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Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Question:

Great Work! My question is regarding NEC 2020 Section 408.8 (A). This section reads "Panelboards shall not be permitted to be reconditioned. This shall not prevent the replacement of a panelboard within the enclosure..." Does modification of an existing panelboard such as removing existing circuit breakers and replacing with new circuit breakers; adding new 3P circuit breakers in available space meet the definition of reconditioning of equipment? Replacement of a panelboard within an enclosure is permitted and appears to meet the work described. Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Thank you. Great forum.

Steve G.

A

Answer:

Hi Steve G,

Thanks for the question. Panelboards are not permitted to be reconditioned as indicated in Section  408.8(A) of the 202 NEC. Circuit breakers in panelboards can be removed or inserted in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and within the listing requirements of the panelboard. The definition of reconditioned in Article 100 provides some clarification also. It reads "Electromechanical systems, equipment, apparatus, or components that are restored to operating conductions. This process differs from normal servicing of equipment that remains within a facility, or replacement of listed on a one-to-one basis."

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