In certain cases, electrical switchgear needs
to be recertified to demonstrate conformity with applicable safety standards.
Here is a rundown of common situations that lead to the need for
recertification:
Modifications were made that
invalidate the original UL listing
High-powered electrical equipment like switchgear must be certified by the relevant authority in virtually all regulatory systems. In the U.S., for example, almost all switchgear installed in the U.S. is UL Listed.
But if UL approved switchgear is later
modified, retrofitted, or partially replaced, the switchgear must be
re-inspected and deemed compliant in its new format. For example, when bus taps
are made on the line or load side of the main circuit breaker, that counts as a
modification to the switchgear that requires a reinspection and
recertification. If the reinspection is successful, a Field Label can be applied to demonstrate
compliance.
An Authority Having Jurisdiction
(AHJ) has requested it
This often goes hand-in-hand with the first item above; if switchgear is UL Listed and later modified, an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can require a Field Evaluation to ensure it meets applicable standards. There may be other circumstances, as well, when an AHJ would request a field evaluation—if the equipment is moved to a new building or used in a new way, for example, it may trigger a reinspection and recertification.
An Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is the
party responsible for enforcing a certain standard, such as electrical codes,
in a given area. This is often a government inspector or utility inspector, and
the specific AHJ will vary from place to place.
The UL Listing has been voided
for any reason
If the UL Listing is no longer valid for any
reason, then the switchgear will need to be recertified. UL Listing does not
carry a standard expiration date, but it can be voided if the label is
misapplied, if the equipment cannot be installed according to the certified
installation requirements, or for other reasons.
UL Listing compared to Field Evaluation
The UL Listing process is a good fit for
switchgear manufacturers who want to distribute this exact type of switchgear
to many buyers. But it is a longer process—and a more expensive one—than a
Field Evaluation, which is performed on-site for one particular installation.
If the switchgear has been modified for its use in a particular location or
application, an approved Field Evaluation Body (FEB) can inspect the equipment
on location and ensure it meets all applicable requirements. A Field Evaluation
is often a good fit when there is a one-off installation or modification that
has not changed the overall performance or safety of the equipment.
Contact G&M Compliance for more information
G&M Compliance has a team of seasoned
experts with deep knowledge of electrical safety specifications and how they
need to be applied to onsite switchgear. We respond quickly to field evaluation
and labeling requests, and we can help you determine if a field evaluation is
the right fit for your equipment and situation.
Contact
G&M Compliance to learn more about a field evaluation for your
switchgear, or request a quote today!