Commercial & Industrial Electrical

Arc Flash Studies & Electrical Maintenance Programs

Electrical maintenance and arc-flash programs protect workers and reduce unplanned downtime.

Updated 2026-10-15

NFPA 70E

NFPA 70E covers electrical safety in the workplace: hazard assessments, arc-flash and shock boundaries, PPE, energized work permits, and training. Equipment likely to be worked on while energized typically carries arc-flash labels, and the arc-flash risk assessment is reviewed at least every five years or after major changes.

NFPA 70B

NFPA 70B, now a standard rather than a recommended practice, sets expectations for an electrical maintenance program: equipment inventory, condition assessments, and maintenance intervals based on condition and criticality.

Infrared thermography of energized equipment
Torque checks and cleaning
Breaker and relay testing
Insulation resistance testing
Updated single-line diagrams

Building a program

Start with an accurate single-line diagram and equipment inventory, run the arc-flash study, label equipment, then schedule maintenance by criticality. Treat the study as a living document as equipment changes.

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Frequently asked questions

Does OSHA require an arc-flash study?

OSHA requires employers to assess and protect against electrical hazards and references NFPA 70E as a consensus standard for doing so.

How often should infrared scans be done?

Annually is common for critical equipment, more often based on condition.

Who can perform the study?

Typically an electrical engineering firm or qualified testing contractor.

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This guide is general information, not engineering or legal advice. Electrical codes are adopted and amended locally — consult a licensed electrician and your local building department for your project.