T12 to T8 replacement UL listing

[Mr. Bill]

I just heard from an EC today that a State Inspector stopped all work on their lighting replacement project. The school has a bunch of old T12 troffers. They're replacing the lamp, socket and ballast in the existing fixtures to use T8 lamps. The Inspector is saying that this old light fixture (maybe 30 years old) is not UL listed for anything but T12 lamps.

I am not very knowledgeable about UL details. Is the UL listing for a typical troffer care what type of lamp is used?

Does replacing the socket provide the UL listing for using T8 lamps? I know that the self-ballasted CFL's sold as incandescent replacements are UL listed for replacement use. Just thought something similar would apply to this situation.

I have a feeling this will be coming up more frequently in this State so any advice is appreciated.

 

[jim dungar]

The UL Listing applies only to the fixture when it was built and shipped from the factory.

Field modifications (including a ballast replacement) always need to be evaluated as to their impact on the original listing. Approval of field modifications is normally the responsibility of an AHJ. UL is always available to assist the AHJ in making their determination. If it is decided there is a significant impact, it is possible to get a UL field inspection.

 

[Mr. Bill]

But is a lamp and or ballast replacement considered a field modification?

 

[jim dungar]

But is a lamp and or ballast replacement considered a field modification?

Yes, you have changed something from the way it was originally built (unless the replacement components are part of its listing). Even the simple act of field punching a conduit entry is a modification that must be approved by the AHJ.