage range of 115Vac +/-10%, and 50-60Hz, and uses a 20A outlet. The prospective customer would like 220-240Vac and a frequency range of 50-60Hz.
If you were an engineer responsible for the design of the device, then you would know how to reengineer the internal design and would not be asking here.
So we have to assume you are not in that position, and that the device has an existing design that is already certified and you cannot modify it.
In that case, what you need is an external step-down transformer. Such devices are readily available, but you would have to select one that has the appropriate rating and certification for medical use. For a 20 A output it would need to be rated at 2.5 kVA or so, which would make it somewhat big and heavy.
(how would I test the now 230V system in the US to do verification testing)?
Since the USA has a 240 V domestic mains supply, you could test it in part with a 240 V outlet in the USA. (But in commercial/industrial settings the supply may be 208 V, which is not quite the same.)
However, an overseas supply may likely be 230 V Line/Neutral/Ground (as opposed to the US supply of Line/Line/Ground). If you wish to test with the exact Line/Neutral/Ground arrangement, you would need to consult the services of an electrical engineer to set up an appropriate test rig (a bit like TimFox mentions above).