Schneider Electric has sponsored this post.
Most electrical equipment failures stem from inadequate maintenance. That’s exactly what the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B was established to prevent. It provides an electrical equipment maintenance framework to reduce the risk of equipment failure, costly downtime, and energy inefficiency.
But despite its importance, many facilities, from office buildings and industrial plants to commercial sites, remain unprepared to meet the NFPA 70B requirements introduced in the 2023 update. That’s a growing concern, especially now that NFPA 70B, previously a recommended practice, has become a formal standard with mandatory language.
There are two main reasons for this gap. A study from Schneider Electric found nearly 89 percent of facilities lack a documented electrical single-line diagram, which is the most fundamental requirement for compliance. Approximately 84 percent of sites in the United States report that they lack the time and resources to implement the new standard.
Experts at Schneider Electric have simplified compliance for electrical equipment owners by structuring an eight-step Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) framework.
8 steps to compliance
With the shift from “Recommended Practice” to a “Standard” with mandatory requirements, organizations must take a structured approach to achieve compliance. Schneider Electric outlines an eight-step process to help streamline the process.
- Assign an Electrical Maintenance Program Coordinator
The first step is to designate an individual to monitor the implementation and operation of the maintenance program. This coordinator serves as the central hub for the facility, ensuring that the maintenance plan includes all the necessary components and pieces of infrastructure.
- Conduct a condition assessment of electrical infrastructure
Before establishing a maintenance plan, perform a comprehensive assessment of the current condition of all electrical equipment and infrastructure on site. “If there is no existing maintenance program, this can be an invasive inspection to see what condition everything is in and what the starting point should be for your maintenance plan,” Brown explains.
- Update documentation (SLDs, studies, records)
This step involves updating all electrical documentation, including single-line diagrams, electrical drawings, arc flash analyses, short-circuit studies, and other relevant system studies. As outlined in NFPA 70B Chapter 6, once the existing documents are assessed, they must be updated at least every five years.
- Perform remediation
In this step, the facility operator must execute remediation measures to address any issues or deficiencies found during the assessment. This step involves implementing the needed repairs, replacements, and improvements to the electrical equipment.
- Define maintenance intervals
It is essential to define the scope of maintenance tasks and determine the maintenance intervals depending on the post-remediation conditions of each piece of equipment. In contrast to traditional maintenance schedules that occur every 2-3 years, NFPA 70B Chapter 9 provides guidelines for determining condition-based intervals.
- Keep detailed EMP records
Maintaining detailed records is important for tracking compliance. Documentation will involve details on the maintenance activities, inspection findings, equipment conditions, and the schedule for each asset in the electrical infrastructure. “The EMP Coordinator will make sure everything stays up to date,” Brown notes. “The records are key because they tell us what must be maintained and when.
- Audit EMP every 5 years or less
The coordinator must set up a regular audit to review the entire electrical maintenance program at intervals not more than five years. This step involves continuous improvement, comparing the current EMP records against NFPA 70B requirements and industry best practices.
- Embrace digitalization
Digital tools enhance every step of the compliance process. By digitizing records, monitoring equipment health in real-time, and integrating analytics, facilities can shift from reactive to proactive maintenance. “Going forward, digitalization is going to be a huge part—or at least a highly recommended part—of efficiently maintaining a system,” Brown emphasizes.
Digital tools to support compliance
To support compliance with NFPA 70B, Schneider Electric offers a suite of digital tools and services to help facilities implement their Electrical Maintenance Program.
EcoCare is a membership-based service plan that gives facility owners access to Schneider Electric’s expert and emergency support. “Depending on the subscription level, EcoCare can offer everything from prioritized services and spare parts access to performance dashboards showing what’s covered under the plan,” Brown adds.
In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly. That’s where EcoCare steps in, a next-generation service plan designed to keep operations running smoothly through a powerful blend of expert support, AI-driven analytics, and condition-based maintenance.
Members gain exclusive access and fast-track emergency support, a dedicated Customer Success Manager, and preferential rates on training, spare parts, and on-site interventions. “EcoCare isn’t just a service plan—it’s peace of mind, powered by innovation,” Brown explains.
Conclusion
The 2023 update of NFPA 70B has made electrical maintenance a key aspect for ensuring reliable operation and safety.
By following the eight-step outline above, from assigning a maintenance coordinator and assessing equipment conditions, to maintaining up-to-date records and leveraging digital tools, facilities can build an Electrical Maintenance Program that meets the standard.
To learn more about Schneider Electric’s compliance solutions, visit their website.
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