Introduction

Keeping electrical equipment in optimal working condition is crucial for the safety and productivity of any facility. The NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, is a set of guidelines that help facilities implement effective electrical maintenance programs. In this blog post, we will discuss what NFPA 70B is and how it can help facility owners keep their electrical equipment in top shape.

What is NFPA 70B?

NFPA 70B provides guidance on developing and implementing an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) to ensure the safety of people, equipment, and processes from electrical system failures. The 2023 version of NFPA 70B has shifted from recommendations to mandatory language for implementing electrical maintenance programs. This shift is expected to provide practical safeguards and support more reliable electrical systems.

This standard aligns with NFPA 70E, which emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance for safe electrical work practices. Although NFPA 70B is not a code or directly mandated by law, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can utilize it to issue citations.

Why is NFPA 70B Important for Facility Owners?

Properly maintained electrical equipment has a lower chance of failure, reducing incident energy and potential damage to property. Implementing preventive maintenance strategies can improve safety, uptime, and compliance with local, state, and national requirements.

Maintenance Intervals and Procedures

NFPA 70B prescribes maintenance intervals based on an equipment condition assessment, which takes into account the physical condition, criticality, and operating environment of electrical equipment. For different types of equipment, NFPA 70B provides guidelines for visual inspection, cleaning, lubrication, mechanical servicing, and electrical tests.

Proper maintenance of protective devices, like circuit breakers and protective relays, is essential for their performance and ensuring accurate incident energy calculations per NFPA 70E. Failure to maintain these devices can lead to delays in operating time and higher incident energy levels, posing risks to workers and equipment.

System Studies and Single-Line Diagrams

NFPA 70B Chapter 6 provides detailed requirements for system studies, including up-to-date single-line diagrams and short-circuit studies. These studies help ensure that electrical systems, including overcurrent protective devices and equipment ratings, are reviewed and verified for alignment with the standard.

Performing regular system studies and updating drawings when there are electrical infrastructure changes are crucial to maintaining safe electrical settings and protecting both personnel and equipment.

Benefits of Complying with NFPA 70B

By following NFPA 70B guidelines, facility owners can achieve:

• Improved safety: Properly maintained equipment minimizes the risk of electrical accidents, ensuring a safer working environment.

• Enhanced reliability: Regular maintenance helps keep electrical systems reliable, reducing unexpected downtime.

• Compliance with regulations: Implementing an NFPA 70B-compliant maintenance program helps meet requirements set forth by local, state, and national authorities.

How Arc Flash Consulting Can Help

At Arc Flash Consulting, we can help you develop a comprehensive maintenance program in accordance with NFPA 70B requirements. We also provide power systems studies, including arc flash hazard analysis and panel labeling to comply with NFPA 70E. Additionally, we offer maintenance program recommendations and help clients track the maintenance schedules of their electrical equipment.

For more information about our services and how we can help your facility remain compliant and safe, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to assisting you in implementing the most effective electrical maintenance program for your facility.