Posts Tagged ‘NFPA 70B’

Benefits of an Electrical Maintenance Plan

Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

In commercial facilities and industrial settings, safety and efficiency are top priorities. Keeping the equipment running while ensuring the employees and guests are safe is key to running a smooth operation and maximizing the use of the facility. By maintaining the electrical infrastructure and equipment within a facility, you can minimize equipment downtime while optimizing the safety and efficiency of the building, and the best way to achieve such results is through the implementation of an electrical maintenance plan.  

WHAT IS AN ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE PLAN?

Recently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) published new 70B codes that outline necessary electrical maintenance plans for specific equipment within a given commercial facility. Electrical maintenance plans are a necessary guide that outlines regular inspection and maintenance requirements for commercial electrical equipment. 

Typical maintenance plans can include:

  • Electrical Apparatus Testing & Infrared Scans
  • Electrical Maintenance Training
  • Arc Flash/Coordination Studies
  • Arc Risk Assessments
  • Electrically Safe Work Conditions
  • Documentation of Equipment and Service

 BENEFITS OF AN ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE PLAN

Electrical codes and maintenance plans are designed to serve dual purposes: to maximize the efficiency of your facility, as well as to ensure the safety of your equipment, guests, and personnel. By establishing an electrical maintenance plan with a trusted electrical service contractor, you can proactively address the needs of your electrical systems and stay ahead of potential issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address problems before they escalate, potentially saving you from costly downtime, equipment failures, and safety risks.

Additionally, preventative inspections and maintenance help identify and address potential fire hazards, loose connections, and other safety concerns, keeping your employees and facility safe from electrical incidents. Regular testing of circuit breakers, grounding systems, and other critical components can ensure they are functioning as intended, reducing the risk of electrical shocks or arc flashes.

MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITHIN YOUR FACILITY

The safety, efficiency, and reliability of your facility’s equipment is critical for your business’ operations. A well-designed electrical maintenance plan that is up-to-date with NFPA 70B codes, as well as other local, state, and federal regulations, can extend the lifespan of your equipment, reduce downtime from unexpected breakdowns, and enhance the overall performance and safety of your facility. 

Partner with trusted commercial electrical contractors and service technicians who can work with you to design a maintenance plan that fits your facility’s needs and budget. At Egan Company, we take pride in our expertise in electrical maintenance and our commitment to helping our clients benefit from a detailed maintenance schedule. Contact our team to learn how a partnership can help keep you up to code.

New NFPA 70B Guidelines: What You Need to Know

Monday, March 11th, 2024

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regularly provides updates to guidelines concerning safe practices and maintenance protocols. Egan Company’s ongoing commitment to safety in all aspects of our work entails reviewing such guidelines and aligning our practices to ensure our people, customers, and equipment is safe and up-to-code. 

The new NFPA 70B guidelines outline new requirements for preventative maintenance of electrical, electronic, and communication systems and equipment in various settings. By following these guidelines, Egan can continue to create safe work environments and keep our employees, our customers, and the general public safe. 

WHAT ARE THE NFPA 70B REGULATIONS?

The updated NFPA guidelines include updated language, marking a shift from a manufacturer’s recommendation of maintenance to noting an Electrical Maintenance Plan (EMP) is a formal plan facilities shall have in place moving forward. This new verbiage focuses on preventing risks or injuries through regular equipment maintenance, personnel training, and accurate documentation. Egan will begin following these recommendations in our work with customers who are receiving system upgrades and services. Many local and national electrical codes require adherence to 70B guidelines, and Egan is happy to provide further education and assistance in bringing your facility up-to-date. 

  • Program development and implementation: establishing a systematic maintenance program tailored to the specific needs of the facility.
  • Maintenance procedures: detailed instructions for inspecting, testing, cleaning, lubricating, and repairing various electrical equipment.
  • Testing and diagnostics: identifying potential problems through electrical testing and diagnostic techniques.
  • Documentation and recordkeeping: recording maintenance activities and test results for future reference and analysis.
  • Team training: ensuring the team responsible for electrical equipment maintenance are adequately trained and qualified.

SAFETY FIRST. SAFETY ALWAYS.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Egan Company. Our electricians, service technicians, and account managers are keeping up-to-date with the latest safety guidelines from the NFPA and other organizations to ensure that wherever we go, safety follows. Bringing the NFPA 70B guidelines to our customers will help maintain the lifespan of your equipment, the safety of your buildings, and the quality of your facilities and operations. Bring your facility up to NFPA 70B standards and keep your buildings safe and sound. Questions on NFPA 70B or other electrical code requirements? Egan can help!