In our facility we are installing some new processes using reused equipment control panels that were manufactured in 1997 and relocated to Kentucky from a factory in California. These (robot) controller panels have a maintenance receptacle mounted in the control panel that is not GFCI protected. When we do our post-installation inspections and we write up these receptacles, the answer that we are given is that the equipment only has to meet the code of the date of manufacture. Does the NEC code make any provisions for relocated/refurbished/reused equipment being moved from state to state and not having to be ugraded ?
Reused/relocated industrial equipment
- Thread starter JefM
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richwaskowitz
Senior Member
- Location
- Shelby Twp. MI, near Detroit
Here in the Detroit area, auto plants are always relocating and re-using electrical equipment when one plant shuts down and another is being modified. It has been the opinion of the local inspectors (and also that of the customers) that before an industrial control panel can be installed and connected in a new location, that it be brought up to the latest requirements, not just the NEC, but UL 508A and NFPA 79. That usually means changes to power circuit components to bring the SCCR up to the available fault current, finger-safe requirements and arc flash placarding.
ceb58
Senior Member
- Location
- Raeford, NC
Why do you think these recpt. need GFCI protection? If the recpt. is for maint. propose involving drop cords then portable in-line GFCI protection can be supplied.
I think I would challenge the inspectors on that to produce the requirement. Most don't require upgrading vacuum cleaners and ovens when you relocate. The new drop should always be to the new code but the machine and its control panel shouldn't require a refresh except where required to accept the new drop.
That said, some inspectors will claim its a renovation instead of a relocation. That kind of nonsense drives manufacturers out of town.
ceb58 said:
NFPA79:2007:15.1.2 Receptacles for Maintenance Personnel. said:
Many industrial plants have dictated that all locations on the manufacturing floor are to be treated as damp/wet locations due to wash-downs and process mist. Though an optional standard, NFPA79 confirms the use of GFCI receptacles on an industrial floor to be a good practice.
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