Electrical systems are the backbone of every facility — and in 2023, the rules for maintaining them changed. Alcan Electrical & Engineering helps Alaska facilities understand the 2023 NFPA 70B standard and build the Electrical Maintenance Programs it calls for.
What is NFPA 70B?
NFPA 70B is the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for electrical equipment maintenance. It establishes how facilities should develop, implement, and operate an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) to keep electrical systems and equipment safe, reliable, and properly inspected and tested.
What changed in the 2023 edition?
The 2023 edition is the pivotal update: NFPA 70B shifted from a “Recommended Practice” to a “Standard” — moving from “should” to “shall.” In other words, practices that were previously framed as recommendations are now written in mandatory language for the development, implementation, and operation of an Electrical Maintenance Program.
What is an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP)?
An EMP is a documented, ongoing program for maintaining, inspecting, and testing your electrical systems and equipment. Under NFPA 70B, it serves as a crucial resource for safeguarding personnel, property, and investments — reducing risk and keeping equipment performing the way it should.
Why does NFPA 70B matter for my facility?
A well-run electrical maintenance program protects the three things every facility owner cares about:
- People — reducing the risk of electrical incidents and unsafe conditions.
- Property — preventing equipment failures that cause fires, damage, and downtime.
- Investment — extending equipment life and protecting the capital you’ve put into your electrical infrastructure.
In an industry where the smallest shortcut can lead to the largest problems, a documented program turns electrical maintenance from a guessing game into a managed process.
How do I comply with NFPA 70B?
Compliance means implementing and maintaining an Electrical Maintenance Program appropriate to your facility — including a maintenance, inspection, and testing schedule for your electrical systems and equipment, with documentation. Alcan helps Alaska facilities:
- Assess your current electrical systems and maintenance practices.
- Develop an Electrical Maintenance Program aligned to the 2023 NFPA 70B standard.
- Implement the inspection, testing, and maintenance activities the program defines.
- Maintain the program over time, with documentation and ongoing support.
Why Alcan for NFPA 70B and electrical maintenance?
- A licensed Alaska commercial electrical contractor with 50+ years maintaining the state’s most critical facilities.
- The team that builds electrical infrastructure also maintains it — deep familiarity with the systems in your building.
- 24-hour maintenance support statewide, from Anchorage to remote sites.
- NECA- and IBEW-trained personnel.
Frequently asked questions
Is NFPA 70B mandatory? The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B is written as a standard with mandatory (“shall”) language for electrical maintenance programs. Whether it is legally enforced at your facility depends on adoption by your authority having jurisdiction and your own insurance and contractual requirements — but it now represents the recognized standard of care for electrical maintenance.
What’s the difference between NFPA 70B and NFPA 70 (NEC)? NFPA 70 (the National Electrical Code) governs how electrical systems are installed. NFPA 70B governs how they are maintained after installation.
Does Alcan provide ongoing electrical maintenance in Alaska? Yes. Alcan develops and operates Electrical Maintenance Programs and provides 24-hour maintenance support for facilities across Alaska.
How often does electrical equipment need to be inspected and tested? Frequency depends on equipment type, condition, usage, and environment. Alcan helps you build a risk-based schedule appropriate to your facility as part of your EMP.