electrical Thermography is Now Mandatory

Every three to five years, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) updates NFPA 70B, a set of guidelines for creating an effective electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) program commonly used in industrial plants, commercial buildings, and large residential complexes.

NFPA 70B is a key document that drives electrical safety choices in the USA, including methods of electrical inspection, what kinds of equipment should or must be inspected, and who is qualified to inspect that equipment. It is important for companies in the USA to review this document and to incorporate the updated standards into their work practices.

In 2023, NFPA 70B makes mandatory for ALL electrical equipment to be inspected using thermography at least every 12 months (Fluke Article Link). Equipment that meets the Equipment Physical Condition 3, requires thermographic inspection of that equipment at least every 6 months. Condition 3 includes equipment where urgent deficiencies requiring intervention were identified in previous scans along with certain other circumstances. A thermography inspection is also known more commonly as an IR Scan or an Infrared Inspection. This type of inspection uses a specialized camera to detect thermal radiation in the Infrared light spectrum. The detected thermal radiation of an asset in question is compared to the ambient temperatures of its environment and other like components to determine the difference in temperature between the two, known as Delta-T. Upon examining the thermographic images, it is possible to determine if an item being imaged is operating outside of normal parameters and serves as a way to detect compromised components prior to a critical failure event.

In addition to offering guidance on detecting Delta-T, the NFPA 70B 2023 is also explicit in requiring inspectors to provide effective documentation, stating “temperature differences between the area of concern and the reference area shall be documented,” (Section 7.4.3).

Not only is documentation critical to creating an effective EPM program, it also ensures that differences recorded between inspections over time are properly accounted for. This process is known as asset trending or trend analysis. For example, inspectors should at minimum “inspect at no less than 40 percent of normal circuit loading” (7.4.5), and those “circuit loading characteristics shall be documented, and retained for future reference” (7.4.6). In short, inspections should be performed while the equipment being inspected is actively in operation and under a normal load that is no less than 40 percent of the circuits available current (amperage) capacity. The circuit loading values are measured and documented to support the thermographic imaging findings. After a baseline for the analyzed equipment is established, later inspections can identify when conditions of an asset are outside of a normal operating condition.

In Kansas, the new 2023 NFPA 70B requirements are being implemented. As of January 16, 2023, Kansas law adopted the inspection requirement of using infrared thermography technology at least every 12 months and inspection of physical condition 3 criteria being scanned every 6 months. Insurance companies may also require inspections to be conducted as part of their policy terms, specify the items to be inspected and the interval at which these inspections are to be conducted.

In summary, NFPA 70B outlines the requirements for electrical equipment maintenance, including the development of an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP), regular inspections, testing, and documentation. The standard also emphasizes the importance of having trained personnel conduct these inspections who understand the equipment conditions when inspections are being performed. 

Stay Compliant With Our Infrared Inspections

Ensure your infrared inspections are done professionally and in compliance with NFPA 70B requirements. Our services include:

• Creating a detailed inventory of your assets.
• Documentation of Asset OEM data (model number, ratings).
• Capturing digital and thermographic images of each surveyed asset.
• Capturing digital and thermographic images of each problem component within the surveyed asset.
• Visual inspection, and if possible, immediate correction of NEC Violations, OSHA Violations and life safety issues.
• Providing Detailed and comprehensive IR scan reports outlining any issues found on surveyed assets.
• Development of an asset baseline for creating an asset trend.

We encourage you to reach out to Pro Circuit for your generator needs. Request a free estimate today!

Assets That Can Be Surveyed

• Main Power Distribution Equipment
• Electrical MDP’s (Main Distribution Panels)
• Transformers
• Electrical Breaker Panels
• Industrial Control Panels
• Electric Motors and Motor Controls
• Conveyor Equipment
• Mechanical Bearings and Couplings
• Industrial Heaters
• Generators
• Pumps
• Steam and Refrigerant Systems
• Heat Trace Systems

Types of Problems That can Be Identified

• High Resistance Electrical Connections
• Loose or Corroded Electrical Connections
• Circuit Overloading Problems
• Loss of Phase Power
• Electrical Component Pre-Failure Detection
• Control Panel Thermal Management Issues
• Compromised Mechanical Bearings and Couplings
• Inoperable or Defective Industrial Heaters
• Steam System Leaks and Blockages
• Heat Trace System Verification

Our highly trained and certified technicians are ready to meet your needs for a wide variety of commercial and industrial Thermographic Imaging applications. Request an estimate today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your power needs are in capable hands.