NFPA 70 and How It Relates to Field Evaluations

NFPA 70, commonly referred to as the National Electric Code, serves as a vital set of safety regulations governing electrical equipment usage in residential and commercial settings. Established and upheld by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this standard is widely adopted across the United States and various other countries. Its primary objective is to safeguard individuals from potential electric shock or fire hazards arising from improper installation or utilization of electrical components.

An essential component of NFPA 70 pertains to field evaluations concerning electrical equipment. These evaluations entail on-site assessments conducted before installation to ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements. Such inspections become necessary when manufacturers produce specialized items that deviate from standard production protocols, such as custom machinery installations.

The core purpose of field evaluations is to furnish authorities with pertinent information essential for approving an installation. These inspections predominantly focus on electrical and mechanical safety aspects, ensuring that the product can be operational without posing risks of electric shock or fire hazards. Specific checks include validating insulation of cables, verifying adequacy of grounding systems, inspecting for visible damage, among others.

When might a field evaluation be deemed necessary?

Pre-Installation: Manufacturers or customers often request a pre-installation field inspection to kickstart the process and ensure smooth operations without significant obstacles.

Final Inspection: In cases where equipment is subject to rigorous oversight by local municipalities or large institutions, the final inspection stage may entail field evaluation and labeling.

Red Tag: Instances where concerns prompt authorities to "red-tag" previously installed equipment may necessitate a field inspection to address the issues swiftly.

Relocation or Modifications: Relocated or modified equipment with prior labeling may require follow-up field evaluations to maintain compliance.

Which types of equipment does NFPA 70 cover?

NFPA 70 outlines guidelines for conducting field evaluations, encompassing procedures for inspecting, testing, and documenting electrical equipment to uphold safety standards.

The standard encompasses various equipment types, including:

• Motors
• Generators
• Transformers
• Switchgear
• Control panels
• And more

Additionally, there are codes addressing industrial machinery installations, covering a spectrum from motors and generators to welders and lift tables. Machinery requiring specialized inspection due to complexity may necessitate additional steps beyond NFPA 70 compliance, often entailing approval from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or installation of specialized equipment like remote control disconnects and short circuit protective devices.