NFPA 70B Now Recommends Annual Infrared Surveys of All Electrical Panels

The NFPA 70B: 2023, which deals with Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, outlines guidelines for performing infrared inspections as part of electrical equipment maintenance. Infrared thermography is an important tool for identifying electrical faults before they lead to failures or fires. Here’s a summary of the key recommendations for infrared inspection in the 2023 edition:

1. Regular Infrared Inspections:

   • Perform infrared inspections as part of routine electrical maintenance to detect overheating, poor connections, or other electrical faults.
   • Inspections should be done at regular intervals (e.g., annually or as required based on system conditions).

2. Inspection Protocols:

   • Inspections should be carried out in a non-contact manner (infrared cameras or thermographic devices) to prevent accidents and reduce wear and tear on equipment.
   • Inspect energized equipment, which is critical for identifying faults that can’t be seen by the naked eye.
   • Ensure that all equipment is properly labeled and that thermographic inspections cover connections, motor windings, fuses, transformers, circuit breakers, and bus ducts.

3. Operational Conditions:

   • Perform infrared inspections under normal operating conditions to ensure accurate temperature readings.
   • It’s recommended to avoid inspecting equipment immediately after start-up because heat patterns may not have fully stabilized yet.

4. Equipment Calibration:

   • Ensure that infrared cameras and sensors are calibrated correctly to provide accurate measurements.
   • Calibration should be done regularly to maintain the reliability of the inspections.

5. Thermographic Analysis:

   • Thermographic analysis should focus on identifying hot spots or temperature differentials that exceed acceptable limits.
   • Pay particular attention to areas that show signs of high temperature, such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, or areas with damaged insulation.

6. Follow-up Action:

   • When anomalies or irregularities are detected, immediate follow-up action is required, including investigation, documentation, and repair or replacement of faulty components.
   • Any excessive temperatures that indicate a safety risk should be addressed promptly to avoid further equipment damage or fire hazards.

7. Documentation and Reporting:

   • Detailed documentation of the infrared inspection process, findings, and actions taken is necessary for ongoing equipment maintenance records.
   • Create infrared inspection reports that include thermal images, temperature readings, and any necessary corrective actions.

8. Training and Certification:

   • Personnel conducting infrared inspections should be trained and possibly certified in thermographic techniques to ensure proper inspection methods and interpretation of results.
   • Regular training updates should be undertaken to stay current with best practices and emerging technology.

Overall, the 2023 recommendations for infrared inspection in NFPA 70B emphasize the importance of regularly scheduled inspections, proper equipment calibration, and the need for trained professionals to conduct and analyze inspections. The goal is to identify potential issues early, preventing failures and ensuring electrical systems remain safe and reliable.