NFPA 70B: A New Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a leading global advocate for fire and electrical safety, has long published standards and codes aimed at reducing risks in homes, workplaces, and communities. One such standard, NFPA 70B, has undergone a significant change that impacts facilities across industries.
In 2023, NFPA 70B: Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance was updated—transforming from a recommended practice into an enforceable standard. This pivotal revision signals a new era of workplace electrical safety, establishing official guidelines for maintaining electrical equipment to prevent failures, improve reliability, and protect personnel.
“The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B transitions from a recommended practice to a standard, creating a benchmark for electrical equipment maintenance programs that prioritize safety, compliance, and operational continuity.”
What Does This Mean for Facility Managers?
With NFPA 70B now a standard, organizations are expected to follow its guidance as part of compliance with workplace safety regulations. The standard outlines specific procedures and maintenance intervals for electrical systems, making it essential for facility managers, engineers, and safety officers to evaluate their current maintenance programs and align them with these requirements.
Key areas addressed by NFPA 70B include:
- Preventive and predictive maintenance practices
- Electrical testing and inspection intervals
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Risk assessments and hazard mitigation
Why Compliance Matters
Regular maintenance in line with NFPA 70B doesn’t just reduce the risk of electrical failure; it protects lives, minimizes costly outages, and helps ensure compliance with OSHA and other regulatory bodies. Failure to comply could expose companies to safety violations or increased legal liability in the event of an incident.
At Currentechnologies, we’ve been helping businesses stay safe and compliant for over 30 years. We specialize in acceptance testing, maintenance testing, and PPE servicing to keep your electrical systems running reliably—and aligned with the latest standards like NFPA 70B.
Whether you’re unsure how NFPA 70B applies to your facility, or you’re looking to implement a compliant maintenance plan, we’re here to help.
Learn more about NFPA 70B directly from the NFPA at www.nfpa.org/70B.
For personalized guidance or to schedule service, visit www.Currentechnologies.net or call us at (208) 392-9570. We proudly serve Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, and Utah.
