NFPA 70B Preventative Maintenance: Full Electrical Compliance Checklist

NFPA 70B establishes the national standard for electrical preventative maintenance (EPM). Following NFPA 70B guidelines is critical for preventing electrical failures, minimizing downtime, ensuring workplace safety, and staying compliant with OSHA, NFPA 70E, and insurance requirements.

This comprehensive guide includes an actionable electrical maintenance checklist covering all essential areas — from infrared thermography to breaker testing, switchgear inspections, transformer maintenance, UPS systems, and more. Whether you’re managing a data center, manufacturing facility, or high-rise building, staying NFPA 70B-compliant can prevent costly downtime and equipment damage.

Benefits of NFPA 70B Preventative Electrical Maintenance

• Reduces unplanned downtime and costly repairs
• Helps meet OSHA electrical compliance standards
• Enhances electrical safety and reduces fire hazards
• Maintains system reliability for critical operations
• Supports insurance eligibility and reduces liability exposure
• Extends equipment lifespan through routine servicing

NFPA 70B Electrical Preventative Maintenance Checklist

1. Infrared Thermography (Across All Systems)

• Perform infrared scans on panels, switchgear, breakers, busways, disconnects, transformers, and major terminations.
• Identify hot spots indicating loose connections, overloads, or component degradation.
• Flag anomalies exceeding 15–25°C over ambient temperature.
• Document and report findings with thermal images and corrective action recommendations.

2. Switchgear and Switchboards

• Inspect visually for corrosion, overheating, and loose hardware.
• Torque bolted connections to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Clean internal compartments using a vacuum and dry clothes.
• Lubricate moving parts like hinges and operating mechanisms.
• Exercise breakers manually (open and close) to ensure mechanical function.

3. Circuit Breakers (Low and Medium Voltage)

• Inspect breaker casings and trip mechanisms.
• Perform electrical testing on insulation resistance, contact resistance, and primary or secondary injection.
• Manually trip and reset breakers for operational verification.
• Clean dust and debris from arc chutes and breaker compartments.
• Calibrate and verify breaker protection settings.

4. Transformers (Dry-Type and Oil-Filled)

• Visually inspect for leaks, insulation cracks, corrosion, and contamination.
• Perform insulation resistance tests, winding resistance tests, and oil dielectric strength tests.
• Conduct infrared scans on all transformer terminals.
• Clean ventilation openings and remove dust buildup.
• Check the operation of cooling fans, louvers, and radiators.

5. Cables and Conductors

• Inspect cable insulation for discoloration, cracking, and physical damage.
• Perform insulation resistance and, if required, high-voltage testing.
• Inspect and tighten cable terminations at panels, switchboards, and transformers.

6. Panelboards and Load Centers

• Conduct infrared thermography on breaker connections and bus bars.
• Visually inspect for moisture damage, corrosion, and loose wiring.
• Clean inside panels by vacuuming and wiping down surfaces.
• Retorque the breaker and bus connections.
• Randomly trip and reset breakers to confirm mechanical operation.

7. UPS Systems and Battery Systems

• Inspect batteries for swelling, leakage, and corrosion.
• Conduct voltage measurements and impedance tests.
• Perform load testing on UPS systems.
• Ensure battery storage areas maintain proper ambient temperature (approximately 72°F).
• Tighten battery interconnections and inspect all cable lugs.

8. Grounding Systems

• Inspect ground rods, bus bars, and grounding electrode conductors for corrosion and damage.
• Perform ground resistance testing with approved methods.
• Retorque all grounding terminations.

9. Protective Relays

• Perform secondary injection testing and functional trip testing.
• Verify relay settings match design requirements and time-current curves.
• Inspect for dust accumulation, corrosion, and proper wiring.

10. Motors and Motor Control Centers (MCCs)

• Inspect motor starters, contactors, and overload relays for wear and damage.
• Conduct insulation resistance testing on motor windings.
• Clean motor housing and MCC compartments.
• Tighten all terminal lugs and connectors.
• Conduct infrared scans at all motor terminations.

11. Lighting and Emergency Lighting Systems

• Test all emergency lights and exit signs under simulated outage conditions.
• Inspect and replace defective bulbs, cracked lenses, or failed drivers.
• Test battery backups for emergency lighting circuits.

Summary of Typical NFPA 70B Preventative Maintenance Tasks

Why Electrical Preventative Maintenance Matters

Following NFPA 70B preventative maintenance procedures helps prevent costly electrical failures, improves workplace safety, protects expensive equipment, and reduces insurance liabilities.
Implementing regular inspections such as infrared scanning, breaker testing, transformer checks, and cable inspections ensures you meet national standards like NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E, and OSHA 1910 Subpart S.

A proactive maintenance program helps avoid unplanned downtime, keeps building occupants safe, and maintains insurance compliance — critical for commercial and industrial facilities.

Final Words

Electrical systems are the lifeblood of any commercial or industrial facility— and NFPA 70B preventative maintenance is your first line of defense against failure, fire hazards, and regulatory noncompliance. By implementing a structured maintenance schedule that includes infrared thermography, breaker testing, switchgear inspection, and more, you ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of your electrical infrastructure.
Don’t wait for downtime or disaster to take action. A proactive approach not only protects your assets but also keeps your operations OSHA- and NFPA-compliant. Whether you’re planning annual service or need an emergency assessment, Precise Building Services is here to help you stay powered, protected, and prepared.

Ready to take control of your electrical maintenance?

Contact us today to schedule your NFPA 70B compliance inspection or custom preventative maintenance program.