NFPA 70B 2023 Update: What the New Electrical Maintenance Requirements Mean for Your Facility
- Stephen Fike
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
The 2023 NFPA 70B Update: From “Recommended” to “Required”
For decades, the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 70B served as a recommended practice for electrical preventive maintenance.
That changed in 2023.
The latest update transforms NFPA 70B into a formal standard, setting mandatory expectations for maintenance, inspections, documentation, and risk management across all facilities.
This shift marks a major milestone in workplace electrical safety — moving from voluntary best practices to enforceable requirements.
At Assured NDT, we help companies interpret these new standards, align their maintenance programs, and implement compliance-grade infrared thermography and testing protocols.
Why NFPA 70B Matters More Than Ever
Electrical systems are the backbone of modern operations — and also one of the leading sources of industrial fires, downtime, and safety incidents.
According to the NFPA, the majority of electrical failures stem from preventable conditions such as loose connections, insulation degradation, and overloaded circuits.
The new NFPA 70B standard ensures these issues are identified before they become hazards, by requiring:
Regular, condition-based electrical maintenance
Qualified personnel for all inspection activities
Documented testing, trending, and corrective action tracking
Key Changes in NFPA 70B 2023 Electrical Maintenance Requirements
The 2023 edition establishes a new level of rigor and accountability for electrical maintenance programs.
Mandatory Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)
Facilities are now required to monitor electrical systems using predictive tools such as:
Infrared thermography
Ultrasonic testing
Motor circuit analysis
Power quality monitoring
These methods must be used annually to evaluate and trend asset performance over time.
Qualified Personnel
NFPA 70B specifies that only trained and certified technicians can perform maintenance and testing.
Infrared inspections, for example, must be conducted by a Level II Certified Thermographer or higher, with verifiable training and calibration procedures.
Comprehensive Documentation
All maintenance activities must now be recorded, trended, and reviewed.
Reports should include:
Date of inspection and personnel qualifications
Test equipment and calibration verification
Measured data and thermal images
Corrective actions and retest intervals
This documentation serves as the foundation for NFPA and OSHA compliance audits.
Integration with NFPA 70E and NEC
The NFPA 70B standard now works hand-in-hand with:
Together, these form the Electrical Cycle of Safety™, a holistic framework ensuring electrical systems are safely installed, maintained, and protected throughout their lifecycle.
How Infrared Thermography Supports NFPA 70B Compliance
Infrared thermography is one of the primary diagnostic tools named in the NFPA 70B standard.
It provides a non-invasive, real-time assessment of your electrical system’s condition by detecting abnormal heat signatures.
Thermography helps identify:
Overloaded circuits
Loose or corroded connections
Failing switchgear or breakers
Unbalanced phases
Hidden faults that can lead to arc flash events
By performing annual IR inspections, facilities can:
- Meet NFPA 70B compliance requirements
- Prevent costly failures and downtime
- Enhance worker safety and insurance compliance
Assured NDT: Your NFPA 70B Compliance Partner
With decades of experience in predictive electrical maintenance, Assured NDT delivers turnkey programs aligned with the NFPA 70B 2023 electrical maintenance requirements.
Our services include:
ASNT Certified Infrared Thermographers
Breaker, Transformer, and Switchgear Testing
Condition-Based Maintenance Programs
Compliance Documentation and Trending Reports
We help you not only meet NFPA requirements — but also build a safer, more reliable facility.
The Bottom Line: Compliance Is Now a Responsibility
The NFPA 70B 2023 update isn’t just about checking a compliance box. It’s about protecting lives, property, and productivity through disciplined, data-driven maintenance.
Don’t wait for an electrical failure or OSHA citation to take action. Partner with Assured NDT to build a sustainable, compliant electrical maintenance program that meets — and exceeds — the NFPA 70B standard. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your facility’s compliance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About NFPA 70B 2023
1. What changed in the 2023 NFPA 70B standard?
The standard moved from “recommended practice” to “mandatory standard,” requiring condition-based electrical maintenance and annual infrared thermography inspections.
2. How often should infrared inspections be performed?
At least annually — or more frequently for critical systems or harsh operating environments.
3. Who can perform NFPA 70B-compliant inspections?
Only qualified, certified personnel such as Level II or higher thermographers using calibrated equipment.
4. What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Failure to comply can result in increased insurance costs, OSHA penalties, or liability following electrical incidents.
5. How can AssuredNDT help?
Assured NDT provides NFPA 70B-compliant infrared inspections, testing, and documentation — helping facilities meet safety, reliability, and audit requirements with confidence.
