What Is NFPA 70B?
NFPA 70B is the Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. It establishes requirements for inspecting, testing, maintaining, documenting, and evaluating electrical equipment as part of an Electrical Maintenance Program.
The standard addresses preventive maintenance for electrical, electronic, and communication systems commonly found in industrial plants, commercial buildings, institutional facilities, and other large or critical operations.
Its purpose is straightforward: properly maintained electrical equipment is safer, more reliable, and less likely to fail unexpectedly.
Over time, electrical equipment can loosen, deteriorate, corrode, become overloaded, or develop abnormal heat. These conditions can contribute to equipment damage, fire risk, personnel hazards, unplanned outages, and costly downtime.
WHy IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The 2023 edition introduced a major change to NFPA 70B. What was previously identified as a “Recommended Practice” became an official Standard containing mandatory language and requirements.
Much of the language shifted from recommendations such as “should” to requirements such as “shall.” This places greater responsibility on equipment owners to establish, implement, and document an Electrical Maintenance Program.
The Role of Infrared Thermography
Infrared thermography allows qualified personnel to inspect energized electrical equipment while it is operating under load. These inspections can identify abnormal heating patterns that may indicate ongoing or future problems.
Identify
abnormal
heat patterns
Improve electrical reliability
Locate
overloaded components
Reduce
fire and
safety risks
Reduce
unplanned outages
Support proactive maintenance planning
NFPA 70B applies to owners & operators in many industries including:
Water & Wastewater
Utilities & Substations
Industrial & Manufacturing
Healthcare & Hospitals
Senior Living Communities
Commercial & Institutional
Critical infrastructure sites
Facilities with complex electrical equipment
The responsibility of equipment owners
Equipment owners are responsible for implementing and documenting an Electrical Maintenance Program. This includes assigning responsibility for the program and maintaining records of inspections, testing, corrective actions, and equipment condition.
More Than Checking a Box
NFPA 70B is more than meeting a requirement. Its real value lies in reducing risk, improving reliability, and protecting the electrical systems your facility depends on every day.
Whether you're implementing a new NFPA 70B Electrical Maintenance Program or strengthening an existing one, Superior Thermal Services provides the infrared inspections, documentation, and technical expertise to help support your maintenance goals.
Let us help you identify developing issues, prioritize corrective actions, and build a safer, more reliable electrical maintenance program.