According to FEMA, there were over 8,000 non-residential electrical fires in 2022, resulting in over $374 million dollars in losses¹. In addition, it’s estimated approximately 40% of businesses that experience a major disaster such as a fire will not reopen². There are steps businesses can take to help reduce the likelihood they will experience an electrical fire, including implementing an Electrical Maintenance Program. Taking steps to help reduce the risk your electrical systems will malfunction or fail is important not only to reduce the risk of fires, but also for safe and efficient operations.

Consider the following reasons why Electrical System Maintenance is important:

Safety and Risk Management: Faulty wiring or other electrical system issues can be a safety hazard, potentially resulting in fires or electrical shocks. Regular maintenance, including inspections and testing, can help uncover potential problems before they become a safety hazard.

System Efficiency and Cost Reduction: Regular preventative maintenance can help optimize equipment efficiency, leading to conservation of energy and reduction in energy costs.

Equipment Reliability and Lifespan: Wear and tear on equipment over time can lead to failure, and preventative maintenance can help ensure systems are functioning properly, allowing for prompt repair of failing components when needed and helping reduce the likelihood of unexpected downtime.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides guidelines and requirements for electrical system maintenance through NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. The standard covers electrical equipment that is typically used in industrial plants, institutional and commercial buildings, and large multifamily residential complexes, including electrical, electronic, and communications systems. In January 2023, NFPA 70B transitioned from a recommended practice to a full standard. This change means that, for institutions or jurisdictions that have adopted the standard, it has mandatory language that is enforceable³.

Important elements of the NFPA 70B standard include:

Assessment of condition Condition of maintenanceMaintenance: NFPA 70B calls for the evaluation of equipment physical condition, criticality, and operating environment to determine its condition of maintenance, which will in turn help identify maintenance intervals.

Determination of Maintenance Iintervals: NFPA 70B provides guidelines for the frequency of maintenance, depending on the type of equipment, its condition, and the scope of work to be performed.

Development of an Equipment Maintenance Program (EMP): NFPA 70B acts as a guide for developing and implementing an EMP, defining critical elements ranging from designating responsible personnel to a review and revision process that identifies failures and opportunities for improvement.

For complete details, access the NFPA 70B standard via nfpa.org.

Understanding the tenants of effective electrical system maintenance can help you ensure your business operates safely and efficiently. The NFPA 70B standard can play a crucial role in developing and implementing an Electrical Maintenance Program by providing guidance and recommendations to help make your program a success.