Palm Beach County Electrical Inspection Requirements for 2026

Electrical safety standards are evolving quickly across the United States — and Palm Beach County is no exception. As facilities prepare their budgets and maintenance schedules for 2026, understanding new inspection requirements is essential for safety, compliance, and operational reliability.

With the adoption of NFPA 70B (2023) as a mandatory standard and increased scrutiny from insurers and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), commercial and industrial buildings in Palm Beach County must now follow stricter electrical inspection and documentation practices.

At Assured NDT, we help Palm Beach County businesses meet these requirements through professional infrared thermography, NDT services, and electrical safety compliance support. Below is a breakdown of what facilities should expect going into 2026.

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Why Electrical Inspections Are Changing in Palm Beach County

Several key trends are driving updated inspection expectations:

• NFPA 70B is now a mandatory standard, requiring annual electrical maintenance and documentation.

• Insurance carriers are demanding predictive maintenance proof before renewal.

• Older commercial buildings in Palm Beach County are seeing increased equipment failures, prompting more frequent inspections.

• Population and business growth in Palm Beach County has increased electrical load and risk across the region.

• AHJs are increasing enforcement of inspection, maintenance, and labeling requirements.

Facilities that do not modernize their inspection programs risk fines, shutdowns, equipment failure, and loss of insurance coverage.

Key Electrical Inspection Requirements for Palm Beach County in 2026

1. Annual Infrared Thermography Is Required (NFPA 70B)

NFPA 70B now requires thermographic inspections at least once per year for energized electrical systems.

Required for:

• Electrical panels

• Switchgear & switchboards

• Transformers

• Breakers & MCCs

• ATS and UPS systems

• Motors and drives

Thermography identifies:

• loose or overheated connections

• failing breakers

• insulation breakdown

• load imbalances

• impending electrical failures

Assured NDT provides NFPA-compliant Delta-T evaluation, severity ratings, and documentation.

2. Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) Must Replace Reactive Maintenance

NFPA 70B requires facilities to maintain condition-based maintenance records, including:

• Diagnostic inspection results

• Trend data across multiple years

• Corrective action documentation

• Equipment condition scoring

This means: If equipment shows signs of degradation, you must address it — not wait until it fails.

3. Electrical Equipment Must Be Inspected at Defined Intervals

Palm Beach County inspectors, insurers, and AHJs now expect documentation for:

Critical equipment:

Annual or semi-annual inspections

Essential equipment:

Annual inspections

Non-critical equipment:

Every 2–5 years (minimum baseline)

Most commercial properties fall into the first two categories.

4. Updated Arc Flash Labeling & Hazard Analysis Expectations

Even if a full arc flash study is not required every year, the following must remain current:

• Arc flash labels on all applicable equipment

• Short-circuit and coordination data

• Worker PPE requirements

• Energized work permit documentation

Many Palm Beach County insurers now require updated electrical safety documentation before policy renewal.

5. Documentation Must Be Ready for Audit

NFPA 70B requires facilities to keep detailed maintenance records, including:

• Thermography reports

• Inspection logs

• Corrective action verification

• Equipment criticality assignments

• Maintenance schedules

• Risk assessments

Facilities must be able to produce these records when requested.

What Types of Facilities in Palm Beach County Are Affected?

All commercial and industrial buildings must follow NFPA 70B electrical maintenance standards, including:

• High-rise buildings

• Manufacturing facilities

• Condominiums & residential associations

• Hospitals & clinics

• Hotels & resorts

• Warehouses & logistics centers

• Office parks

• Retail centers

• Data centers

• Water treatment plants

Palm Beach County is known for aging electrical infrastructure — making annual inspections even more important.

Why Electrical Inspections Matter for 2026 and Beyond

Benefits include:

• Reduced risk of fire and electrical failure

• Extended equipment life

• Lower insurance premiums

• Improved uptime and reliability

• Safer working conditions

• Compliance with NFPA and OSHA

Electrical inspections are no longer optional or “best practice” — they are a core obligation for facility managers.

Assured NDT: Palm Beach County’s Trusted Electrical Inspection Partner

Assured NDT provides:

• Certified Level II/III thermographers

• NFPA 70B–compliant thermographic inspections

• Electrical safety testing & diagnostics

• Maintenance program documentation

• Arc flash and electrical risk assessments

• Local, fast scheduling across Palm Beach County

We serve West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Wellington, Lake Worth Beach, Jupiter, Riviera Beach, and more.

Prepare Now for 2026 Electrical Inspection Requirements

Assured NDT helps Palm Beach County facilities stay ahead of compliance, prevent failures, and meet the rising expectations of insurers and AHJs. Schedule your inspection or request a quote at AssuredNDT.com/contact

FAQs: Palm Beach County Electrical Inspection Requirements for 2026

1. Are annual electrical inspections required in Palm Beach County?

Yes. Under NFPA 70B, energized electrical equipment must undergo annual infrared thermography inspections.

2. Does Palm Beach County enforce NFPA 70B compliance?

AHJs, insurers, and facility auditors increasingly expect compliance with NFPA 70B as a minimum electrical safety standard.

3. What types of electrical equipment require inspection?

Panels, switchgear, breakers, MCCs, transformers, ATS/UPS units, motors, and all energized distribution equipment.

4. What documentation is needed for compliance?

Thermal images, condition reports, corrective actions, maintenance logs, risk assessments, and trending data.

5. Who is qualified to perform NFPA 70B inspections?

Certified thermographers (Level II or higher) and qualified electrical professionals per NFPA 70B and OSHA standards.