Electrical systems are the lifeblood of your facility, powering everything from critical patient care to the daily operations that keep your business running smoothly. When was the last time your electrical system got a check-up? Like any vital system, your facility’s electrical infrastructure needs regular care to stay healthy. A strategic maintenance program isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring your operations never skip a beat. Regular inspections and a documented preventative maintenance program are essential for ensuring the reliability, safety, and longevity of your electrical equipment.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, has been an industry recommended practice for over 50 years. With an overhaul in 2023, the document has been approved as an American National Standard by ANSI and has officially transitioned from a recommended practice to a standard, making certain maintenance activities mandatory and compliance enforceable by entities such as OSHA. NFPA also has emphasized the importance of preventative maintenance in related documents, with the phrase “condition of maintenance” appearing over 60 times between NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, and NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
Safety is the primary benefit of a preventative maintenance program. Electrical systems naturally degrade due to wear and tear, environmental conditions, and operational stress. Without regular maintenance, these systems become more prone to faults, which can lead to severe injuries, property damage, or even fatalities. NFPA 70B underscores the importance of reducing risks associated with poorly maintained equipment by implementing a structured maintenance program that ensures personnel safety and operational continuity.
A preventative maintenance program is a proactive investment that pays off by minimizing costly emergency repairs and reducing downtime. According to the NFPA, an effective maintenance program can significantly extend the life of electrical equipment, optimize performance, and reduce the frequency of equipment replacements. By adhering to maintenance schedules, such as those outlined in NFPA 70B, facility managers can ensure their systems operate efficiently, thereby lowering energy costs and enhancing overall system reliability.
Compliance with industry standards is another critical aspect of maintenance. The 2023 updates to NFPA 70B include increased inspection frequency, the introduction of equipment condition levels, enhanced recordkeeping, and a greater emphasis on predictive techniques. The shift to an enforceable standard underscores the importance of documented procedures, regular inspections, and adherence to prescribed maintenance intervals. Failing to comply with these standards can result in significant legal ramifications, especially when safety is compromised.
For educational, healthcare, and commercial facilities, the importance of regular inspections and a documented preventative maintenance program for electrical equipment cannot be overstated. These practices are essential for maintaining safety, ensuring compliance with evolving standards, and reducing operational costs. By adopting a proactive approach to maintenance, facility managers can protect their investments, enhance the reliability of their electrical systems, and most importantly, safeguard the well-being of their occupants and staff.
If you would like to discuss the benefits of a preventative maintenance program and how to bring your facility into compliance, please contact Barton’s Director of Electrical Engineering, Wesley Stiles, PE at 717-845-7654 or wls@ba-inc.com.