110.3(A)(1) Examination, Identification, Installation, Use, and Listing (Product Certification) of Equipment. Examination.
Code Change Summary: A new informational note was added to address refurbished equipment.
Section 110.3(A) is all about the examination of equipment. Generally, this is left up to the national recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) approved by OSHA as part of their third party certification program.
Once equipment has been built and submitted for listing to a NRTL, the certification process begins. The equipment is put through rigorous safety testing to ensure that the end product has met all of the criteria required in the UL standard. After passing all required tests, the equipment manufacturer is given the approval to mark and apply listing labels.
Years later as technology improves, newer products are created and the older ones become obsolete.
During a renovation, sometimes existing switchgear may be used to feed a new area of a building. It may be necessary to add a large frame circuit breaker where there used to be a blank space in the existing switchgear but finding one that fits can be a challenge. Many companies specialize in refurbishing old obsolete circuit breakers and equipment and reselling them to the public.
Some cities take issue with refurbished products and will not allow them for new construction unless the equipment has been rebuilt and certified by an approved NRTL.
The change to this code section officially recognizes that equipment can be new, reconditioned, refurbished, or remanufactured.
Below is a preview of Article 110. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2014 Code Language:
110.3(A)(1) Examination. In judging equipment, considerations such as the following shall be evaluated:
(1) Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this Code
Informational Note: Suitability of equipment use may be identified by a description marked on or provided with a product to identify the suitability of the product for a specific purpose, environment, or application. Special conditions of use or other limitations and other pertinent information may be marked on the equipment, included in the product instructions, or included in the appropriate listing and labeling information. Suitability of equipment may be evidenced by listing or labeling.
2017 Code Language:
110.3(A)(1) Examination. In judging equipment, considerations such as the following shall be evaluated:
(1) Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this Code
Informational Note No. 1: Equipment may be new, reconditioned, refurbished, or remanufactured.
Informational Note No. 2: Suitability of equipment use may be identified by a description marked on or provided with a product to identify the suitability of the product for a specific purpose, environment, or application. Special conditions of use or other limitations and other pertinent information may be marked on the equipment, included in the product instructions, or included in the appropriate listing and labeling information. Suitability of equipment may be evidenced by listing or labeling.