NFPA 70B 2023 New Standard for Electrical Equipment and Infrared Testing

NFPA 70B saw some significant changes in 2023.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards are typically updated within annual cycles, with review by committee members representing professionals from industries like insurance and loss prevention – including TÜV SÜD Global Risk Consultants. During the review cycles, the committee members assess the standards for proposed enhancements, changes, annex updates, and more to benefit facilities impacted for property and life safety protection.

Every three to five years, the NFPA 70B standards committee provides updates for creating effective Electrical Preventive Maintenance (EPM) programs commonly used in industrial manufacturing, commercial and large residential complexes. NFPA 70B drives the electrical inspection types and frequencies for all aspects of electrical preventive/predictive maintenance, what should or must be inspected and who is qualified to inspect.

The prior version of NFPA 70B (2019 edition) recommended infrared thermal imaging (i.e. “infrared scanning”) be conducted annually prior to shut down on outdoor substation, switchgear, stationary batteries, motor control equipment (i.e. MCC’s), busway and UPS systems. “More frequent infrared inspections, for example, quarterly or semi-annually, should be provided based on additional factors, where warranted by loss experience, installation of new electrical equipment, or changes in environmental, operational, or load conditions.” There is additional interpretation, as is always the case.

In 2023, NFPA 70B standard now makes the inspection of ALL electrical equipment mandatory at least every 12 months. Equipment that meets the Equipment Physical Condition 3 must be tested more frequently.

Condition 1 - 9.3.3.1

Equipment Physical Condition 1 shall be assigned where all the following criteria apply: 

1. The equipment appears in like new condition.

2. The enclosure is clean, free from moisture intrusion, and tight.

3. No unaddressed notification from the continuous monitoring system has occurred.

4. There are no active recommendations from predictive techniques.

5. Previous maintenance has been performed in accordance with the EMP.

Condition 2 – 9.3.1.2

Equipment Physical Condition 2 shall be assigned where all the 9.3.3.1 apply and where any of the following criteria apply: 

1. Maintenance results deviate from past results or have indicated more frequent maintenance in accordance with manufacturer’s published data.

2. The previous maintenance cycle has revealed issues requiring the repair or replacement of major equipment components.

3. There have been notifications from the continuous monitoring system since the prior assessment. 

4. There are active recommendations from predictive techniques.

Some Equipment Must be Inspected Every 6 Months:

Under the 2023 NFPA 70B standard, there is an important caveat for equipment classified under the Equipment Physical Condition 3 -  9.3.1.3, requiring a more frequent inspection interval. Equipment in this category requires thermographic inspection at least every six months. That is described as:

Condition 3 – 9.3.1.3

• The equipment has missed the last two successive maintenance cycles in accordance with the EPM.
• The previous two maintenance cycles have revealed issues requiring the repair or replacement of major equipment components.
• There is an active or unaddressed notification from the continuous monitoring system. 
• There are urgent actions identified from predictive techniques.

This enhanced focus on condition-based maintenance in the 2023 edition of NFPA 70B reflects the increasing importance of preventive and predictive maintenance in the electrical industry. By closely adhering to these updated guidelines, facilities can reduce electrical failures, enhance personnel safety, and maximize the lifespan of their electrical equipment.

7 Key Takeaways for Risk, Facilities Engineering, and EHS Managers

The updates to the NFPA 70B in 2023 have significant implications for risk managers, facilities engineering managers and environmental health & safety managers. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Increased Inspection Frequency: NFPA 70B now mandates inspection of all electrical equipment at least every 12 months, with certain equipment requiring even more frequent inspections. This shift means risk and facilities managers will need to review more closely and likely increase their inspection schedules, along with maintain proactive management of their Electrical Preventive Maintenance (EPM) programs.

2. Condition-Based Maintenance: The introduction of the equipment physical Conditions (1, 2, and 3) indicates a shift towards condition-based maintenance, requiring managers to be more proactive and attentive to the current state of their equipment. That requires careful monitoring and updating based on changes in equipment status and operation.

3. Predictive Techniques Importance: There's a clear emphasis on the role of predictive techniques in determining equipment condition and necessary maintenance actions. Risk and facilities managers should consider implementing or expanding the use of predictive techniques, such as vibration analysis, oil analysis, airborne/structure-borne ultrasound examination, motor circuit analysis, and particularly thermographic inspection.

4. Monitoring System Notifications: Unaddressed notifications from continuous monitoring systems play a significant role in equipment condition assessment. Ensure that these systems are functioning correctly and that their alerts are promptly addressed.

5. Enhanced Recordkeeping: With the changes in equipment conditions and inspection frequencies, comprehensive and accurate recordkeeping is more crucial than ever. This will help in tracking the maintenance history, assessing the equipment condition, and planning future maintenance cycles and activities.

6. Training and Education: Given the significant changes in this edition of NFPA 70B, training for maintenance personnel on the new requirements will be essential. This training should cover the new equipment conditions, the revised inspection frequencies, and the use of predictive techniques.

7. Increased Safety: The primary goal of these changes is to increase safety. By adhering to these new guidelines, risk and facilities managers can help prevent electrical accidents, enhancing the safety of personnel and the reliability of their facilities.

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