Overview

The examination, identification, installation, use, and listing/certification requirements of equipment is addressed in Section 110.3. This section addresses each of the aforementioned consideration points in individual subsections. With the ever-changing forefront of new technologies, it is important the NEC keeps up with these new technologies by addressing their unique and special features. The changes in subdivision (A) and subdivision (B) of Section 110.3 have been made specifically due to these changing technologies. Subdivision 110.3(A) includes new requirements regarding cybersecurity, and subdivision 110.3(B) contains new clarification regarding the use of QR codes on equipment.

Applying the 2023 Code

The 2023 NEC has revised Section 110.3 to address cybersecurity and the use of QR codes on equipment. Subdivision 110.3(A) has moved the previous list item number 8 to list item number 9, and has added a new point of consideration for cybersecurity. It requires that any network-connected life safety equipment be evaluated for its ability to withstand unauthorized updates or malicious attacks while continuing to perform as intended. Circuit breakers fall under this requirement. Additionally, Subdivision 110.3(B) has added an informational note that permits the use of a Quick Response (QR) code to access equipment instructions. This will permit manufacturers to place a QR on the equipment that will link to installation instructions, instead of including paper copies with the equipment. This will ensure that instructions are always available (as long as the link is maintained), even if any paper instructions are misplaced.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

The affected list items in 2020 NEC Subdivision 110.3(A) read as follows:

110.3(A) Examination

(1 – 7) [omitted]

(8) Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment

In the 2020 NEC, Subdivision 110.3(B) did not include an informational note

2023 NEC

The affected list items in 2023 NEC Subdivision 110.3(A) read as follows (excluding the informational note):

110.3(A) Examination

(1 – 7) [omitted]

(8) Cybersecurity for network-connected life safety equipment to address its ability to withstand unauthorized updates and malicious attacks while continuing to perform its intended safety functionality

(9) Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment

In the 2023 NEC, Subdivision 110.3(B) now includes an informational note:

(B) Installation and Use.

Equipment that is listed, labeled, or both, or identified for a use shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing, labeling, or identification.

Informational Note: The installation and use instructions may be provided in the form of printed material, quick response (QR) code, or the address on the internet where users can download the required instructions.