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The 2026 edition of NFPA 70B is poised to elevate electrical maintenance practices by emphasizing smarter, more comprehensive maintenance programs. Proposed NFPA 70B compliance updates highlight key areas such as continuous thermal monitoring, transfer switch equipment and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity.
In 2023, the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 70B Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance shifted from a “recommended practice” to an enforceable standard, introducing mandatory requirements for the development, implementation and operation of an electrical maintenance program. As the industry adapts to new technologies and electrical demands, so too does this standard.
The proposed updates for the 2026 edition of NFPA 70B reflect a broader shift toward condition-based, predictive maintenance that nearly every industry can benefit from. Let’s examine how adopting these strategies can help organizations align their electrical maintenance programs with modern safety and reliability goals while saving valuable time and labor.
Scott Brady, PE
National manager of technical application support, Eaton
Learn more about Scott Brady
A proposed addition to Section 7.4.5 (Infrared Thermography) would clarify that permanently installed temperature measurement devices may be used to meet thermal inspection requirements previously fulfilled through manual infrared thermography. These sensors can be integrated into low- and medium-voltage switchgear, motor control centers, switchboards, busways, and other power distribution equipment, enabling continuous monitoring and reducing the need for manual inspections.
While infrared thermography has long been a trusted method for detecting thermal anomalies, it comes with notable limitations. It requires physical access to energized equipment, manual removal of covers and the presence of trained technicians – often exposing them to arc flash and shock hazards. Additionally, because infrared thermography is typically performed at scheduled intervals and under specific load conditions, they may miss fault conditions caused by load fluctuations or transient issues.
Continuous thermal monitoring (CTM) addresses these challenges and aligns seamlessly with modern predictive maintenance strategies. Permanently installed sensors provide real-time, around-the-clock thermal data, enabling early detection of intermittent or evolving issues that might go unnoticed during periodic infrared thermography. This approach not only enhances electrical worker safety by reducing the need to open energized equipment, but also supports smarter, data-driven maintenance decisions – allowing teams to respond proactively with schedule maintenance when issues arise, rather than relying solely on fixed inspection schedules.
The 2026 edition of NFPA 70B introduces a dedicated chapter on transfer switch equipment, recognizing the growing complexity and critical role of these devices in modern electrical systems. Unlike standard switches, transfer switches are engineered to safely shift electrical loads between two power sources – often under demanding conditions. They are built to specialized performance and safety standards, reflecting their importance in applications where operational reliability and business continuity are paramount. This addition ensures that maintenance practices align with the unique requirements of transfer switches, supporting safer and more reliable system performance.
As operational technology (OT) systems become more integrated with enterprise networks and cloud platforms, the importance of OT cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Proposed Section 4.2.4.2 (11) of NFPA 70B 2026 introduces a dedicated OT cybersecurity risk assessment within the electrical maintenance program in environments where industrial control or OT systems extend beyond isolated, non-networked interfaces. If these systems are not properly commissioned and hardened, they can become vulnerable entry points for cyberattacks.
Many of today’s most exploited vulnerabilities originate from assets with minimal security oversight. Securing these often-overlooked "soft targets" is essential to protecting both operational continuity and employee safety. A single vulnerability in this infrastructure can not only disrupt equipment availability but also serve as a gateway to more sensitive information technology (IT) systems, including customer data, personnel records, email and financial information.
At Eaton, we strongly advocate for the secure commissioning and hardening of new industrial control systems, thorough OT cybersecurity audits of existing systems and the integration of OT cybersecurity risk assessments into your ongoing electrical maintenance program. As OT environments become more interconnected and exposed, prioritizing their security is no longer optional, it is essential.
Across all industries, increased electrification and energy demands are introducing new complexities that make traditional methods of equipment assessment no longer sufficient. That’s because these manual inspection methods are intermittent, resource intensive and potentially expose workers to electrical safety risks.
Continuous monitoring technologies can help address these challenges by delivering:
The movement toward continuous monitoring technologies first gained traction within the 2023 edition of NFPA 70B, when infrared thermography requirements began to make room for permanently mounted thermal sensors. Now, the 2026 revision looks to build on that momentum.
Regardless of the final outcomes of the 2026 update, one thing is clear: continuous monitoring technologies are becoming a cornerstone of effective electrical system maintenance programs.
It’s an exciting time to be in the electrical industry. Every day, new intelligent devices are being developed that offer greater insight into electrical system performance. At Eaton, we’re seeing the rapid adoption of intelligent devices across electrical systems. These digital tools provide real-time access to the equipment-level data needed to support more informed maintenance decisions without the labor of traditional equipment assessment procedures.
For example:
Although the 2026 edition of NFPA 70B will not be finalized, published and accessible to the public until early 2026, it's never too soon to begin evaluating how your organization can enhance its maintenance practices. Forward-thinking preparation today can lead to safer, more reliable processes tomorrow.
Continuous monitoring is key to unlocking safer, smarter and more effective electrical systems. By leveraging trend reports, remote diagnostics, alarms and real-time indicators from intelligent monitoring solutions, organizations can significantly reduce the risk and costs associated with routine maintenance.
Continuous monitoring is quickly setting a new standard for electrical reliability and workforce protection. The proposed updates to NFPA 70B reflect a clear shift toward intelligence-driven maintenance and now is the time to align your strategies to lead the way toward a safer, more resilient future.
