Quick links: | Article 100/100.21 | Reconditioned sections | NEC Requirement | NEC 2023 code change/intention | Rationale for change

• Article 100 Definition of Reconditioned Equipment  
• Article 100 Definition of Servicing 
• Section 110.21(A) Reconditioned Equipment 
• Section 110.21(B) Field-Applied Hazard Marking 

The National Electrical Code (NEC) addresses the application of equipment that is modified, returning it to a working condition. The user of the Code can ensure compliance by a three-step process: 

When working on equipment, it is important that you understand the impact of your actions on that equipment. Some guidance in this regard includes the following: 

1. Understand if what is being done to a product meets the definition of “reconditioned.” It is likely that the actions taken on a product better align with the new 2023 NEC definition of “servicing.” The differences reside in if you are following manufacturer instructions and using parts provided by the original manufacturer.   

2. If your actions meet the definition of reconditioning, there are three basic steps you should follow: 

    a. Determine if reconditioning is permitted by reviewing requirements found in the NEC. Each article has a scope and may include requirements for the equipment being modified. For example, Article 408 addresses panelboards, switchboards, and switchgear. In each of these articles, it is very likely that the “nnn.2” section  includes requirements that pertain to reconditioning and will advise if reconditioning is permitted or not permitted.   

    b. When reconditioning, follow the requirements in 110.20 to determine if equipment is required to be listed. If required to be listed as reconditioned, the equipment can be field labeled as reconditioned or listed as part of a service on the equipment. If the equipment is not required to be listed, you can list or field label it as being reconditioned or have the reconditioning performed in accordance with the original equipment manufacturer’s instructions. However, there is the option in 110.20(C) for when it cannot be listed or field labeled. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is permitted to approve the reconditioned equipment. Make sure that the AHJ has all the documentation of the product changes. 

    c. Finally, you have the equipment marking requirements found in Section 110.21(B) titled Field-Applied Hazard Marking. Here in 110.21(A)(2), Reconditioned Equipment, it is required that reconditioned equipment is marked with information for transparency’s sake. You need the name, trademark, or other descriptive marking of the organization that has performed the reconditioning. You also need the date of the reconditioning. And the term reconditioned, or other approved wording or symbol, must appear on the product to indicate that the equipment has been reconditioned. Another part of transparency includes requirements for removing the original listing mark when a product is reconditioned. In the 2023 Code cycle, clarity was added here specifically for motor applications where the original listing mark is commonly found on the nameplate of the motor. The original listing mark must be removed or can be made permanently illegible. The equipment nameplate that may include the listing mark is not required to be removed from the equipment. 

3. If your actions meet the definition of servicing, the requirements found in 110.17 apply. Service the equipment in accordance with the original equipment manufacturer’s instructions and any information included in the listing information following applicable industry standards or as approved by the AHJ. Also, the servicing and electrical preventive maintenance must be performed using identified replacement parts that are verified under applicable product standards. These replacement parts have to be provided by the original equipment manufacturer or be designed by an engineer who is experienced in the design of replacement parts for the type of equipment that's being serviced or maintained, or the AHJ can approve these parts.  

The 2023 edition of the NEC reorganizes the sections that have reconditioning requirements found throughout it to the nnn.2 section of the NEC. There are some sections that are not in the nnn.2 section. During the 2023 Code cycle, clarity was added to distinguish between reconditioning and servicing by adding a defined term to Article 100 called Servicing and Associated Requirements for Servicing as part of 110.17, Servicing and Maintenance of Equipment.

Confusion existed in determining if following manufacturer instructions and adding listed or identified parts to a product after installation was actually reconditioning or if it was servicing. The reorganization of the sections was a byproduct of a style manual change that moved all defined terms to Article 100. Some defined terms could be found in the nnn.2 section of the various articles. When the nnn.2 section opened up after the first draft meeting of NEC 2023, the agreement was to try to use the nnn.2 section as the reconditioning section for each article.