NFPA 70B: Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, 2016 Edition User Manual

Introduction

This document, NFPA 70B: Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, 2016 Edition, provides guidance on developing and implementing an effective Electrical Preventive Maintenance (EPM) program. It is designed to assist facility managers, contractors, and designers in ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of electrical systems and equipment.

Proper maintenance of electrical equipment is critical for preventing downtime, reducing repair costs, and protecting personnel from electrical hazards. This recommended practice works in conjunction with NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, offering a comprehensive approach to electrical safety and maintenance.

Image: Front cover of the NFPA 70B, 2016 Edition manual. The cover features the NFPA logo and the title of the publication.

Purpose and Scope

NFPA 70B outlines recommended practices for maintaining electrical equipment and systems. Its primary purpose is to reduce the risk of failure, improve system reliability, and enhance safety for personnel working with or near electrical installations. The scope covers various types of electrical equipment and assemblies found in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities.

This edition provides detailed recommendations for:

• Establishing an Electrical Preventive Maintenance (EPM) program.
• Inspection, testing, and servicing procedures for electrical equipment.
• Documentation and record-keeping for maintenance activities.
• Safety considerations during maintenance operations.

Applying the Recommendations

To effectively utilize the recommendations within NFPA 70B, users should:

1. Understand the Context: Familiarize yourself with the general principles of electrical equipment maintenance and safety as presented in the initial chapters.
2. Identify Applicable Equipment: Determine which sections and recommendations apply to the specific electrical equipment and systems present in your facility.
3. Develop an EPM Program: Use the guidelines to create a tailored Electrical Preventive Maintenance program, including schedules, procedures, and responsibilities.
4. Implement Procedures: Follow the detailed inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures for various equipment types, such as switchgear, transformers, motors, and protective devices.
5. Document Activities: Maintain thorough records of all maintenance activities, including dates, findings, actions taken, and personnel involved. This documentation is crucial for tracking equipment health and compliance.

Electrical Preventive Maintenance

The core of NFPA 70B focuses on establishing and executing an Electrical Preventive Maintenance (EPM) program. An effective EPM program involves a systematic approach to:

• Regular Inspections: Visual checks for signs of wear, damage, overheating, or contamination.
• Testing: Performing electrical tests (e.g., insulation resistance, contact resistance, thermography) to assess equipment condition and identify potential failures before they occur.
• Cleaning: Removing dust, dirt, and other contaminants that can lead to insulation breakdown or overheating.
• Lubrication: Ensuring moving parts are properly lubricated to prevent mechanical wear.
• Adjustments: Calibrating and adjusting protective devices and controls to ensure proper operation.
• Repair and Replacement: Addressing identified deficiencies promptly to prevent larger failures.

The manual provides specific recommendations for different types of electrical apparatus, emphasizing the importance of qualified personnel and adherence to safety standards like NFPA 70E.

Troubleshooting Guidance

While NFPA 70B is primarily a preventive maintenance guide, its detailed descriptions of equipment operation and common failure modes can indirectly aid in troubleshooting. By understanding the recommended maintenance practices and typical issues identified during inspections and testing, users can better diagnose problems when they arise.

Key aspects that assist in troubleshooting include:

• Baseline Data: EPM records provide baseline data for equipment performance, making it easier to identify deviations during a fault condition.
• Common Failure Indicators: The manual highlights signs of impending failure, which can be used to pinpoint the source of a problem.
• Systematic Approach: The structured approach to maintenance encourages a systematic way of thinking that is beneficial for troubleshooting.

Specifications

Support Information

For questions regarding the content, interpretation, or application of NFPA 70B, please contact the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) directly. NFPA provides resources and support for its publications to ensure users can effectively implement the recommended practices.

Publisher: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

For official NFPA resources and contact information, please visit the NFPA official website.