Overview

The difference between servicing and reconditioning can be subtle. The 2023 NEC has added differentiation to distinguish between the two activities, and has provided specific provisions for the servicing and maintenance of equipment innew Section 110.17. These new provisions specify who is permitted to actually perform service and maintenance on equipment, and further lays out the standards for the entity permitted to provide, create, or approve replacement parts for equipment. These new provisions will ensure that critical equipment is serviced and maintained to the highest of safety standards, and ensure the equipment will continue to operate as intended.

Applying the 2023 Code

New Section 110.17 has been added to the 2023 NEC to cover the servicing and maintenance of equipment. The first requirement is that the servicing and maintenance of equipment is to be performed by qualified personnel trained in the servicing and maintenance of equipment only. This means that additional training is required to be qualified to service/maintain equipment. The new section further requires that replacement parts either be provided by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), be designed by an engineer with experience designing replacement parts for the type of equipment being serviced/maintained, or be approved by the authority having jurisdiction. This limits the source where replacement parts may be acquired from. Moving forward, it may not be acceptable to purchase used parts on online auction sites for obscure equipment. Unless they are approved by the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction), they do not meet the requirements of the new section, and therefore cannot be used.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 110.17 did not exist.

2023 NEC

110.17 Servicing and Maintenance of Equipment.

Servicing and electrical preventive maintenance shall be performed by qualified persons trained in servicing and maintenance of equipment and shall comply with the following:

(1) The servicing and electrical preventive maintenance shall be performed in accordance with the original equipment manufacturer’s instructions and information included in the listing information, applicable industry standards, or as approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

(2) The servicing and electrical preventive maintenance shall be performed using identified replacement parts that are verified under applicable product standards. The replacement parts shall comply with at least one of the following:

1. Be provided by the original equipment manufacturer
2. Be designed by an engineer experienced in the design of replacement parts for the type of equipment being serviced or maintained
3. Be approved by the authority having jurisdiction