Overview of NFPA 70B 2023
The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B represents a significant step forward, transforming a recommended practice to a consensus standard for electrical maintenance programs. While the shift to a consensus standard emphasizes the importance of electrical maintenance, the primary benefit for companies lies in protecting people and equipment and maximizing uptime, not avoiding potential fines or penalties.
Currently, there is no widespread enforcement of NFPA 70B. However, in the event of an incident triggering an OSHA investigation, the standard will likely be referenced as a best practice, much like NFPA 70E, reinforcing the importance of understanding and adopting it. For example, if it was determined that the condition of equipment resulted in an unsafe work environment then the standard will likely be referenced as best practice for mitigating the risk.
Infrared Thermography
The 2023 version of NFPA 70B contains a statement that makes the infrared thermography of all equipment mandatory at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
Also contained in the standard are important nuances:
- Scope of Application: The standard applies to systems typically found in “industrial facilities, commercial and institutional buildings, and large multifamily residential complexes.”
- Manufacturer Instructions: NFPA 70B is not intended to duplicate or replace manufacturers' instructions for equipment maintenance.
- Exclusions: “Consumer appliances and equipment primarily designed for residential use are outside the scope of this standard.”
- Maintenance Interval: Notes to the maintenance interval table indicate the inspection interval is related to the risk to personnel or facility operations.
While NFPA 70B does state that infrared thermography is required for "all equipment," the definition of “all equipment” is limited by these four key factors, and inspection intervals may be adjusted based on the risk level to help companies prioritize the most important issues. Businesses should focus on mission-critical and high-risk electrical equipment, an approach that is supported by the standard. Examples include incoming transformers, main switchgear, load centers, critical panels, motors and motor controllers, bus bars and bus ducts, unique or custom-built equipment, or any equipment that would cause a prolonged business interruption if repaired or replaced. Additionally, any high-risk equipment that causes frequent breaker faults, emits excessive heat, or operates in unfavorable conditions should be included.
Insurer Recommendations
While companies have the most to lose in terms of employee and equipment safety, property insurers bear a large portion of the economic impact, and therefore influence how companies manage these risks. Interestingly, major insurers and experts in assessing property and casualty risks have yet to fully incorporate NFPA 70B 2023 into their loss control recommendations as of the date of this white paper. For example:
- HSB (Munich Re:) Guidelines for infrared thermographic surveys makes no mention of NFPA 70B and has not been updated since 2022.
- Travelers Insurance Electrical Predictive Maintenance Using Infrared Thermography: Makes no mention of NFPA 70B and
- Factory Mutual Global’s 2023 Electrical Testing Loss Prevention Data Sheet: FM's 2023 guidelines recommend IR scanning for "all electrical equipment" but suggest scanning frequencies of every 1-3 years, based on previous inspection results.
While insurers have not mandated strict compliance with NFPA 70B 2023, there has been a shift in expectations toward more robust electrical maintenance programs, and there is no doubt that companies that adopt these best practices will benefit from less risk and improved operational resiliency.
Conclusion
Although compliance with NFPA 70B is not widely enforced by third parties and despite the fact that insurers are not demanding literal compliance, it is the industry standard for excellence in electrical equipment maintenance.
We recommend business owners and managers take a risk-based approach to implementing NFPA 70B, adopting those portions of the standard that meet their unique operational needs. This approach acknowledges ever-present resource limitations while setting a path towards cost effectively creating a best-in-class electrical maintenance and safety program.
DISCLAIMER: This whitepaper provides general information about electrical safety practices and related subjects. It is not intended and should not be construed as advice. If the reader has concerns, he or she should consult with an appropriate expert about their specific situation.
How Guidant Power Can Help
Guidant Power stands ready to support you throughout this process, from program design, risk assessments, arc flash hazard analysis, infrared thermography to training. Our goal is to help companies achieve operational excellence and electrical safety while aligning with the evolving industry trends.
For more information about how Guidant Power can support you, please contact us today.
About Guidant PowerGuidant Power delivers electrical safety, reliability and training services to North America’s leading companies. The Company’s dedicated experts help you protect your workforce and facilities, ensuring compliance and promoting a safety-first culture. Guidant specializes in arc flash assessments and mitigation studies, coordination analyses, as well as electrical safety, basic electrical skills, and train-the-trainer training programs. Backed by Shore Capital, The Company is supported by a world-class Board of Directors with deep experience in electrical services and private equity. For more information, please visit: https://www.guidantpower.com
About the Authors
Jeff Kershner, Co-Leader of Arc Flash Services. Jeff received a BSEE from Kansas State University and has worked in the electrical safety industry since 2010 after working for Nestle and NSK. Jeff is a licensed professional engineer in over 40 states and is also an NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP). Jeff is a co-founder of Rozel.
Paul Decker, CEO. Paul earned a BSME from The University of Michigan and has spent his career working in and around industrial electrical products and services. Prior to becoming the CEO of Guidant, he was CEO of ABP Induction, a global metallurgical equipment company acquired by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Prior to that he was the CEO of Cobotics and MST Analytics, a producer of life safety systems for the semiconductor industry, now part of Honeywell.
© October 2024, Guidant Power. All rights reserved.
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