NEC Article 600: Electric Signs and Outline Lighting (Sections 600.1 to 600.85)

NEC Article 600 provides comprehensive requirements for the installation, construction, and use of electric signs and outline lighting. Here is the detailed overview:

600.1 Scope

This section covers the installation of electric signs, outline lighting, and field-assembled skeletal neon systems. These installations must comply with the NEC to ensure safety and functionality.

600.2 Definitions

Defines key terms used in the article, such as “electric sign,” “outline lighting,” and “skeleton tubing,” to ensure clarity and consistency within the code.

600.3 Listing

Specifies that all electric signs, outline lighting systems, and skeleton tubing must be listed by a recognized testing laboratory. This ensures that the equipment has been tested for safety and performance.

600.4 Marking

Requires that signs, outline lighting, and skeleton tubing be marked with the manufacturer’s name, voltage rating, and other pertinent information. This marking must be durable and legible to ensure proper identification and use.

600.5 Branch Circuits

Details the requirements for branch circuits supplying signs and outline lighting. This includes the following key points:

600.5(A) Separate Circuit: Each sign or outline lighting system must be supplied by a dedicated branch circuit.
600.5(B) Location: Branch circuits must terminate in a readily accessible location.
600.5(C) Disconnecting Means: Each sign and outline lighting system must have a disconnecting means located within sight of the sign or outline lighting it controls.

600.6 Installation of Conductors in Raceways

Outlines the requirements for installing conductors in raceways. Conductors must be installed in raceways that protect them from physical damage and meet the specified standards.

600.7 Wiring Methods and Materials

Specifies the acceptable wiring methods and materials for connecting signs and outline lighting systems, ensuring the wiring is suitable for the conditions of use and protected from damage.

600.8 Grounding and Bonding

Outlines the grounding and bonding requirements for signs and outline lighting systems. Proper grounding ensures safety by providing a path for fault currents and preventing electrical shock.

600.9 Location

600.9(A) Vehicles: Signs or outline lighting system equipment must be installed at least 14 feet above areas accessible to vehicles unless they are protected from physical damage.
600.9(B) Pedestrians: Neon tubing and other similar components accessible to pedestrians must be protected from physical damage.
600.9(C) Combustible Materials: Signs and outline lighting systems must be installed so that adjacent combustible materials are not subjected to temperatures exceeding 194°F (90°C).
600.9(D) Wet Locations: Equipment for use in wet locations must be weatherproof and have appropriately sized drain holes.

600.10 Portable or Mobile Signs

600.10(A) General: Portable or mobile signs must be provided with a means for grounding and bonding.
600.10(B) Cord-Connected Signs: Signs connected by a cord must have an attachment plug and be designed to prevent damage to the cord during installation and use.
600.10(C) Flexible Cords: Flexible cords must be listed for hard or extra-hard usage and suitable for the conditions of use.

600.12 Installation of Field-Assembled Skeleton Tubing

This section covers the installation requirements for neon and other gas tubing systems assembled in the field, ensuring they are installed safely and securely to prevent electrical hazards.

600.21 Ballasts, Transformers, and Electronic Power Supplies

Specifies the requirements for ballasts, transformers, and power supplies used in sign installations. These components must be installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions and NEC standards to ensure safe operation.

600.23 Equipment Connected to the Supply Circuit

Outlines the requirements for equipment connected to the supply circuit, including the use of appropriate disconnects and overcurrent protection devices.

600.24 Field-Installed Secondary Wiring

Provides guidelines for the installation of secondary wiring systems in the field, ensuring that these systems are safely installed and meet the necessary electrical standards.

600.30 Grounding and Bonding

Outlines the requirements for grounding and bonding metal parts of signs and outline lighting systems. Ensures a continuous path to ground, minimizing the risk of electrical shock.

600.33 Skeleton Tubing and Neon Tubing Systems

Provides specific requirements for the installation of skeleton tubing and neon tubing systems, including the use of appropriate supports and protection from physical damage.

600.34 Ballast and Transformer Secondary Circuits

Specifies requirements for ballast and transformer secondary circuits to ensure safe operation and compliance with NEC standards.

600.35 Retrofit Kits

Details the installation requirements for retrofit kits used to convert existing signs to more energy-efficient technologies such as LEDs. This includes marking and labeling requirements to identify modified signs, ensuring they are installed correctly and safely.

600.41 Disconnecting Means

Requires a disconnecting means for all signs and outline lighting systems. This must be accessible and clearly marked to ensure safe maintenance and emergency shutdown.

600.42 Control and Protective Devices

Outlines the requirements for control and protective devices used in sign installations to ensure safe operation and protection from electrical faults.

600.50 Portable or Mobile Signs

600.50(A) General: Portable or mobile signs must be provided with a means for grounding and bonding.
600.50(B) Cord-Connected Signs: Signs that are connected by a cord must have an attachment plug and be designed to prevent damage to the cord during installation and use.
600.50(C) Flexible Cords: Flexible cords must be listed for hard or extra-hard usage and suitable for the conditions of use.

600.52 Portable Hand Lamps

Portable hand lamps used in signs must be listed for the application and designed to prevent accidental contact with live parts. They must also be equipped with guards to protect the lamp from damage.

600.54 Flashing Signs

Flashing signs must be installed with controls that allow for the safe operation of the flashing components. These controls must be listed and designed to prevent overheating and electrical faults.

600.56 Outline Lighting

600.56(A) Wiring Methods: Outline lighting systems must use wiring methods suitable for the environment in which they are installed.
600.56(B) Protection: Neon tubing and other components must be protected from physical damage.
600.56(C) Installation: Outline lighting systems must be securely mounted and installed in a manner that prevents exposure to live parts.

600.60 Maintenance and Access

600.60(A) Accessibility: Signs and outline lighting systems must be installed in a way that allows for safe access for maintenance and inspection.
600.60(B) Disconnecting Means: A disconnecting means must be provided within sight of each sign or outline lighting system to facilitate safe maintenance and emergency shutdown.

600.70 Marking and Labeling

600.70(A) Manufacturer’s Name: Signs and outline lighting systems must be marked with the manufacturer’s name, voltage rating, and other pertinent information.
600.70(B) Instructions: Installation and maintenance instructions must be provided with each sign and outline lighting system.

600.80 Testing and Inspection

600.80(A) Field Inspection: Signs and outline lighting systems must be inspected and tested in the field to ensure compliance with NEC standards.
600.80(B) Periodic Testing: Regular testing and inspection must be conducted to ensure continued compliance and safe operation.

600.85 Retrofit Kits for Existing Signs

600.85(A) Listing and Labeling: Retrofit kits must be listed for the specific application and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
600.85(B) Installation: Retrofit kits must be installed in a way that maintains the safety and integrity of the existing sign.

This overview ensures a comprehensive and accurate understanding of NEC Article 600. For more detailed information, consulting the NEC Handbook and additional resources provided by the NFPA is highly recommended.