Code Change Summary: New Part 17 added to Article 410.

In the 2023 NEC^®, Part XVII was added to Article 410 to provide minimal requirements for ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation luminaires.

UV radiation has been used for years to disinfect air, water, and surfaces. The recent pandemic and other public health concerns created the need to incorporate new requirements into the NEC^® to address UV germicidal irradiation luminaires which are often installed to disinfect keypads, or scrub the air in HVAC system ductwork and plenums used for environmental air.

The new requirements in Part XVII of Article 410 mainly rely on installing these types of luminaires in accordance with the product listing and installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Important highlights from new Part XVII in NEC^® Article 410 include the following:

New Section 410.191 requires luminaires that are intended to emit germicidal irradiation to be listed and identified as germicidal equipment.

New Section 410.193 requires luminaires covered by Part XVII of Article 410 to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and equipment markings.

New Section 410.195 prohibits UV germicidal irradiation luminaires as follows:

a. As lighting for general illumination unless such use is indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions.

b. Installed where likely to be subject to physical damage.

c. Installed in a dwelling unless listed and identified for use in dwellings.

d. For Luminaires that will be installed in a building space that will be occupied during luminaire operation, luminaires shall not be mounted below the minimum height specified by the luminaire listing and installation instructions.