T12 to T8

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Microwatt said:
I'm just trying to get an idea of how many people out there get a UL feild evaluation when retro-fitting a fixture from T12s to T8s.
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I never have. I can't imagine why it is necessary if the sockets, Ballasts and bulbs match whats the problem. The can is no different. UL field evaluation will costs thousands.
 
I agree with Dennis.

We have retrofitted thousands, I kid you not, without a single hitch or peep out of an inspector or fire marshal regarding field UL certification.

I am sure someone will say this voids the UL listing, but we have had no problems.
 
I agree with Dennis.

We have retrofitted thousands, I kid you not, without a single hitch or peep out of an inspector or fire marshal regarding field UL certification.

I am sure someone will say this voids the UL listing, but we have had no problems.
 
I believe I can lay out UL's policy on this issue. Keep in mind that I do NOT speak officially for UL, nor am I in any way associated with UL.

UL lists a variety of 'conversion kits' that may be installed as directed, without affecting the UL listing.

Simply replacing the bulbs and ballast do NOT "void' the listing; UL simply says that, in that case, they simply don't know if the listing has been maintained. Thus, the fixture is now in a gray area, where it is neither 'listed' nor 'not listed.'

For the code wonks, this would be cause to reject any inspection for not using listed luminaires. Since such conversions are made well after final inspection, and the inspector has no way of telling how the fixture left the factory, enforcement is a moot point.
 
It wouldn't even occur to me to stir up the hornets.

jumper said:
We have retrofitted thousands, I kid you not, without a single hitch or peep out of an inspector or fire marshal regarding field UL certification.

I am sure someone will say this voids the UL listing, but we have had no problems.
Click to expand...

We have retrofitted thousands, I kid you not, without a single hitch or peep out of an inspector or fire marshal regarding field UL certification.

I am sure someone will say this voids the UL listing, but we have had no problems.
Click to expand...
Some things just bear repeating. ;)
 
I am trying to retro-fit some HPS fixtures over to induction and he his fighting me every step of the way. The retro fit kit is comprised of UL recognized components, but they are not a listed assembly.

I was handed a copy of the "UL Question Corner" from the Sept.-Oct 2010 issue of IAEI News by my inspector. In there it states that any fixture that has been modified and no longer accepts its original lamp must have a feild evaluation done.
 
Microwatt said:
I am trying to retro-fit some HPS fixtures over to induction and he his fighting me every step of the way. The retro fit kit is comprised of UL recognized components, but they are not a listed assembly.

I was handed a copy of the "UL Question Corner" from the Sept.-Oct 2010 issue of IAEI News by my inspector. In there it states that any fixture that has been modified and no longer accepts its original lamp must have a feild evaluation done.
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That's not what it says. What it said was "The AHJ's as part of their approval process, are responsible to determine if a Listed product is acceptable within their jurisdiction. Local regulations and practice determine whether luminaire servicing and retrofits require inspection and how compliance is established. Replacing a T12 ballast with a T8 ballast changes the electrical and lighting characteristics of the luminaire. Most AHJ's would not consider this to be servicing and can resonably be expected to require evaluation of the luminaire modification."

It didn't say it was required to have a field evaluation done, but don't be surprised if you are asked to do one.
 
I want to add that, with rare exception, the inspector himself is not the AHJ. Everyone has a supervisor, and for good reason. Don't be afraid to climb the food chain when necessary.
 
It is soooo expensive for ul field evalution. Don't think it is necessary as long as you can get that standards and keep safe use.
 
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