Question: The main circuit breaker of a 2,500A 480/277V three-phase, four-wire service needs to be replaced. Can a reconditioned circuit breaker be used for this application?
See the answer below.
Answer: No
Explanation: The 2020 NEC added a new section (210.15) for reconditioned equipment. This section specifically prohibits the reconditioning of the following equipment:
(1) Equipment that provides ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel
(2) Equipment that provides arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection
(3) Equipment that provides ground-fault protection of equipment
Because the service listed in the question meets the requirements of Sec. 230.95, GFCI protection of equipment is required and the new requirements of Sec. 210.15 would prohibit the use of a reconditioned circuit breaker.
Lupacchino is a senior design engineer with Gaylor Electric, Inc. in Noblesville, Ind. and serves as an alternate on NEC Code-Making Panel No. 3. He is currently licensed in more than 80 jurisdictions. He can be reached at [email protected].
About the Author
John Lupacchino
Senior Design Engineer
John began his career in electrical construction as an apprentice and worked his way through the trade. He is currently licensed in more than 80 jurisdictions. With more than 35 years of experience, he now plays a vital role in Gaylor Electric’s Engineering Department, where he serves as a senior design engineer. With a focus on design engineering, quality assurance, and code compliance, he has earned the highest level of respect from industry professionals alike. John currently serves as an alternate on NFPA 70 Code Making Panel No. 3. In addition, he enjoys sharing his electrical knowledge through education. As an Associated Builders and Contractors instructor, he continues to help grow a new generation of high-performing construction leaders.