The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B® introduced the document as a new standard rather than a recommended practice. These new requirements cover what must be done to maintain electrical equipment. Chapter 1.2 of NFPA 70B® lists its purpose as “to provide for practical safeguarding of persons, property and processes from risks associated with failure, breakdown, or malfunction and a means to establish a condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems for safety and reliability. NFPA 70B® may be found here

Requirements in NFPA 70B®: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance

  • Electrical equipment shall be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and applicable codes and standards. NFPA 70B® is not intended to supersede manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Equipment owner shall implement and document an overall Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) that directs activity appropriate to the safety and operational risks. 
  • The EMPY shall identify an EMP coordinator. Personnel assigned to EMP duties shall be qualified for the assigned task. 
  • A qualified person responsible for conducting electrical maintenance shall be trained in the specific maintenance tasks, test methods, test equipment, PPE usage (as applicable), and hazards associated with the electrical equipment or systems being services.

Electrical Maintenance Program Requirements

  • An electrical safety program that addresses the condition of maintenance.
  • Identification of personnel responsible for implementing each element of the program.
  • Survey and analysis of electrical equipment and systems to determine maintenance requirements and priorities.
  • Developed and documented maintenance procedures for equipment.
  • A plan of inspections, servicing, and suitable tests. 
  • A maintenance, equipment, and personnel documentation and records-retention policy.
  • A process for incorporating design for maintainability in electrical installations. 
  • A process to prescribe, implement, and document corrective measures based on collected data. 
  • A program review and revision process that considers failures and finding for continuous improvement. 

ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE SHALL BE PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED PERSONS. 

A qualified person is one who “has demonstrated skill and knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installation and has received safety training to identify the hazards and reduce the associated risk.”