• Posted: January 22, 2025
• electrical system maintenance steps, EMP development guide, implementing electrical maintenance plan, NFPA 70B maintenance program requirements

An effective Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) is the cornerstone of NFPA 70B compliance. For facility managers and business owners, developing and implementing a comprehensive EMP might seem daunting—but with the right approach and expert guidance, it becomes a manageable and valuable investment in your facility’s future.

Understanding the Core Components

Before diving into implementation steps, it’s essential to understand what makes up a comprehensive EMP:

• Equipment Inventory: Detailed documentation of all electrical equipment
• Maintenance Schedule: Clear timeline for inspections and maintenance
• Written Procedures: Step-by-step maintenance protocols
• Training Programs: Ongoing education for maintenance personnel
• Record Keeping: Systematic documentation of all activities

Your 5-Step Implementation Guide

Step 1: Designate Leadership and Expertise

Start by either appointing an EMP coordinator or partnering with a qualified electrical contractor. This leadership role requires:

• Comprehensive electrical system knowledge
• Understanding of NFPA standards
• Familiarity with local electrical codes
• Project management capabilities

Step 2: Conduct Initial Assessment

A thorough evaluation of your current electrical infrastructure includes:

• Reviewing and updating one-line diagrams
• Performing incident energy analyses
• Creating detailed equipment inventories
• Documenting current conditions
• Analyzing past maintenance records

Step 3: Establish Maintenance Intervals

Develop your maintenance schedule based on:

• Manufacturer recommendations
• NFPA 70B Chapter 9 guidance
• Equipment criticality
• Operational requirements
• Resource availability

Step 4: Execute Remediation Plans

Prioritize your implementation strategy:

• Focus on critical equipment first
• Address high-risk safety items
• Plan for maintenance downtime
• Ensure qualified personnel handle all work
• Document all remediation actions

Step 5: Implement Analytics and Monitoring

Create a system for ongoing assessment:

• Track equipment performance
• Monitor maintenance patterns
• Analyze cost-effectiveness
• Adjust procedures based on data
•  Plan for future upgrades

Choosing Your Maintenance Approach

Consider these proven maintenance strategies for your EMP:

• Predetermined Maintenance:
  • Calendar-based scheduling
  • Regular preventative measures
  • Planned downtime management

• Condition-based Maintenance:
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Need-based interventions

• Predictive Maintenance:
  • Advanced analytics
  • Failure prediction
  • Optimized timing

Expert Insight

“As a Powering Chicago signatory contractor, we take a critical approach with our clients when helping them develop an EMP, starting with the mission-critical items, such as ‘How much would it cost you if this machine went down for this amount of time? Let’s work on that first and start in that area,'” said Bill Cullen, VP at Sharlen Electric Company.

Documentation: Your Program’s Foundation

Maintain detailed records of:

• Maintenance activities
• Equipment conditions
• Test results
• Personnel qualifications
• Incident reports
• Corrective actions

The Impact of Proper Implementation

Consider this striking statistic from NFPA research: electrical distribution, lighting, and power transfer equipment-involved ignitions account for 21% of fires, 19% of civilian injuries, and 20% of direct property damage in industrial properties. A well-implemented EMP can significantly reduce these risks.

Moving Forward

Implementing an effective EMP requires expertise, planning, and commitment. Working with qualified electrical contractors who understand both NFPA 70B requirements and your facility’s specific needs ensures your program’s success.

Ready to develop your facility’s Electrical Maintenance Program? Download your free guide today to get started.