Posts Tagged ‘NFPA 70B’

Maintain Reliability and Safety with Electrical Maintenance Plans

Thursday, May 7th, 2026

Getting ahead of facility maintenance and equipment problems can save a lot of time, stress, and money down the road. Commercial property managers and building engineers take maintenance and safety seriously, but sometimes to-do lists seem to only grow and never get shorter. Electrical maintenance plans serve as preventative measures to take care of commercial equipment before they break down and cause further problems. Plus, new NFPA 70B guidelines outline safety and maintenance requirements for commercial facilities and electrical equipment, adding to the ever-growing to-do list to establish and maintain an electrical maintenance plan. 

Proactive maintenance can help prevent costly downtime and unexpected outages for commercial facilities, and a documented plan curated toward your specific building can take the guesswork out of equipment maintenance, status, and reliability.  

Keep Equipment Working as Expected

Regular preventative maintenance slows down the aging and wear and tear on electrical equipment, helping ensure reliability in performance when it matters most. A well-written maintenance plan reduces the risk of unexpected equipment malfunctions and downtime by checking in on cabinets, breakers, and protective devices throughout your facility on a regular preventative basis. 

Electrical partners such as Egan Company focus on key electrical components and equipment of commercial buildings to deliver safe, reliable power throughout your building:

  • Switchgear
  • Transformers
  • Circuit breakers
  • Busways
  • Cables
  • Protective devices

Equipment reliability is essential for commercial facilities to maintain electrical power, occupant comfort, and safety throughout the building. Maintenance plans are designed to meet the specific needs and requirements of your facility and its equipment, including check-ups, arc flash studies, infrared (IR) scans, and regular maintenance intervals to ensure everything is working properly and safely. Without equipment check-ins and preventative maintenance, facilities quickly become at risk of equipment failure, damage, and fires due to unsafe operating conditions. 

IR Scan

How to Stay Up to Date with Electrical Maintenance

While regular facility maintenance is good for the building and occupants, the only way to ensure every piece of electrical equipment is receiving regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance is to establish a formal Electrical Maintenance Plan. This will prevent anything from being missed and can keep equipment operating as expected while getting ahead of emergencies or downtime. Thanks to new technology in maintenance tracking and record-keeping, a licensed electrician can proactively check in with your facility to understand when the last time equipment was worked on, what the current status of the maintenance needs are, and can work alongside building owners and property managers to make a plan for future maintenance.  

Consulting with an electrical partner is the first step in keeping your building up to code and safe. Egan’s team of account managers and electricians understand the importance and nuance of a well-written electrical maintenance Plan that fits with your facility’s needs and meets ongoing electrical requirements. Beyond regular maintenance, documenting and tracking equipment health is a crucial aspect of electrical codes and equipment reliability, and our state-of-the-art software makes accessing details of your plan and equipment fast and easy. 

Your Partner for Equipment Reliability

Keeping your building, equipment, and occupants safe is our main priority. Electrical maintenance plans aren’t just a good idea for property managers and building engineers to implement to ensure ongoing reliability; they are becoming increasingly necessary and even required to stay in compliance with insurance companies as well as NFPA electrical codes. Every commercial property, no matter the size, needs an electrical maintenance plan fit to their specific building and equipment to prevent ongoing costs and issues with the facility down the road. Egan Company is staying up to date with the latest code changes and requirements to help ensure your building is taken care of. 

Learn more about electrical maintenance plans and what your facility’s needs might include by contacting our team. 

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Frequently Asked Questions: NFPA 70B

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

Maintain safety and functionality of electrical, electronic, and communication systems in your industrial and commercial facility with updated NFPA 70B guidelines. Staying in the know about NFAP 70B and National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements can keep your facility safe and in compliance.

What does NFPA 70B say?

The updated NFPA guidelines, published in 2023, include updated language, marking a shift from a manufacturer’s recommendation of maintenance to noting an Electrical Maintenance Plan (EMP) is a formal plan facilities shall have in place moving forward. This new verbiage focuses on preventing risks or injuries through regular equipment maintenance, personnel training, and accurate documentation. 

Who does NFPA 70B apply to? 

The electrical code outlines regulations for the systems and equipment in industrial facilities, plants, commercial buildings, and multi-family residential buildings. 

What equipment does 70B apply to? 

The guidelines cover a wide array of specific equipment and devices commonly found in commercial and industrial settings. This includes but is not limited to switchgear, transformers, circuit breakers, motor control centers, busways, cables, and protective devices. While NFPA 70B does not include fabrication equipment, many of its components will have maintenance requirements. It is always recommended that thorough records of service and maintenance for individual equipment, including OEM build equipment, is kept to maintain NFPA 70B compliance.

What is the difference between standard and enforceable code?

A standard provides guidelines for safety and efficiency, while an enforceable code is backed by law and must be followed to ensure compliance. This distinction is crucial for maintaining electrical systems that meet safety standards and legal regulations. They are both written with “shall” language instead of “should” language, marking the shift from recommended to required. 

What happens if I am not in compliance?

Non-compliance with industry standards and electrical codes is a serious risk and hazard for property damage as well as people’s safety. In addition, OSHA can cite and fine facilities who are found to be non-compliant. 

Will 70B affect the design of projects, or just end users? 

Designs do not need to be considered “compliant” with 70B during the planning and drawing stages. However, it is in the best interest of the system designer and planning team to consider the implications of 70B requirements, as it can affect different aspects of the design, including overcurrent protection, arc flash risk, lock out points, de-engerization, and more. Without a 70B-focused system, problems can occur later with equipment performance and maintenance. 

Is condition-based maintenance required for NFPA 70B compliance?

Condition-based maintenance programs are not required within the codes, but can be used to meet requirements for interval-based maintenance if using predictive techniques. Electrical maintenance plans are required according to NFPA 70B, including equipment inspection, testing, monitoring, analysis, and service. Egan Company can help design a custom electrical maintenance plan for your facility and equipment that aligns with your service requirements and budget needs.

Are the new changes for NFPA 70B applied in National Electric Code (NEC) 2023?

The NEC 2023 edition outlines maintenance requirements, though they are non-mandatory to follow NFPA 70B. There is language included that sets 70B as the standard for electrical equipment maintenance, and it is highly recommended that the latest edition is followed when able. 

Do individual facilities get to decide which year of the NEC and 70B they comply with? 

While in some cases, facilities decide which year of the NEC they follow, the 2023 edition of NFPA 70B is the industry standard and should be adopted. Any previously published versions outlined recommended practices, whereas the 2023 edition shifts to required language. Egan recommends complying to the latest standards for all codes, or else risk safety hazards and liabilities.

What do electrical maintenance plans include? 

Partnering with Egan Company makes it easy to stay up to code with NFPA 70B requirements. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art 70B software to promote the ease of electrical maintenance for commercial equipment and facilities looking for custom service plans that meet their budgets while staying compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. 

Maintenance plans include:

  • Electrical Apparatus Testing & Infrared Scans
  • Electrical Maintenance Training
  • Arc Flash/Coordination Studies
  • Arc Risk Assessments
  • Electrically Safe Work Conditions
  • Documentation of Equipment and Service
  • Equipment and facility alerts
  • Maintenance tracking and record-keeping
  • Condition logging

Learn more about electrical maintenance plans and how Egan can partner with you to keep you compliant with NFPA 70B standards and other NEC guidelines.

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Benefits of an Electrical Maintenance Plan

Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

In commercial facilities and industrial settings, safety and efficiency are top priorities. Keeping the equipment running while ensuring the employees and guests are safe is key to running a smooth operation and maximizing the use of the facility. By maintaining the electrical infrastructure and equipment within a facility, you can minimize equipment downtime while optimizing the safety and efficiency of the building, and the best way to achieve such results is through the implementation of an electrical maintenance plan.  

WHAT IS AN ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE PLAN?

Recently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) published new 70B codes that outline necessary electrical maintenance plans for specific equipment within a given commercial facility. Electrical maintenance plans are a necessary guide that outlines regular inspection and maintenance requirements for commercial electrical equipment. 

Typical maintenance plans can include:

  • Electrical Apparatus Testing & Infrared Scans
  • Electrical Maintenance Training
  • Arc Flash/Coordination Studies
  • Arc Risk Assessments
  • Electrically Safe Work Conditions
  • Documentation of Equipment and Service

 BENEFITS OF AN ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE PLAN

Electrical codes and maintenance plans are designed to serve dual purposes: to maximize the efficiency of your facility, as well as to ensure the safety of your equipment, guests, and personnel. By establishing an electrical maintenance plan with a trusted electrical service contractor, you can proactively address the needs of your electrical systems and stay ahead of potential issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address problems before they escalate, potentially saving you from costly downtime, equipment failures, and safety risks.

Additionally, preventative inspections and maintenance help identify and address potential fire hazards, loose connections, and other safety concerns, keeping your employees and facility safe from electrical incidents. Regular testing of circuit breakers, grounding systems, and other critical components can ensure they are functioning as intended, reducing the risk of electrical shocks or arc flashes.

MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITHIN YOUR FACILITY

The safety, efficiency, and reliability of your facility’s equipment is critical for your business’ operations. A well-designed electrical maintenance plan that is up-to-date with NFPA 70B codes, as well as other local, state, and federal regulations, can extend the lifespan of your equipment, reduce downtime from unexpected breakdowns, and enhance the overall performance and safety of your facility. 

Partner with trusted commercial electrical contractors and service technicians in Rochester, Minnesota, Champlin, Minnesota, and Cary, North Carolina who can work with you to design a maintenance plan that fits your facility’s needs and budget. At Egan Company, we take pride in our expertise in electrical maintenance and our commitment to helping our clients benefit from a detailed maintenance schedule. Contact our team to learn how a partnership can help keep you up to code.

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New NFPA 70B Guidelines: What You Need to Know

Monday, March 11th, 2024

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regularly provides updates to guidelines concerning safe practices and maintenance protocols. Egan Company’s ongoing commitment to safety in all aspects of our work entails reviewing such guidelines and aligning our practices to ensure our people, customers, and equipment is safe and up-to-code. 

The new NFPA 70B guidelines outline new requirements for preventative maintenance of electrical, electronic, and communication systems and equipment in various settings. By following these guidelines, Egan can continue to create safe work environments and keep our employees, our customers, and the general public safe. 

WHAT ARE THE NFPA 70B REGULATIONS?

The updated NFPA guidelines include updated language, marking a shift from a manufacturer’s recommendation of maintenance to noting an Electrical Maintenance Plan (EMP) is a formal plan facilities shall have in place moving forward. This new verbiage focuses on preventing risks or injuries through regular equipment maintenance, personnel training, and accurate documentation. Egan will begin following these recommendations in our work with customers who are receiving system upgrades and services. Many local and national electrical codes require adherence to 70B guidelines, and Egan is happy to provide further education and assistance in bringing your facility up-to-date. 

  • Program development and implementation: establishing a systematic maintenance program tailored to the specific needs of the facility.
  • Maintenance procedures: detailed instructions for inspecting, testing, cleaning, lubricating, and repairing various electrical equipment.
  • Testing and diagnostics: identifying potential problems through electrical testing and diagnostic techniques.
  • Documentation and recordkeeping: recording maintenance activities and test results for future reference and analysis.
  • Team training: ensuring the team responsible for electrical equipment maintenance are adequately trained and qualified.

SAFETY FIRST. SAFETY ALWAYS.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Egan Company. Our electricians, service technicians, and account managers are keeping up-to-date with the latest safety guidelines from the NFPA and other organizations to ensure that wherever we go, safety follows. Bringing the NFPA 70B guidelines to our customers will help maintain the lifespan of your equipment, the safety of your buildings, and the quality of your facilities and operations. Bring your facility up to NFPA 70B standards and keep your buildings safe and sound. Questions on NFPA 70B or other electrical code requirements? Egan can help!

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