Article 100 Definitions. Retrofit Kit.

A Retrofit Kit is a general term for a complete subassembly of parts and devices for field conversion of utilization equipment.
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A Retrofit Kit is a general term for a complete subassembly of parts and devices for field conversion of utilization equipment.

Code Change Summary: New Definition of a Retrofit Kit.

Retrofit kits are used for the field conversion of equipment. Retrofit kits aid in the process of updating old equipment with new technology. Retrofitting old equipment can add functionality to many different types of electrical equipment, including luminaires, motor controls, circuit breakers, panelboards, switchboards and switchgear.

The Article 100 definition does not specifically require a retrofit kit to be certified or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, but Section 410.6 and 600.3 do. Therefore, if retrofitting a luminaire as allowed in Article 410 or retrofitting a sign as permitted in Article 600, a listed retrofit kit must be used.

The retrofit kit will be a complete assembly which includes everything required for the modification. Without the new definition, some installers might create their own retrofit kit consisting of several parts and pieces that have not been evaluated for the way the installer intends to use them.

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).

2014 Code Language:

Retrofit Kit: A general term for a complete subassembly of parts and devices for field conversion of utilization equipment.

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Article 100 Definitions. Retrofit Kit.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is considered a retrofit kit?

A: Several individual separate components chosen by the installer to modify a luminaire.
B: A complete listed subassembly of parts and devices for field conversion of a luminaire.
C: Any universal LED driver used to replace an electronic ballast in a CFL luminaire.
D: A like for like replacement ballast in a 2 x 4 lay in luminaire.
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