Skip to main content

NFPA 70B Compliance: Keeping Your Electrical Systems Safe, Reliable & Audit-Ready

Infrared inspections for safer, more reliable electrical systems.

What is NFPA 70B?

NFPA 70B is the Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In 2023, it transitioned from a “recommended practice” to a full standard, making compliance essential for organizations that want to reduce electrical risk, improve safety, and meet insurance and regulatory requirements.
NFPA 70B Standards

Why NFPA 70B Matters

The shift from guideline to standard means that NFPA 70B is no longer optional. Facilities must now adopt structured maintenance programs for their electrical systems. Infrared inspections are essential in this process, identifying hidden faults before they become costly or dangerous.
  • Protects employees, tenants, and building occupants from electrical hazards
  • Reduces downtime from unplanned equipment failures
  • Demonstrates compliance during audits and insurance reviews
  • Extends the lifespan of critical electrical infrastructure

NFPA 70B Compliance in Washington State

In Washington State, NFPA 70B aligns with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the state’s adoption of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Businesses in Redmond and across the state are expected to maintain electrical systems in accordance with these standards, especially those in industrial, healthcare, and commercial sectors.

Infrared inspections performed by Cascade Thermal Imaging help facilities demonstrate proactive compliance, support safety audits, and meet insurance and local regulatory expectations.

Who Should Implement NFPA 70B Standards?

Facility Managers

Ensure electrical systems are properly maintained.

Maintenance Teams

Address issues found during infrared inspections.

EHS Professionals

Protect employees and reduce electrical hazards.

Risk & Compliance Officers

Maintain documentation for insurers and regulators.

Operations & Utilities

Support uptime and grid reliability through regular system inspections.

Property Managers

Extend equipment life and reduce liability.

By implementing NFPA 70B standards, these teams work together to reduce hazards, improve system reliability, and meet compliance expectations.

How Infrared Inspections Support NFPA 70B

Infrared thermography is a key diagnostic tool for NFPA 70B compliance. By scanning electrical systems under load, thermographers detect overheating, loose connections, imbalanced loads, and failing components.

All electrical equipment must undergo thermal inspections at least annually, with higher-risk equipment (classified as Condition 3) inspected every six months
(Per NFPA 70B 2023 Edition – Table 9.2.2 Infrared Thermography Scope of Work).

Condition 3 equipment represents assets operating outside normal parameters—showing abnormal temperature rise, deterioration, or other critical anomalies requiring increased monitoring and timely corrective action.

These inspections provide actionable data that allows facilities to:

  • Detect potential failures early

  • Verify electrical systems are operating safely and efficiently

  • Maintain compliance with NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E, and OSHA standards

Electrical Inspections IR
Electrical Inspections
Electrical Infrared Inspections
Electrical Infrared Inspections

What Should Your Organization Do Next?

If you oversee commercial, industrial, healthcare, or municipal facilities, NFPA 70B applies to you. To stay compliant:

Establish a preventive maintenance program that includes infrared inspections.

Maintain complete inspection and corrective-action records.

Schedule regular thermographic scans to ensure ongoing compliance and reliability.

Schedule an NFPA 70B Inspection

Why Cascade Thermal Imaging?

Choosing Cascade Thermal Imaging means working with certified thermographers who understand NFPA standards and specialize in predictive maintenance for electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Proven Experience: Over 20 years conducting electrical systems infrared inspections
  • Certified Experts: Level III Certified Master Thermographers with advanced training
  • Actionable Reporting: Clear, audit-ready documentation aligned with NFPA 70B requirements
  • Local Expertise: Headquartered in Redmond, WA and serving facilities throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska
  • Risk Reduction: Detect problems early to minimize downtime, improve reliability, and enhance safety

Ready to Ensure NFPA 70B Compliance?

Don’t wait until a fault becomes a failure. Cascade Thermal Imaging delivers the inspections, documentation, and expertise you need to stay compliant, safe, and operational.
Schedule Your NFPA 70B Inspection