How NFPA 70B Is Reshaping Maintenance in Manufacturing

Most manufacturers are familiar with NFPA 70E, which governs electrical safety in the workplace. But in 2023, a quieter — yet significant — shift occurred: NFPA 70B was reclassified as a Standard.

For decades, NFPA 70B existed as a Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. The 2023 edition marked a major change, making it a formal Standard. That move elevates its authority and introduces new expectations for maintenance teams, especially in high-risk environments like manufacturing.

What Is NFPA 70B, and What Changed?

NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance provides best practices and requirements for maintaining electrical systems to reduce hazards, downtime, and equipment failure. With its reclassification as a Standard, compliance with 70B is increasingly being used as a benchmark by insurance carriers, OSHA inspectors (via the General Duty Clause), and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

Key updates in the 2023 edition include:

• Requirement for a written Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) tailored to the facility
• Mandated use of Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) methods — such as infrared thermography, ultrasonic testing, and insulation resistance testing
• Asset prioritization based on criticality to operations and safety
• Routine documentation of maintenance actions, test results, intervals, and responsible personnel

Why This Matters to Manufacturing Facilities

Manufacturing environments are especially vulnerable to the risks NFPA 70B is designed to mitigate — unplanned outages, aging infrastructure, and safety incidents. The Standard raises the bar on how electrical systems must be inspected, tested, and documented.

How to Align with NFPA 70B (2023)

1. Conduct a gap assessment to identify where your current maintenance activities fall short of 70B requirements.
2. Develop or revise your Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) to include a written plan, responsible personnel, and schedules.
3. Implement Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) such as thermographic imaging, ultrasonic analysis, and insulation testing.
4. Prioritize critical assets — especially those tied to life safety systems or production uptime.
5. Ensure documentation practices are audit-ready with detailed records of tests, findings, repairs, and verifications.

Common Questions from Facility Managers

Is NFPA 70B a legal requirement?
While NFPA 70B itself is not law, its requirements are enforceable through OSHA’s General Duty Clause, which holds employers responsible for providing a workplace free from recognized hazards. Many insurers and local code officials also use NFPA 70B as a standard of care during inspections or investigations.

We already do some preventive maintenance — are we compliant?
Possibly not. 70B emphasizes formal documentation, asset prioritization, and specific testing methods. If your approach is reactive or lacks tracking, you may still be at risk.

What is Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)?
CBM is a maintenance strategy that monitors the actual condition of equipment using techniques such as infrared thermography, vibration analysis, and ultrasonic testing to determine when maintenance should be performed — reducing unplanned downtime and extending asset life.