600 – Electric Signs and Outline Lighting
600.2 – Four New Definitions for Retrofit Kits
Change at a Glance:
Four new definitions were added to 600.2 pertaining to retrofit kits for signs (1) Host Sign, (2) Retrofit Kit, General Use, (3) Retrofit Kit, Sign Specific, (4) Subassembly.
600.2 Definitions. (Electric Signs and Outline Lighting)
The definitions in this section shall apply only within this article.
Host Sign. A sign or outline lighting system already installed in the field that is designated for field conversion of the illumination system with a retrofit kit.
LED Sign Illumination System.
Neon Tubing.
Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Sign.
Retrofit Kit, General Use. A kit consisting of primary parts, which does not include all the parts for a complete subassembly but includes a list of required parts and installation instructions to complete the subassembly in the field.
Retrofit Kit, Sign Specific. A kit consisting of the necessary parts and hardware to allow for field installation in a host sign, based on the included installation instructions.
Section Sign.
Sign Body.
Skeleton Tubing.
Subassembly. Component parts or a segment of a sign, retrofit kit, or outline lighting system that, when assembled, forms a complete unit or product.
(See NEC for complete text of existing definitions).
600.4(D) – Electric Signs and Outline Lighting
Change at a Glance:
Revisions now require visibility of markings at the time of installation, inspection, and prior to servicing, but can be installed in a location not viewed by the public.
600.4 Markings. (Electric Signs and Outline Lighting)
(A) Signs and Outline Lighting Systems. Signs and outline lighting systems shall be listed and labeled; marked with the manufacturer’s name, trademark, or other means of identification; and input voltage and current rating.
(B) Signs with a Retrofitted Illumination System. (see NEC for complete text)
(C) Signs with Lampholders for Incandescent Lamps. (see NEC for complete text)
(D) Visibility. The markings required in 600.4(A) and listing labels shall not be required to be visible after installation but and shall be permanently applied in a location visible during prior to servicing. The marking shall be permitted to be installed in a location not viewed by the public.
(E) Durability. (see NEC for complete text)
(F) Installation Instructions. (see NEC for complete text)
600.5(A) – Entrances for Deliveries, Service Corridors, or Service Hallways
Change at a Glance:
Revision clarifies that entrances not accessible to customers, such as delivery doors, do not require a sign outlet.
600.5 Branch Circuits. (Electric Signs and Outline Lighting)
(A) Required Branch Circuit. Each commercial building and each commercial occupancy accessible to pedestrians shall be provided with at least one outlet in an accessible location at each entrance to each tenant space for sign or outline lighting system use. The outlet(s) shall be supplied by a branch circuit rated at least 20 amperes that supplies no other load. Service hallways or corridors shall not be considered accessible to pedestrians. A sign or outline lighting outlet shall not be required at entrances for deliveries, service corridors, or service hallways that are intended to be used only by service personnel or employees.
600.5(B) and 600.6(A)(4) – Electric Signs and Outline Lighting Branch Circuits
Change at a Glance:
A disconnecting means for a sign, outline lighting system, or controller is now required to be marked to identity of the sign, outline lighting system, or controller it controls (Exception for external disconnect mounted on the sign, etc.). If located remote, disconnect required to be installed at an accessible location available to first responders and service personnel.
600.5 Branch Circuits. (Electric Signs and Outline Lighting)
(A) Required Branch Circuit. (see NEC for complete text)
(B) Marking. A disconnecting means for a sign, outline lighting system, or controller shall be marked to identify the sign, outline lighting system, or controller it controls.
Exception: An external disconnecting means that is mounted on the sign body, sign enclosure, sign pole, or controller shall not be required to identify the sign or outline lighting system it controls. (B) (C) Rating. (see NEC for complete text) (C) (D) Wiring Methods. (see NEC for complete text)
600.6 Disconnects.
(A) Location. The disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located in accordance with 600.6(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3), and (A)(4):
(4) Remote Location. The disconnecting means, if located remote from the sign, sign body, or pole, shall be mounted at an accessible location available to first responders and service personnel. The location of the disconnect shall be marked with a label at the sign location and marked as the disconnect for the sign or outline lighting system. The label shall comply with 110.21(B).
600.35 – Retrofit Kits for Signs and Outline Lighting Systems
Change at a Glance:
A new section was added pertaining to Retrofit Kits for signs and outline lighting systems.
600.35 Retrofit Kits. (Electric signs and Outline Lighting)
(A) General. A general-use or sign-specific retrofit kit for a sign or outline lighting system shall include installation instructions and requirements for field conversion of a host sign. The retrofit kit shall be listed and labeled.
(B) Installation. The retrofit kit shall be installed in accordance with the installation instructions.
(1) Wiring Methods. Wiring methods shall be in accordance with Chapter 3.
Exception: If powered from a Class 2 source, wiring methods shall be in accordance with 600.12(C)(1)(2), 600.24, and 600.33.
(2) Damaged Parts. All parts that are not replaced by a retrofit kit shall be inspected for damage. Any part found to be damaged or damaged during conversion of the sign shall be replaced or repaired to maintain the sign or outline lighting system’s dry, damp, or wet location rating.
(3) Workmanship. Field conversion workmanship shall be in accordance with 110.12.
(4) Marking. The retrofitted sign shall be marked in accordance with 600.4(B).