Electrical failures are among the most costly and dangerous risks for commercial, industrial, manufacturing, or any other type of facilities. Unplanned downtime, safety incidents, and regulatory fines can cost businesses millions each year.
With the release of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B (2023), condition-based electrical maintenance schedules are no longer optional—they are mandatory. Employers must now create a documented Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) that aligns with NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.
This blog will walk you through compliance requirements, best practices, and how to build a schedule that ensures safety, reduces downtime, and meets industry standards. We’ve also included a downloadable Illustrative Electrical Maintenance Schedule to help you get started.
A structured electrical maintenance schedule does more than keep equipment running—it ensures safety, compliance, and reliability.
- Compliance: Aligns with NFPA 70B and OSHA standards.
- Cost savings: Preventive maintenance saves $3–$4 for every $1 spent compared to reactive repairs (DOE).
- Risk reduction: Reduces likelihood of arc flash, equipment failure, and costly downtime.
NFPA 70B (2023) now requires all facilities to maintain a documented Electrical Maintenance Program.
NFPA 70B – Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
- Annual inspections: Required for all electrical equipment.
- Infrared (IR) thermography: At least annually; every 6 months for high-risk equipment.
- Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP): Must be documented, updated, and reviewed every 5 years.
NFPA 70E – Safety, Training, and Arc Flash Analysis
- Arc Flash Hazard Analysis: Must be updated at least every 5 years or after major system changes.
- Electrical Safety Training: Required every 3 years for qualified workers.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Must be inspected regularly and upgraded as needed.
OSHA Enforcement
- OSHA requires employers to keep equipment in a safe operating condition (29 CFR 1910).
- While OSHA does not mandate specific intervals, it cites employers under the General Duty Clause when failures occur.
- In practice, OSHA uses NFPA 70B and NFPA 70E as benchmarks for enforcement.
NFPA 70B (2023) now requires all facilities to maintain a documented Electrical Maintenance Program.
A strong electrical maintenance schedule balances compliance with practical facility needs.
Annual (Every Year)
- Infrared thermography under load
- Breaker inspections and preventive cleaning
- PPE inspections and testing
- Minor updates to one-line diagrams
Every 3 Years
- NFPA 70E refresher training for qualified employees
- Electrical safety program audits
- Mid-cycle breaker testing and relay calibration
Every 5 Years
- Arc flash hazard analysis and label updates
- One-line diagram verification and updates
- Major switchgear and relay overhauls
- EMP review and update
Planning maintenance doesn’t need to be complicated. To make it easier, we’ve developed an Illustrative Electrical Maintenance Schedule that maps out a 5-year plan for your facility.
Ready to Build a Compliant Electrical Maintenance Program?
Creating a fully documented Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) that meets NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E, and OSHA standards can be challenging—but C&H Electric is here to help. Our team will design a tailored EMP to keep your facility compliant, protect your workforce, and reduce costly downtime.
References
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). (2023). NFPA 70B: Standard for electrical equipment maintenance (2023 ed.). NFPA.
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). (2024). NFPA 70E: Standard for electrical safety in the workplace (2024 ed.). NFPA.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2023). 29 CFR Part 1910 – Subpart S: Electrical standards. U.S. Department of Labor.
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2010). Operations & maintenance best practices: A guide to achieving operational efficiency (Release 3.0). DOE.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2022). Annual energy review. U.S. Department of Energy.