Overview
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently made a significant change to how electrical maintenance is approached in the United States. NFPA 70B, the standard for electrical equipment maintenance, was historically treated as a recommended practice. In the 2023 edition, however, it became an enforceable standard—a move that has major implications for facility managers, electrical contractors, and safety professionals.
In this blog, we’ll break down the reasoning behind this transformation, explore what’s new in the 2023 edition, and explain why compliance is more important than ever.
Why NFPA 70B Was a Recommended Practice?
For decades, NFPA 70B provided voluntary guidance for the preventive maintenance of electrical equipment. Facilities could choose to follow its recommendations to reduce downtime and extend equipment life—but there were no enforcement mechanisms. The language was largely advisory, using words like “should” instead of “shall,” which made the document broadly accessible.
However, this flexibility also made it difficult to apply consistently in safety-critical environments where standards and accountability are crucial.
NFPA 70B was originally designed to promote best practices—not to regulate them. (NFPA 70B Foreword, 2023 Edition)
What Changed in 2023?
The 2023 update to NFPA 70B represents a major evolution. It changes the standard’s role from a guide to a requirement by adopting enforceable language and clearly defined expectations. This shift not only formalizes safety practices but also elevates the level of accountability in day-to-day maintenance operations.
Key updates include:
- The transition from “should” to “shall,” making provisions mandatory
- Required Electrical Maintenance Programs (EMPs) for covered facilities
- Specific maintenance intervals based on equipment condition and criticality
- Formal documentation, inspection, and recordkeeping requirements
Facilities are now expected to create and maintain EMPs as part of their compliance strategy. (NFPA 70B 2023, Section 4.2)
Why This Shift Was Necessary?
Several factors contributed to NFPA’s decision to turn 70B into a standard:
- Rising Complexity – Electrical systems have become more complex, sensitive, and interconnected—making unstructured maintenance riskier.
- Increased Safety Risks – Maintenance-related failures have led to fires, injuries, and expensive downtime.
- Inconsistency in Application – Without a standard, implementation varied widely across industries.
- Need for Regulatory Alignment – Aligning NFPA 70B with NFPA 70E and OSHA requirements helps create a unified electrical safety framework.
Together, these factors made it clear that voluntary guidelines were no longer sufficient to ensure consistent safety and reliability.
Why This Shift Was Necessary?
Several factors contributed to NFPA’s decision to turn 70B into a standard:
- Rising Complexity – Electrical systems have become more complex, sensitive, and interconnected—making unstructured maintenance riskier.
- Increased Safety Risks – Maintenance-related failures have led to fires, injuries, and expensive downtime.
- Inconsistency in Application – Without a standard, implementation varied widely across industries.
- Need for Regulatory Alignment – Aligning NFPA 70B with NFPA 70E and OSHA requirements helps create a unified electrical safety framework.
Together, these factors made it clear that voluntary guidelines were no longer sufficient to ensure consistent safety and reliability.
What This Means for Facility Managers and Electrical Teams
With this update, maintenance teams can no longer treat NFPA 70B as optional. Facilities must:
- Develop and implement an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP)
- Follow condition-based maintenance intervals
- Perform and document inspections regularly
- Train personnel according to NFPA 70B and 70E requirements
This change also affects compliance, liability, and even insurance eligibility for certain facilities.
Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable safety standards, including NFPA 70B. (NFPA 70B 2023, Section 4.1)
Next Steps Toward Compliance
To adapt to the 2023 NFPA 70B changes, start by:
- Reviewing your current electrical maintenance strategy
- Conducting a gap analysis against the new standard
- Creating or updating your facility’s EMP
- Training employees on NFPA 70B responsibilities
- Scheduling regular audits and condition assessments
C&H Electric's Commitment to Compliance
NFPA 70B is no longer a suggestion—it’s a safety standard that defines how electrical systems should be maintained to protect workers, facilities, and critical operations. By taking action now, your facility can meet these requirements, reduce risk, and improve long-term system reliability.
At C&H Electric, we help facilities across Connecticut implement NFPA 70B-compliant maintenance strategies through expert planning, training, and on-site support.
