How are electric sign LED retrofitting requirements simplified in the 2023 NEC?
Overview
Retrofitting existing electric signage from outdated florescent lighting to modern LED lighting, or even more efficient florescent technology, is common occurrence in the electrical industry. Retrofitting not only saves money in energy 
costs, but it can breathe new life into an otherwise inoperable sign. The NEC provides guidance for the retrofit kits in Section 600.35. The 2023 NEC has reorganized this section, and has removed redundancies that may have caused confusion in the past. Moving forward, these changes will aid the electrical professional in better applying the requirements of the NEC, and ensuring a compliant installation.
Applying the 2023 Code
| Section 600.35, which covers retrofit kits for electric signs and outline lighting, has been revamped in the 2023 NEC. It was determined that other sections in the NEC, such as 110.3(B), 110.8, 110.12, and 600.3 contained requirements that were duplicated in Section 600.35. These redundancies were removed in the 2023 NEC. This removal leaves three subdivisions. Subpart (A) contains general requirements, such as the requirement for instructions to be included, and retrofit kits to be listed. Subpart (B) covers damaged parts, and requires existing components in the sign to be inspected for damaged parts during the conversion process. Any damaged components are required to be replaced. Finally, Subpart (C) covers the marking requirements for the retrofitted sign. It specifies that the completed sign must be marked in accordance with 600.4(B). The condensing of Section 600.35 makes navigation of the NEC much more consistent, as there are no longer any redundancies within. |
What’s New for the 2023 NEC?
2020 NEC
In the 2020 NEC Subsection 600.35 read as follows:
| (A) General.
A general-use or sign-specific retrofit kit for a sign or outline lighting system shall include installation instructions and requirements for field conversion of a host sign. The retrofit kit shall be listed and labeled. (B) Installation. The retrofit kit shall be installed in accordance with the installation instructions. (1) Wiring Methods. Wiring methods shall be in accordance with Chapter 3. Exception: If powered from a Class 2 source, wiring methods shall be in accordance with 600.12(C)(1)(2) and (C)(2), 600.24, and 600.33. (2) Damaged Parts. All parts that are not replaced by a retrofit kit shall be inspected for damage. Any part found to be damaged or damaged during conversion of the sign shall be replaced or repaired to maintain the sign or outline lighting system’s dry, damp, or wet location rating. (3) Workmanship. Field conversion workmanship shall be in accordance with 110.12. (4) Marking. The retrofitted sign shall be marked in accordance with 600.4(B). |
2023 NEC
In the 2023 NEC Subsection 600.35 reads as follows:
| (A) General.
A general-use or sign-specific retrofit kit for a sign or outline lighting system shall include installation instructions and requirements for field conversion of a host sign. The retrofit kit shall be listed and labeled. (B) Damaged Parts. All parts that are not replaced by a retrofit kit shall be inspected for damage. Any part found to be damaged or damaged during conversion of the sign shall be replaced or repaired to maintain the sign or outline lighting system’s dry, damp, or wet location rating. (C) Marking. The retrofitted sign shall be marked in accordance with 600.4(B). |
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