Code Change Summary: Revised code language in 600.3 and 600.4(E) make it clear that installation instructions are required for fixed, mobile, or portable electric signs, section signs, outline lighting, and sign retrofit kits.

The revised text in 600.3 requires fixed, mobile, or portable electric signs, section signs, outline lighting, and sign retrofit kits, regardless of voltage, to be listed, provided with installation instructions, and installed in conformance with that listing, unless otherwise approved by special permission. The previous text did not specifically mention signs that are fixed, mobile, or portable and didn’t include retrofit kits. As well, the previous wording did not require the installation instructions.

Some inspection departments are so large that they have inspectors that only look at electric signs all day long. Often those jurisdictions are so well versed in the UL standard for signs that they will offer an additional field evaluation (for a fee) of the sign to verify compliance with UL 48. In those cities, listing of signs may not be required and the “unless otherwise approved by special permission” option mentioned in 600.3 is elected.

Even though the revised code language in 600.3 requires installation instructions for signs, an additional requirement in 600.4(E) also requires the actual signs, outline lighting, skeleton tubing systems, and retrofit kits to be marked to indicate that field wiring and installation instructions are required.

It’s one thing to require installation instructions for a sign, and a completely different thing to require the sign itself to be physically marked to indicate that installation instructions and field wiring are required.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®.  See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).