Compliance challenges
From our recent series of codes and standards webinars targeting office, commercial, and industrial buildings, our attendees stated that when it comes to compliance:
84% had operations not ready to comply with 2023 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) 70B
70% didn’t have enough time or dedicated resources
What’s changed?
The 2023 edition of the NFPA 70B represents a significant shift in the approach to electrical equipment maintenance. Previously considered a “Recommended Practice,” NFPA 70B is now a “Standard” containing mandatory language and requirements.
This change makes NFPA 70B a key driver of electrical maintenance and safety in the United States (U.S.) – including inspection methods and recommended equipment – and underscores the importance of properly maintaining electrical, electronic, and communications systems.
While every organization has a unique problem-solving approach, this document provides step-by-step instructions for 2023 NFPA 70B standard compliance.
When do I need to comply?
NFPA 70B became effective January 16, 2023, and is enforceable by any authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), e.g., any organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing standards.
Who monitors compliance?
The equipment owner is responsible for implementing and documenting their electrical maintenance program (EMP). NFPA 70B defines an EMP coordinator as the individual responsible for the program’s coordination, implementation, and operation. Due to the interrelationship between NEC Installation Code, NFPA 70E’s Electrical Safety Program, and the NFPA 70B’s EMP, compliance with requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 70E, and 70B must all be included.
Step one:
Designate an electrical maintenance program coordinator
The first step towards NFPA 70B compliance is appointing a dedicated EMP coordinator, which NFPA 70B, Section 4.2 defines as the individual overseeing the EMP implementation and operation.
- Conduct training and annual audits/evaluations
- Inspect equipment compliance
- Integrate with safety programs
- Design for maintanability
Step two:
Conduct an initial electrical infrastructure and equipment condition assessment
This comprehensive evaluation lays the groundwork for NFPA 70B compliance, addressing infrastructure gaps and ensuring effective maintenance strategies. Regular assessments and inspections uphold electrical system reliability and enhance overall safety.
- Review electrical single-line diagrams (SLDs) and studies
- Evaluate existing systems and procedures
- Document and maintain records
- Inspect electrical equipment
Step three:
Based on previous assessments, update SLDs and other studies older than five years
Documentation and adherence to regulatory requirements create a proactive approach, enabling efficient record keeping and informed decision-making for ongoing maintenance planning.
- Update studies
- Maintain detailed documentation
- Cultivate comprehensive records-retention policies
- Identify maintenance planning trends
Step four:
Perform remediation identified by assessments
Now, it is time to execute the remediation measures identified during your assessments. Refer to NFPA 70B guidelines* and manufacturer instructions throughout this process.
- Prioritize
- Plan and schedule
- Prepare
- Execute
- Document
Step five:
Determine maintenance intervals and scope based on the assessment
Define the scope of maintenance tasks and determine the appropriate intervals between each.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations
- Refer to NFPA 70B Chapter 9
- Use continuous monitoring or predictive techniques
Step six:
Update EMP to verify compliance requirements
- Updating your EMP involves ensuring all electrical equipment is properly maintained for safety and optimal performance
- Visual indication
- Documentation
- Software and service plans
Step seven:
Audit your EMP every five years or less
Audits are a vital part of the continuous effort to ensure electrical systems operate safely and efficiently
- Review the current EMP
- Compare with NFPA 70B standards
- Identify areas for improvement
- Implement changes
- Document changes
Step eight:
Embrace digitization and digitalization
With NFPA 70B’s maintenance emphasis on predetermined, condition-based, and predictive techniques, digitizing – upgrading your electrical equipment for enhanced connectivity and intelligence – and digitalizing – using that data in your operational decisions – is crucial.
- Good – Predetermined maintenance
- Better – condition-based maintenance
- Best – Predictive maintenance
Schneider Electric Services can help simplify NFPA 70B compliance
We believe the NFPA 70B is a major advancement in electrical safety and the need for proper preventative maintenance of electrical, electronic, and communications systems and equipment. We can help by:
Consulting services with EcoConsult for audits, assessments, and system studies to help you align with the NFPA 70B standard’s emphasis on regular inspections and evaluations.
Leveraging Electrical Digital Twin technology for accurate modeling, simulation, and testing, anticipate potential issues and plan for expansion.
Implementing EcoCare membership-based service plans for fast, priority support, 24/7 proactive remote monitoring, and discounts on spare parts and other services.
Utilizing EcoStruxure™ Asset Advisor for effective asset management and monitoring.
Shifting from traditional to condition-based maintenance to determine which maintenance tasks to carry out and when.
Following NFPA 70B to help meet sustainability goals by adding resilience and efficiency and reducing energy consumption, waste, and emissions.
