Code Change Summary: New code section on the reconditioning of switchgear rated over 1000 volts.

The NEC^® does not prohibit installing used, reconditioned electrical equipment, but Section 104.9.1 of the International Building Code requires the following:

104.9.1 Used materials and equipment. Materials that are reused shall comply with the requirements of this code for new materials. Used equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved by the building official.

In the 2020 NEC^®, a movement has occurred throughout the code book regarding what can and cannot be reconditioned.

Reconditioning of electrical equipment means restoring something to operating conditions. Typically, when this is permitted by the NEC^®, the equipment is required to be rebuilt to the most current UL standard which would apply to new equipment. It would be far from code compliant to purchase a 1950’s multisection switchboard and clean it up to reuse it unless it was completely restored by an authorized person and evaluated to the most current UL standard that applies to a new switchboard.

In the 2020 NEC^®, the rules for reconditioning of switchgear rated over 1000 volts is summed up as follows:

• Switchgear, or sections of switchgear can be reconditioned using design qualified parts verified under applicable standards in accordance with any instructions provided by the manufacturer, but it will either need to be listed, or field evaluated and labeled as reconditioned. Any existing listing marks must be removed.
• If the switchgear has been damaged by fire, products of combustion, or water, it shall be specifically evaluated by its manufacturer or a qualified testing laboratory prior to being returned to service.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.