NFPA 70B: Understanding the New Electrical Maintenance Standard

What is NFPA 70B?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B offers essential guidance to electrical maintenance managers on establishing and implementing an effective electrical maintenance program (EMP). It outlines a framework designed to protect people, equipment, and operations from the risks associated with electrical system failures.

 

NFPA 70B is enforceable:

Compliance with NFPA standards is often required by agencies such as OSHA and other regulatory authorities, and the recent revisions to NFPA 70B are now compulsory.

 

How has NFPA 70B Changed:

The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B has transitioned from a “recommended practice” to a “standard” and includes mandatory language for the development, implementation, and operation of an EMP. The new standard impacts electrical infrastructure installed in industrial plants, institutional and commercial buildings, and multifamily residential complexes.

 

What are the 8 main items discussed in 70B?

1. An electrical safety program that accounts for the condition of maintenance.
2. Clear identification of personnel responsible for executing each element of the program.
3. A survey and analysis of electrical equipment and systems to establish maintenance needs and priorities.
4. Developed and documented maintenance procedures for equipment.
5. A structured plan for inspections, servicing, and appropriate testing.
6. A policy for maintenance documentation, equipment records, and personnel record retention.
7.  A defined process to recommend, implement, and document corrective actions based on collected data.
8. 8. A procedure for integrating design for maintainability into electrical installations.

 

Here’s how we plan to assist customers simplify compliance with the new NFPA 70B standard:

1. Provide Training class for NFPA 70B this class is accredited for CEU’s.
2. Create a customized electrical preventive maintenance program for our customers’ needs.
3. Perform maintenance services Infrared, UE, Testing, Cleaning, Audits.
4. Act as a single-source supplier for the services we offer. Services we don’t offer we can subcontract our partners we work with for one source solution.
5. Provide on-site training and technical support to our customers for the knowledge they need.

 

Written by: Michael Sampson Field Technician Manager, ESCO Power & Safety