NFPA^® 70B: Step-by-step compliance

A framework for helping office, industrial, and commercial buildings meet the latest requirements

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:

had operations not ready to
comply with 2023 NFPA^® 70B

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.

Maintenance and safety
When do I need to comply?
Who monitors compliance?

Electrical maintenance and safety

This change makes NFPA 70B a key driver of electrical maintenance and safety in the United States — 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.

8 Steps for Compliance

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 maintainability

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

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

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

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

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

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

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) are crucial.

Good – Predetermined maintenance
Better – condition-based maintenance
Best – Predictive maintenance

EcoCare for Electrical Distribution Equipment

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

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 Technology

Leveraging Electrical Digital Twin technology for accurate modeling, simulation, and testing, anticipate potential issues and plan for expansion.

Implementing EcoCare

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™

Utilizing EcoStruxure™ Asset Advisor for effective asset management and monitoring.

Shifting Maintenance

Shifting from traditional to condition-based maintenance to determine which maintenance tasks to carry out and when.

Following NFPA 70B

Following NFPA 70B to help meet sustainability goals by adding resilience and efficiency and reducing energy consumption, waste, and emissions.

Additional Resources

A Guide to Understanding the NFPA 70B Code Changes

This eGuide outlines the changes in the NFPA^® 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, 2023 edition.

Download the eGuide

NFPA 70B: A Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance

An in-depth framework for helping office, industrial, and commercial buildings meet the latest requirements.

NFPA 70B:
An FAQ Guide

NFPA 70B: An FAQ Guide

Commonly asked questions around the code changes and what facilities need to do to comply.

Learn More

NFPA® 70B: Step-by-step compliance