410. Part XVII. Special Provisions for Germicidal Irradiation Luminaires.
The Future of Cleaning: Germicidal Irradiation Luminaires
Article 410 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is your go-to guide for everything about installing lights, lamp holders, and lamps. It's split into parts that cover specific lighting topics. In 2023, a brand-new part has been added to address a cutting-edge cleaning technology: Germicidal Irradiation Luminaires.
- For example— Article 410 Part I. General, addresses general requirements that will apply to most installations covered by the Article.
- Article 410 Part IV. Luminaire Supports, addresses requirements for supporting lighting fixtures based on things such as materials used, fixture weight, and location.
- Article 410 Part XIV. Lighting Track, addresses rules for the installation of track lighting.
- Article 410 in the 2020 NEC included a total of 16 Parts to address various lighting. The 2023 NEC introduces Part XVII (17) to address new bacteria fighting lighting technology.
- Brand-new for the 2023 Code cycle: Article 410 Part XVII. Special Provisions for Germicidal Irradiation Luminaires.
So, what's the big deal with these lights? Well, they're equipped with the power to kill bacteria using ultraviolet light. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially the UV-C type with a short wavelength, can effectively reduce or deactivate bacteria on various surfaces. This is super useful in places like barber shops, where hair care tools like combs, brushes, and shears, need to be kept germ-free.
Now, as an electrician, you need to know how to install these lights properly. That's where the new Part XVII in Article 410 comes in.
Article 410 now includes Part XVII on
Special Provisions for Germicidal Irradiation
Luminaires. This new part helps protect people
from the dangers of ultraviolet light radiation
that is used to disinfect surfaces from viruses.
2023 NEC - What's Changed?
2020 NEC
The 2020 National Electrical Code introduced electricians to Article 410 Part XVI, Special Provisions for Horticultural Lighting Equipment.
2023 NEC
The 2023 National Electrical Code introduces the electrician to brand-new Article 410 Part XVII, Special Provisions for Germicidal Irradiation Luminaires. Part XVII is broken down into the following five sections and their requirements:
410.190 General— There currently are no general requirements provided for these special lighting fixtures.
410.191 Listing— Luminaires emitting germicidal irradiation must be listed by UL or a similar agency, and they must be identified as germicidal equipment.
410.193 Installation— These special luminaires and all luminaires must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and according to any equipment markings.
410.195 Locations Not Permitted— These special luminaires must not be installed according to the following:
- They cannot be installed for the purpose of general illumination unless indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions.
- They cannot be installed where they are subject to physical damage.
- They cannot be installed inside a dwelling unit unless they are listed and identified for that purpose.
- They cannot be mounted below the minimum height specified by the fixture listing or instructions whenever the fixture is to be operating inside an occupied building.
410.197 Germicidal Irradiation Systems (Note: Germicidal irradiation systems include multiple equipment pieces)— These systems must comply with the following:
- A system intended to safeguard against UV exposure by ensuring the building is not occupied during luminaire operation must be listed as well as identified as a germicidal system.
- All components of the system must be provided by the system manufacturer, or the component must be clearly specified in the installation instructions as a component the installer is required to obtain separately.
- The system must be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and according to any equipment markings.
- A system cannot be installed inside a dwelling unless listed and identified for that purpose.
The 2023 Code in Action
The advances in UV technology offer a glimpse of a future where harmful bacteria could be eradicated without caustic chemicals. As the technology matures, electricians will be at the forefront of this revolutionary shift, leading the charge against unwanted germs and bacteria.