NFPA 70b Compliance 

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  NFPA 70B (currently the 2026 edition, effective since December 2025) is the Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. It applies to electrical, electronic, and communication systems in commercial buildings, institutional facilities, industrial plants, and large multifamily residential complexes.

  It shifted from a “recommended practice” (pre-2023) to a full enforceable standard in the 2023 edition. This means it can be cited by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), OSHA (regarding unsafe conditions or NFPA 70E compliance), insurers, and courts. The equipment owner (i.e., the building owner) bears primary legal responsibility for compliance.

  Core Requirement

  You must establish, implement, document, and maintain a formal Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP). The EMP must include:

  • Assigned responsibilities (including a designated EMP coordinator)
  • Equipment surveys, condition assessments, and risk prioritization
  • Written maintenance procedures, schedules, and testing methods
  • Training for qualified personnel
  • Record-keeping and periodic audits (at least every 5 years)
  • Integration with your NFPA 70E electrical safety program and OSHA requirements

  Failure to do so can increase liability for arc-flash incidents, fires, outages, or OSHA citations.

  Practical 8-Step Compliance Process for Building Owners
  

  Reputable industry guides (aligned with the standard) outline these steps. Most building owners work with qualified electrical contractors or consultants to execute them.
  

  1. Designate an EMP Coordinator. Appoint one qualified person (or team lead) responsible for overseeing the entire program, training, annual evaluations, and integration with safety programs. This person must receive NFPA 70B training.
  2. Conduct a Full Electrical Infrastructure and Equipment Condition Assessment. Inspect and categorize all electrical equipment by physical condition, environmental factors, and operational criticality. Review existing documentation and identify gaps (e.g., outdated drawings or neglected panels).
  3. Update Single-Line Diagrams (SLDs) and Studies. Revise one-line diagrams, short-circuit, coordination, arc-flash, and load-flow studies if they are older than 5 years or after major changes. Many owners digitize these (some use “digital twins”) to make them easier to use over time.
  4. Perform Remediation Fix or upgrade any deficiencies found in the assessment (e.g., replace failing breakers, clean switchgear, or repair grounding). Prioritize based on safety risk and criticality; document everything.
  5. Determine Maintenance Intervals and Scope: Set specific inspection, testing, and servicing schedules for each piece of equipment. Intervals are driven by manufacturer recommendations, equipment condition assessments, and NFPA 70B tables (for Compliance).
  6. Document and Update the EMP Create (or revise) a written program that spells out procedures, responsibilities, schedules, and record-keeping methods. Add visual indicators (labels, QR codes) on equipment showing the last inspection date and results.
  7. Implement Ongoing Inspections, Testing, and Maintenance. Execute the program using qualified personnel or licensed contractors. Common tasks include infrared thermography, breaker testing, relay calibration, cleaning, and lubrication—performed at the intervals you established.
  8. Audit the EMP Every 5 Years (or Sooner). Formally review the entire program against the current NFPA 70B edition, update it as needed, and document the audit. Embrace digitization (sensors, software, predictive analytics) to move toward condition-based rather than purely time-based maintenance.
  9. 
     

  Additional Key Obligations

  • Training — All personnel performing maintenance must be qualified and trained per the standard.
  • Records — Keep detailed logs of every inspection, test result, repair, and training session. Good records are your best defense in an incident or audit.
  • Contractors — Most building owners hire licensed electrical service companies to perform the actual work; the owner still owns the EMP and must ensure the contractor’s work meets the standard.
  • Integration — Your EMP directly supports NFPA 70E’s “condition of maintenance” requirement for arc-flash studies and safe work practices.
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  How to Get Started Today

  1. Purchase the current NFPA 70B 2026 standard (available via NFPA LiNK® or nfpa.org).
  2. Have a qualified electrical engineer or contractor perform the initial assessment and help draft the EMP.
  3. Budget for ongoing maintenance—many owners see reduced downtime and insurance savings that offset the cost.

  Compliance is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing, documented program. If your building is in a jurisdiction that strictly enforces electrical codes or if you carry high-value insurance, starting now protects people, property, and your liability. Consult a licensed electrical professional familiar with NFPA 70B for a site-specific plan.

• Our Thermal Inspectors:

  Our inspectors are fully trained and certified
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  We utilize the state-of-the-art thermal imaging equipment from FLIR, FLUKE, and DJI.

  • FLIR T-865
  • FLIR E-96
  • DJI Matrice 4T Thermal Drone
  • Fluke 378 FC clamp meter

Ocean City Maryland Building Inspections

Showalter Property Consultants, a team of experienced professionals, provides a range of building inspection services in Ocean City, Maryland, with a focus on condominiums. Their offerings include:

• Condominium Inspections: Thorough annual assessments for preemptive and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and required inspections for roofs and electrical panels, ensuring your property's safety and value.
• Building Facade Inspections: Detailed assessments using safe methods such as drones, thermal imaging, thermal drones, and high-powered scopes to evaluate water penetration, spalling, and masonry pointing.
• Roof Assessments: Inspections for both sloped and low-sloped (flat) roofs, including direct access inspections, drone assessments, and thermal imaging for moisture detection.
• Infrared Inspections: Using FLIR thermal cameras for moisture intrusion, energy assessments, insulation voids, electrical panel evaluations, and inspections of pumps and other equipment.
• Specialized Services: Mold investigations and testing, total building assessments, and targeted inspections for electrical panels and roofs.
• Mold Investigations: Mold Investigations and testing with conventional spore traps, dust collection, and mycotoxin testing.
• Pier and Seawall Inspections: We offer level 1, 2, and 3 pier inspections where we utilize underwater cameras.

For more details or to schedule a consultation, annual assessment, or required inspection, contact ShowalterProperty Consultants directly. If you need further information, such as pricing or specific service availability.

Bat Guano and Histoplasmosis Testing

We offer onsite inspections and sampling to determine the health risks. Working with Showalter Property Consultants we can also help to locate and identify areas where bats may be entering the home and with thermal imaging cameras help to locate and detect attic or in wall nesting or activity. We can per from surface and air samples to help to determine the presence of Histoplasmosis.

There are health related concern from Bat Guano and Histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus. This organism is often found in environments with high levels of bird or bat droppings, particularly in areas with warm and humid climates. The infection usually occurs when a person inhales spores released into the air.

While many individuals may not experience symptoms, those who do might exhibit flu-like signs such as fever, cough, and fatigue. In some cases, it can lead to more serious respiratory issues or disseminated disease, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Diagnosis can be made through various methods, including culture, antigen testing, and imaging studies. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, especially for more severe cases.

Prevention mainly focuses on avoiding exposure to environments where the fungus thrives, particularly in endemic areas.
Testing for histoplasmosis typically involves several methods to diagnose the infection caused by the fungus *Histoplasma capsulatum*. Here are the most common testing approaches:

1. **Clinical Diagnosis**: Initially, a healthcare provider may suspect histoplasmosis based on symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, and fatigue, especially if you've had exposure to areas where the fungus is prevalent (e.g., bird or bat droppings).

2. **Serological Tests**: Blood tests can detect antibodies against *Histoplasma capsulatum*. The presence of specific antibodies may indicate an ongoing or past infection.

3. **Antigen Tests**: These tests can identify *Histoplasma* antigens in bodily fluids such as urine or serum. This method is often used because it can provide results more quickly than serological tests.

4. **Culture**: A sample (from sputum, bone marrow, or tissue biopsy) can be cultured in a laboratory to see if the fungus grows. This is considered the gold standard for diagnosis but can take several weeks.

5. **Imaging Studies**: Chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to check for lung involvement, such as nodules or infiltrates, which can signify an infection.

6. **Molecular Tests**: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can amplify fungal DNA and offer a more sensitive and rapid method for diagnosis.

If you're experiencing symptoms or suspect you might have been exposed to histoplasmosis, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and testing.

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