Code Change Summary: New requirements for the reconditioning of lighting equipment.

In the 2023 NEC^®, the previous rules in Section 410.7 pertaining to reconditioned equipment were expanded and relocated to Section 410.2.

The previous requirements only applied to the reconditioning of luminaires, lampholders, and retrofit kits. The revised 2023 language in Section 410.2 prohibits the reconditioning of luminaires, lampholders, ballasts, LED drivers, lamps, and retrofit kits. For retrofit kits, keep in mind that a retrofitted luminaire with a retrofit kit installed in accordance with the installation instructions is NOT considered “reconditioned”.

The public input behind the code change came from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

NEMA publishes a list of electrical equipment types that can and cannot be reconditioned. When reconditioning electrical equipment, there are many precautions that must be adhered to so that equipment will operate safely with acceptable performance.

NEMA is in opposition to the reconditioning of lighting ballasts, LED drivers, and lamps since they are constructed using specialized materials, components and techniques that are specified by the original lighting equipment manufacturer. If these factors are not considered during the reconditioning process, important safety features could be lost. Additionally, if improper materials or components are used, the integrity of the reconditioned lighting equipment may not be assured, and the reliability or function may be compromised.

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 2023 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.