NEW SECTION TO NFPA 70E 2024
Informative Annex S — Assessing the Condition of Maintenance
This informative annex is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document but is included for informational purposes only.
S.1 Introduction.
Electrical safety programs contain requirements to consider the condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems. The objective of these requirements is to emphasize the inherent risk to workers associated with performing tasks on electrical equipment that is not properly rated, not properly installed, has not been properly maintained, or otherwise exhibits evidence of an increased risk level for electrical workers or operators. Sections S.2 through S.8 describe methods of obtaining information that are useful when assessing the condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.
S.2 Assess the Risk. – REALTIME RISK DOES THIS
Safe work practices should always be used when gathering information to be used to assess the condition of maintenance of electrical equipment. Tasks such as opening hinged doors or removal of bolted covers might expose workers to energized conductors or circuit parts inside the equipment. Works should always follow the requirements of their electrical safety program when assessing the condition of electrical equipment.
S.3 Visual Inspection. – REALTIME ASSET MGR DOES THIS WITH OUR “PM TOOL”
Visual inspection of equipment might be used to verify that it is installed in a professional and skillful manner in accordance with applicable industry codes and standards and the manufacturer’s instructions. Visual inspections might also be used to identify evidence of issues or impending failure such as arcing, overheating, loose or bound mechanisms, missing hardware, visible damage, water or dust contamination, or corrosion damage.
S.4 Periodic Testing and Inspection. – REALTIME ASSET MGR DOES THIS WITH OUR “PM TOOL” bulk schedule by device type or by custom list or just one device at a time custom schedule
Periodic testing and detailed inspection methods are used to help workers determine the condition of the equipment at the time of the test. Portable equipment is used to conduct manual tests and inspection such as infrared thermography, measure voltage and current, confirm overcurrent protective device operation, and conduct insulation resistance testing. Depending on the test or inspection, these tasks are performed with the equipment in an electrically safe work condition or with the equipment online.
S.5 Permanently Installed Monitoring.
Continuous monitoring of specific equipment conditions can be performed using an uninterrupted method of data collection. Examples include the use of permanently mounted counters, sensors, or controllers to measure a condition or state inside the equipment. Multiple types of data might be monitored, including voltage, current, temperature, humidity, cycle count, open/closed state, and others. The data could be used to actively alert personnel to the existence of a condition that is either above or below a predetermined control limit. Permanently installed monitoring systems often allow data collection without removing covers or opening doors and without exposing workers to electrical hazards. The use of real time data is useful when determining the condition of the equipment and is also used to modify (shorten or lengthen) the predetermined maintenance intervals for other inspections and tests.
S.6 Predictive Techniques.
Predictive techniques monitor conditions in equipment using sensors and analyze and interpret the data using analytical methods and algorithms. These proactive techniques identify trends or issues and notify personnel of recommended actions before the condition reaches an alarm point or alert them to urgent issues that are at or over a predetermined level. These technologies and methods often detect minor items before they propagate into major issues or equipment failure, enabling workers to interact with or operate the equipment while it is still in a normal operating condition as opposed to an abnormal condition.
S.7 Maintenance History. -– REALTIME ASSET MGR DOES THIS WITH OUR “PM TOOL” – Stores history of all maintenance performed in each device
The maintenance history of electrical equipment is an important factor to consider when assessing if the equipment has been properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and applicable industry codes and standards. Ready access to maintenance history gives workers important information that is useful in making their assessment. There are various methods used to communicate the maintenance history, but the two most common are labels and digital methods.
S.7.1 Labels.
Labels, decals, or other markings might be color coded and placed on the exterior enclosure or surface of the electrical equipment or device to communicate the condition of maintenance as of the last assessment. Generally, these markings provide a simple method to categorize the condition of the equipment at the time of the inspection. One example is a three-level system, such as serviceable, limited service, or nonserviceable.
S.7.2 Digital and other Electronic Methods.
Digital technology is used as a method of storing and sharing maintenance-related information. This method stores information locally within the equipment itself, on its associated network, or remotely in a digital asset management system. In addition to recording the last inspection date, these methods are real time and can contain additional details. For example, digital logs record the date and time of the trip events of a circuit breaker and the reason for the trip.
S.8 Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance.
NFPA 70B is an example of a document that contains further information on the practical safeguarding of persons, property, and processes from the risks associated with failure, breakdown, or malfunction. NFPA 70B provides a means to establish and maintain an acceptable condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems to address safety and reliability.
