What Is NFPA 70B?
Facility managers, plant operators, and commercial property owners are now expected to maintain accurate electrical diagrams, implement routine inspections, and document everything in a way that proves due diligence. If something goes wrong, OSHA and insurance carriers will want to see it all.
NFPA 70B is the Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, covering everything from electrical panels and disconnects to transformers, substations, and EV chargers. The 2023 update made it a mandatory standard, and many organizations aren’t yet aware of how much is now required to stay compliant.
Here’s what it means for you:
- You must have a current one-line diagram of your electrical system, from the utility transformer through your panels, equipment, and disconnects.
- You must classify all equipment based on physical condition, criticality, and environment, and set inspection intervals accordingly.
- You must document inspections, testing, and corrective actions, and have that info readily accessible if inspectors, auditors, or insurers request it.
Our NFPA 70B Process: We Guide You Start to Finish
At Goforth Electric, we specialize in helping commercial and industrial facilities map out and maintain their electrical infrastructure with minimal disruption.
Here’s how our process works:
1. Full-System Electrical Audit
We start by visiting your site, opening panels, inspecting disconnects, and tracing your system from the utility transformer to your main distribution panel (MDP) and beyond. We capture photos, note amperage, breaker types, and manufacturers, and identify any missing documentation or outdated diagrams.
2. Equipment Classification & Digital Records
Each component is documented and assigned a condition rating based on NFPA 70B’s framework. We log this into a secure digital record system and affix a QR code to every piece of equipment. This allows authorized personnel to instantly pull up maintenance history, location in the one-line, and upcoming service requirements, right from the field.
3. Ongoing Maintenance & Re-Verification
As your facility changes, we keep your system up to date. Whether you’re adding EV chargers, relocating equipment, or replacing gear, we return on a recurring basis (1–4 times per year depending on your contract) to verify and adjust your records. If we find issues during a site walk, our service division can step in with repairs, seamlessly.
Flexible Service Tiers to Match Your Needs
Not every facility needs the same level of service—and not every compliance journey starts in the same place. That’s why Goforth Electric offers a tiered approach to NFPA 70B compliance that can scale with your operation.
Tier 1: One-Line as a Service
This foundational tier is where most clients begin. We map out your entire electrical system, build an accurate and compliant one-line diagram, and maintain it over time. As your system evolves, we update your records to keep you inspection-ready.
Tier 2: Add Infrared Imaging
Once your one-line is complete, we can integrate infrared thermography into your program. This allows us to detect abnormal heating, overloaded circuits, or loose connections before they become serious hazards. Inspection data is added to your digital records, creating a clear maintenance history for each piece of equipment.
Tier 3: Arc Flash Analysis Support
Need to perform an arc flash study? We capture all the field data required, equipment ratings, breaker settings, conductor lengths, and more, and securely package it for engineering review. We then work with your engineering firm to help complete the study and apply the appropriate labels to your equipment. Our system ensures that all this data is stored and easily accessible for future updates or audits.
Why Partner With Goforth?
- We make compliance manageable. Our process is built around the NFPA 70B standard and proactively addresses everything OSHA would look for in an investigation.
- We digitize your electrical maintenance program. Everything is trackable, accessible, and easy to share with auditors, engineers, or insurance providers.
- We fill the knowledge gap. If your longtime facilities manager retires, their knowledge isn’t lost. It’s preserved in a system anyone can use.
- We support your entire operation. Our service division can repair, maintain, and update electrical systems across Western NY, and you don’t need to be a service customer to use our compliance platform.
- We’re the only team in Western New York offering this type of structured program. Others talk about NFPA 70B. We’ve built a system around it.
Who This Is For
- Facilities Managers who want to sleep better at night
- Plant Operators who need to meet insurance or corporate compliance demands
- Commercial Property Owners who want documented preventative maintenance
- Safety Coordinators who are preparing for OSHA or third-party audits
- Engineers who need updated one-lines and equipment data for short circuit and arc flash studies
Common Questions
Is this just a one-time inspection?
No. While we offer one-time audits, the strength of our program is in recurring updates that keep your system compliant as equipment is added, moved, or replaced.
Do I have to use Goforth for repairs?
No. This is a standalone service. You can use any electrician for repair work, and we’ll still keep your records up to date. But if you prefer, we’re ready to step in with professional service and support.
What if I already have drawings?
We’ll review them, validate what’s changed, and bring them up to code. Most drawings we encounter are outdated or missing critical details.
Will I need to manage the software myself?
No. We manage the entire process for you. Your team can access it as needed via QR codes or a secure link, but you don’t have to maintain it.
Schedule a Compliance Assessment
Don’t wait until OSHA shows up, or until something fails. Let Goforth Electric guide you through the new NFPA 70B requirements with a modern, proven approach that simplifies documentation and improves safety.
Call us now or fill out the form to schedule your electrical maintenance program assessment today.
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