Learn how to build a framework for a properly run O&M program - Check out the new NFPA 70B: A New Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance course!

About this course

How should an operations and maintenance (O&M) program be structured to maximize uptime while keeping maintenance costs down? What tasks need to be performed, and how frequently? These questions are critical for anyone that is maintaining electrical equipment generally and can be particularly challenging to answer for solar and energy storage systems.

NFPA 70B, Standard for Electric Equipment Maintenance, which became a standard in 2023, is the place to look for answers - anyone working in electrical maintenance needs to be familiar with its content and approach. A properly run O&M program needs a lot more than just a list of what needs to be done and when; it requires trained technicians, a safety program, and processes for documentation. NFPA 70B provides guidance on this and more – it offers a framework that system owners, system operators, and third-party contractors can adopt to create comprehensive, efficient O&M programs that will lead to better-performing assets and safer working conditions. It provides the requirements for what an Electrical Maintenance Program should look like but unfortunately does not provide a roadmap for how to get there.

In this class, we will do a deep dive into the content of NFPA 70B, explore how to utilize it in conjunction with other relevant standards and manufacturer documentation, and provide a structured approach to building an O&M program rooted in our experience helping companies do exactly that. The class has a focus upon utility-scale photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems, but the content will benefit anyone involved in the maintenance of electrical equipment.

Learning Objectives

  • Outline the scope, purpose, application, and layout of NFPA 70B.
  • Summarize essential inputs to an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP), including other applicable standards, system studies, test records, and manufacturer documentation.
  • Define the fundamental structure of an EMP based upon NFPA 70B, including personnel, training, reporting, auditing, and documentation requirements.
  • Explain NFPA 70B processes for determining preventive maintenance intervals based on equipment condition assessment.
  • Categorize NFPA 70B requirements related to fundamental tests, testing category types, test records, and tools.
  • Describe how to use NFPA 70B in conjunction with applicable standards and manufacturer documentation to determine a preventive maintenance scope of work and intervals for electrical equipment.
  • Detail the steps and challenges to developing an EMP structured around NFPA 70B.

Course outline

15 modules
5 - 7 hours to complete
3:57 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 1 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Introduction and Course Overview

Welcome! We're going to take a deep dive into NFPA 70B and how to use it to build an effective and safe operations and maintenance (O&M) program. First: meet your instructors and learn how to access the standard for free online.

  • 1.1 Introduction and Course Overview (06:22 minutes)
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • 1.2 Accessing NFPA 70B (03:05 minutes)
Module 2 • 6 assignments
Origin, Scope, Purpose, and Application

Let's start with the big questions: What is NFPA 70B and what does it cover? How is it structured and how is it used? And how does it interact with other standards that also cover electrical equipment maintenance?

  • 2.1 NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance (03:40 minutes)
  • 2.2 NFPA 70B Does Not (01:30 minutes)
  • 2.3 NFPA Standards Working Together (04:32 minutes)
  • 2.4 Layout of NFPA 70B (02:43 minutes)
  • 2.5 Other Relevant Standards (09:15 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
Module 3 • 5 assignments
The Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP)

NFPA 70B requires that an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) be created, and outlines the key components of a structure that ensures electrical equipment is maintained in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. 

  • 3.1 Fundamentals of an EMP (05:13 minutes)
  • 3.2 Equipment Condition and Inspections (03:31 minutes)
  • 3.3 SLDs, System Studies, and Other Key Docs (03:06 minutes)
  • 3.4 Who is Involved in an EMP? (04:44 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
Module 4 • 6 assignments
Field Testing and Test Methods

NFPA 70B categorizes maintenance tasks into four categories known at test types, and provides guidance on tools, personnel, and record keeping, and how to indicate the condition of equipment in the field.

  • 4.1 Testing Considerations, Tools, and Personnel (03:36 minutes)
  • 4.2 Testing Category Types (04:37 minutes)
  • 4.3 Test Records (02:11 minutes)
  • 4.4 Conditions of Maintenance (03:08 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Additional Reading - Why Calibrate Test Equipment (.pdf)
Module 5 • 5 assignments
Maintenance Intervals and Equipment Condition

Electrical equipment must be maintained according to its physical condition, conditions of use, and safety and/or operational risk. NFPA 70B provides a process for determining maintenance intervals based upon these factors.

  • 5.1 Equipment Condition Assessment (05:44 minutes)
  • 5.2 Maintenance Intervals (02:43 minutes)
  • 5.3 Scope of Work (02:12 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Resource: Summary of NFPA 70B Table 9.2.2 Maintenance Intervals (.pdf)
Module 6 • 4 assignments
Fundamental Tests

NFPA 70B considers three tests fundamental to maintenance: verifying the quality of connections and terminations, verifying insulation resistance, and performing infrared thermography.

  • 6.1 Fundamental Tests (10:34 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Additional Reading - The Complete Guide to Electrical Insulation Resistance Testing (.pdf)
  • Additional Reading - Low Resistance Testing (.pdf)
Module 7 • 3 assignments
Introduction to Equipment-specific Chapters

Chapters 11 - 38 of NFPA 70B provide standard maintenance requirements for specific types of equipment that are incredibly useful, but this information must be interpreted and applied as intended.

  • 7.1 Overview (04:18 minutes)
  • 7.2 Example: Chapter 13 Panelboards and Switchboards (15:22 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
Module 8 • 10 assignments
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

Chapter 30 of NFPA 70B covers PV systems, and works in conjunction with other equipment-specific chapters in NFPA 70B as well as other standards to form an effective maintenance scope of work for entire PV systems.

  • 8.1 Scope, Frequency, Documentation, and Labeling (11:54 minutes)
  • 8.2 Visual Inspection (05:20 minutes)
  • 8.3 Cleaning and Lubrication (03:13 minutes)
  • 8.4 Electrical Testing and Mechanical Servicing (08:48 minutes)
  • 8.5 PV Module Equipment Condition Assessment Examples (06:27 minutes)
  • 8.6 Thermography and PV Systems (11:45 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Additional Reading - Thermal Imaging and PV (.pdf)
  • Additional Reading - Ultimate Safety Guide for Solar PV Connectors (.pdf)
  • Additional Reading - Review of Failures of Photovoltaic Modules (.pdf)
Module 9 • 4 assignments
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) were added to NFPA 70B in the 2023 edition. Chapter 32 provides general maintenance requirements for this broad and evolving category of equipment that can have significant safety concerns.

  • 9.1 Scope, Frequency, and Documentation (05:55 minutes)
  • 9.2 Visual Inspection and Cleaning (03:59 minutes)
  • 9.3 Electrical Testing and Mechanical Servicing (03:04 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
Module 10 • 3 assignments
Electric Vehicle Power Transfer Systems

The unique aspects of electric vehicle charging systems are addressed in Chapter 33 of NFPA 70B: this gear is installed in harsh environments! Expect this chapter to evolve as deployment increases.

  • 10.1 Scope, Frequency, and Documentation (04:43 minutes)
  • 10.2 Visual Inspection and Other Procedures (04:28 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
Module 11 • 2 assignments
Developing Equipment-specific Scopes of Work

Applying standards to work performed in the field can be quite challenging. These examples explore how to use NFPA 70B in conjunction with manufacturer requirements and other standards to develop maintenance scopes of work.

  • 11.1 Example: PV Module Maintenance Scope (15:21 minutes)
  • 11.2 Example: Inverter Maintenance Scope (15:07 minutes)
Module 12 • 6 assignments
Structuring a PV O&M Program Around NFPA 70B

Developing an O&M program starts with an inventory of equipment; then tasks and intervals can be determined, procedures can be developed, and personnel, administrative, and improvement systems can be implemented.

  • 12.1 Key Considerations, Documentation, and Survey of Equipment (14:24 minutes)
  • 12.2 Tasks and Intervals, Procedures, and Personnel (08:08 minutes)
  • 12.3 Administration and Improvement (05:11 minutes)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Additional Reading - O&M Best Practice Guidelines V5.0 (.pdf)
  • Additional Reading - Guidelines for Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Power Plants in Different Climates (.pdf)
Module 13 • 4 assignments
Wrapping It Up

Don't forget the Annexes…lots of great stuff in there. And then let's wrap it up and get you on your way. We hope you've found this course valuable, cheers!

  • 13.1 The Annexes (06:14 minutes)
  • 13.2 Course Wrap Up (50 seconds)
  • Example Forms: Inspection, Service, and Testing (.pdf)
  • Presentation PDF (.pdf)
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Continuing Education Units

Instructors

Brian Mehalic

Senior Consultant, Solar Tech Collective

Brian Mehalic is a NABCEP-certified PV Installation Professional with over 22 years of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and servicing all types and sizes of PV and energy storage systems. He began his career as Lead Technician and Project Manager at EV Solar Products in Arizona then worked as Project Engineer for O2 Energies in North Carolina. He was a...

Alexander Jahp

Senior Consultant, Solar Tech Collective

Alex Jahp joined the solar industry in 2015 out of a passion for the environment, climate change, and sustainable development. He has since worn many hats – and hard hats – with roles in construction, design, and project management on projects from watts to megawatts throughout the US, Peru, and Guatemala. His work has taught him the important role that codes,...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.

$595

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