Change Summary

• New requirement calls for electric signs that have been retrofitted to be marked to indicate that it is a retrofit kit.

Expert Analysis

The sign and lighting industries have experienced an extensive movement toward the use of retrofit kits to achieve greater energy efficiency in signs and luminaires.To ensure that the parts are compatible with the field modification, a qualified nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL), such as UL, requires all the parts for luminaire and sign conversions to be assembled into a kit that the NRTL evaluates and labels as “Classified.” To that end, existing electric signs that have been retrofitted need to be marked, and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) will inspect the retrofit based on the installation instructions provided as part of the kits’ listing. The installer and/or serving company needsto be notified that the sign has a retrofitted lighting system as a safety measure for future maintenance activities involving the sign. To greatly assist with these activities, a new marking requirement was added to 600.4 for the 2017 NEC.

This new marking requirement for retrofit kits will clarify that replacement of such things as fluorescent lamps is prohibited after a retrofit kit with tubular LEDs has been installed. A reference to 110.21(B) will require the label to address the hazard involved with words and/or symbols. It also addresses the location of the required label. These markings must include the kit providers and installer’s name, logo, or unique identifier. The installer of the kit needs to be identified since the installation company may not be the manufacturer of the retrofit kit or the original sign. This marking provides the AHJ with a means of identifying the installer of the field conversion.