Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

[Glenn Becnel]

An electrical contractor has lost parts for a 5kV switchgear lineup. The contractor has fabricated (in their shop) replacement parts. I believe the intention of "Listed" & "Labeled" and also 110.3 is to use only "approved by or fabricated by the manufacuter" replacement parts. The contractor insists this is ok.
I know; 1. There is a liability issue if these parts malfunction. 2. The manufacturer will need to issue their approval in writing to modify their gear.

Is there another area in the NEC that states it is illegal to modify a manufacturer's equipment? Asking for help.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[petersonra]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

There is no requirement that you cannot modify equipment, listed or other. If so, you could never fix an MCC or other piece of gear that had failed.

You do have to do so in an acceptable manner. What constitutes acceptable will tend to vary. But if you look at the code it uses the word "identified".

The rebuilder is in essence the one doing the identification. It is entirely possible he might even be able to relist the assembly after the fact iof that is important to you.

 

[sandsnow]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

You didn't mention if the equip. was listed. If it is 110.3(B) kicks in which requires listed equip. to be used in accordance with instructions included with the listing. Usually this covers installation and renewable parts.

You can modify listed equip. all day long. UL will simply tell you they have not investigated the product being used in that manner. It is then on the AHJ to approve the installation. There is no simple answer. It depends on the extent of the modification.

Modifications can be investigated under UL's follow up service, but it will take authorization from the manufacturer to make this happen as they will get the bill.

Since the contractor is the rebuilder, he could get a field evaluation from UL or an equal company, which in essence be equivalent to getting the equip. "relisted."

If you're worried about these parts malfunctioning, I'm guessing they are not simple screws or brackets. Can you describe the parts?

 

[rick hart]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

Along these lines: I had a combination motor starter show up with 250V fuse blocks having been specified 600V. The disconnecting switch is rated 600V and the coil is 120V. The manufacture has sent 600V instructions and a parts kit for field installation.
Anyone see a problem or ever had to make these mods in the field? What do I do about the 250V nameplate?

 

[tom baker]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

Rick:
In washington state we have a state electrical rule that would prevent the end user from modifying a listed product,after its listed.
Personally, if the mfg made the mistake, then they should send out a tech to make the fix.

 

[jim dungar]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

Tom,
In Washington, are you allowed to field install pushbuttons into UL/NEMA 12 enclosures? How about wireways without knockouts, how do you terminate conduit? Can you use any wirenut, or do you have to use the plastic ones (without internal springs) supplied with ceiling fans?

 

[rick hart]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

I can understand the KO, HOA and such but, I need the RATING of the switch altered. I don't feel uncomfortable at all doing the mod but would hate to have a red tag hanging off of the switch on final.

 

[iwire]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

Originally posted by petersonra:
There is no requirement that you cannot modify equipment, listed or other. If so, you could never fix an MCC or other piece of gear that had failed.

I have to disagree here.

You can certainly 'fix' an MCC (or any equipment)with the proper listed parts.

You can not make these parts in your shop and install them in a listed MCC without voiding the listing of the MCC.

90.7 Examination of Equipment for Safety.
For specific items of equipment and materials referred to in this Code, examinations for safety made under standard conditions provide a basis for approval where the record is made generally available through promulgation by organizations properly equipped and qualified for experimental testing, inspections of the run of goods at factories, and service-value determination through field inspections. This avoids the necessity for repetition of examinations by different examiners, frequently with inadequate facilities for such work, and the confusion that would result from conflicting reports on the suitability of devices and materials examined for a given purpose.

It is the intent of this Code that factory-installed internal wiring or the construction of equipment need not be inspected at the time of installation of the equipment, except to detect alterations or damage, if the equipment has been listed by a qualified electrical testing laboratory that is recognized as having the facilities described in the preceding paragraph and that requires suitability for installation in accordance with this Code.

 

[petersonra]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

suppose you cross threaded a 10-32x1 screw in a UL listed assembly and replaced it with a 10-32X1.25 screw. say there are no issues associated with doing so, other than that it is not the same as the original part. is that acceptable under your reading of this section of the code?

suppose you replaced the 10-32X1 phillips head screw with a 10-32X1 flat blade screw. is that ok?

a lot of listed assemblies come with parts lists. suppose you substitute a 5a bussman class cc fuse with a 5a littelfuse class cc fuse. is that ok?

you replace a piece of #14 mtw with a length of #14 thhn? is this ok?

 

[iwire]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

Originally posted by petersonra:
suppose you cross threaded a 10-32x1 screw in a UL listed assembly and replaced it with a 10-32X1.25 screw. say there are no issues associated with doing so, other than that it is not the same as the original part. is that acceptable under your reading of this section of the code?

suppose you replaced the 10-32X1 phillips head screw with a 10-32X1 flat blade screw. is that ok?

Read the opening post, I do not get the impression we are talking about a 10-32.

Originally posted by Glenn Becnel:
An electrical contractor has lost parts for a 5kV switchgear lineup. The contractor has fabricated (in their shop) replacement parts.

Originally posted by petersonra:
suppose you substitute a 5a bussman class cc fuse with a 5a littelfuse class cc fuse. is that ok?

Well sure, their labeling would tell us what class fuses are acceptable, not what manufacturer makes the fuse.

Seriously it would be helpful if we new what type of parts where fabricated.

Take a look at sandsnow's post, I believe he says it well.

Originally posted by sandsnow:
You can modify listed equip. all day long. UL will simply tell you they have not investigated the product being used in that manner. It is then on the AHJ to approve the installation. There is no simple answer. It depends on the extent of the modification.

If I was the AHJ I would have no problem with a new 10-32 screw on a door hinge.

I would have a problem with a 10-32 screw from someones tool bucket if it was holding current carrying parts.

With 5kv switchgear I would be darn careful what I decided to approve.

 

[jim dungar]

Re: Modifying Manufacturer's Equipment

No one can make the blatant statement that every field modifcation voids a UL Listing.

Quote from UL website:

"It is the responsibility of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to determine the acceptability of the modification or if the modifications are significant enough to require one of UL's Field Engineering Services staff members to evaluate the modified product. UL can assist the AHJ in making this determination."

In this case it is up to the AHJ to accept or deny the field repair work.