Staying on top of your commercial electrical maintenance needs is not only the right choice for maximizing the safety and performance of your electrical system; it’s also the law. There are numerous standards and codes that cover electrical systems and equipment. One of these is the NFPA 70B, which sets the expectations for developing and implementing commercial electrical maintenance schedules.
Here is what you need to know about your electrical maintenance needs and staying compliant:
- You need an Electrical Maintenance Plan (EMP). Part of the NFPA 70B requires facilities to have an EMP. This is intended to set up a detailed and tailored schedule that inspects, tests, monitors, analyzes, and services your electrical equipment to ensure safe operations. The regulation outlines what must be included in an EMP, such as who is responsible for executing each part of the plan, a review and revision process, and a means of identifying maintenance requirements and priorities.
- The right frequency is mandated. The NFPA 70B outlines the types of tests that are required for electrical equipment, along with the frequency required for maintenance. Where there are no manufacturer recommendations, you must follow the intervals specified by the standard. The right commercial electrical maintenance schedule will also depend on the condition of your equipment.
- Detailed records are vital. Documentation is critical to staying compliant as part of your EMP. Make sure you have a logical system in place for recording your plan of inspections, servicing, and testing, maintenance procedures, inspection dates, and other key details that make up a comprehensive documentation plan.
There are many standards, codes, and regulations that help keep commercial properties safe and accountable, but it can be challenging to understand them. If you’d like to learn more, contact us for commercial electrical maintenance services today.