--- title: "Commercial Electrical Preventive Maintenance Guide" description: "Commercial electrical maintenance guide for facility managers: what to inspect, how thermal scans work, what records to keep, and who does what." url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/commercial-electrical-maintenance publisher: Daniel Electric phone: +1-817-481-8606 quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact --- # Electrical Preventive Maintenance for Commercial Facilities: What to Inspect and Who Does What Commercial electrical preventive maintenance is a planned program of inspection, testing and repair that finds problems before they cause outages, fires or injuries. A good program covers panels, connections, lighting, GFCI devices and emergency lighting, keeps written records, and assigns clear roles to the owner, tenant and electrician. GuideUpdated October 21, 20267 min read ## Plan the work, avoid the outage NFPA says planned shutdowns for maintenance are far better for operations than unplanned outages from equipment failure. ## NFPA 70B is the reference NFPA 70B covers maintenance programs, intervals, testing methods and documentation for commercial and industrial facilities. ## Records make it work A written log of what was checked, found and fixed lets you spot repeat problems and show due care. ## Roles must be clear Owner, tenant and electrician each need defined duties. Gaps in the lease cause missed work. ## Why schedule electrical maintenance for a commercial building? Planned maintenance finds small electrical problems before they become outages, fires or injuries. NFPA says proactive maintenance can improve system reliability and reduce the likelihood of fire, electric shock and arc flash incidents. It also notes that a shutdown planned in advance is far better for operations than an unplanned outage caused by equipment failure. For a facility manager, the case is practical. Electrical systems age. Connections loosen with heat and vibration. Dust and moisture build up. Lights burn out. Breakers wear. None of that shows up on a calendar unless someone looks. The alternative is to wait for something to fail. That usually happens on a busy day, with tenants or customers on site. A schedule moves that work to a time you choose. ### What is a preventive maintenance program? It is a written plan. It lists the equipment, says what to check, says how often, says who does it, and keeps a record. NFPA calls this an electrical maintenance program (EMP). The plan can start small and grow. ## What does NFPA 70B say? NFPA 70B is the Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. NFPA says it gives requirements and guidance for the preventive maintenance of electrical, electronic and communications systems and equipment. It covers how to build a maintenance program, how to set maintenance intervals, which testing methods to use, and how to keep documentation. NFPA says it applies to systems typical of industrial plants, institutional and commercial buildings, and large multifamily residential complexes. A 2023 NFPA article explains that 70B changed from a recommended practice into a standard, which makes it more enforceable. NFPA also lists a 2026 edition. Local enforcement varies, so ask your insurer or the building authority how it is used for your property. This guide is a plain-language overview. It does not replace the standard. A commercial electrician can help you apply it to your site. ## What gets inspected in a commercial electrical maintenance visit? A visit usually covers the main service and distribution equipment, panels and breakers, connections, lighting, GFCI devices, emergency lighting, and exit signs. The exact list depends on your building and equipment. An electrician sets it with you, based on what you have. Here is a sample scope. Treat it as a starting point. Area What the electrician looks for Why it matters Main service and [switchgear](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/switchgear) Heat marks, loose parts, corrosion, dust, labeling Failure here can shut down the whole building Panelboards and breakers Tight connections, damaged breakers, missing covers, clear labels Loose connections create heat Wiring and connections Discolored or damaged conductors and terminals Early sign of overheating Receptacles and [GFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/gfci) devices Working test and reset, damaged outlets Protects people near water and outdoors General and parking lot lighting Dead lamps, failed drivers, photocell operation Safety and security [Emergency lighting](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/emergency-lighting) and exit signs Battery and lamp function, clear access Life-safety systems must work in an outage Transfer switch and backup power Operation, condition, test records Must work when the grid fails Grounding and bonding Visible connections intact Part of shock and fire protection Daniel Electric lists commercial facility maintenance among its services, and backup generator systems on its commercial pages. Our commercial electrician page explains what it offers. ### What can staff check between visits? Staff can do safe, visual checks without opening any equipment. 1. Look for dead or flickering lights and log them. 2. Note breakers that trip often and report them. 3. Watch for warm, buzzing or discolored outlets, plates or panels, and report them at once. 4. Keep the area around panels clear and the doors closed. 5. Test emergency lights and exit signs as the maker’s instructions say. 6. Report water leaks near electrical equipment. Do not open panels, remove covers or touch wiring. Opening live equipment calls for trained, qualified workers. ## What is a thermal scan, and do I need one? A thermal scan uses an infrared camera to see heat in electrical equipment while it runs. Loose or failing connections often run hotter than normal, so a hot spot points to a problem to check. The scan is a way to look without shutting the system down. Our glossary covers [thermal imaging](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/thermal-imaging). Whether you need one depends on your equipment, your risk and your insurer. Ask your electrician. A thermal scan is one tool in a program. It does not replace inspection and testing. A scan only helps if someone acts on it. The report should list each hot spot, where it is, and what to do. Then someone has to schedule and complete the repair, and note it in the log. ## What records should a maintenance program keep? Keep an equipment list, the date and result of each inspection, what was found, what was repaired and when, and copies of any test or scan reports. NFPA lists documentation practices as part of 70B. Records let you see repeat failures, plan budgets, and answer questions from insurers or inspectors. A simple log works well. Column Example entry Equipment Panel in the electrical room, labeled by name Date inspected The date of the visit Who inspected Company and electrician Finding What was seen, in plain words Action Repaired, replaced, monitored or none Date closed The day the fix was finished NFPA’s 70B update adds a requirement to set a timeline so repairs are not delayed. A log that shows open items makes that easy to track. ## Who does what: owner, tenant and electrician? The lease decides, and many leases are vague. A clear split avoids missed work. Write it down and review it when a tenant changes or the building changes. Role Common duties (confirm in your lease) Owner or property manager Main service, common-area lighting, parking lot lighting, building systems, scheduling visits Tenant Equipment and circuits inside the leased space, reporting problems, access for the electrician Licensed electrician Inspect, test, repair and report in writing; follow safe work practices Insurer or building authority May set requirements; ask what they expect Tenant finish-outs and changes add new circuits and loads. After any finish-out, update the equipment list. A load calculation checks that the service can carry what has been added. ### Why must a licensed electrician do the work? Texas law requires that non-exempt electrical work be done by licensed people working through a licensed electrical contractor. Our guide on [hiring a licensed electrician in Texas](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/hire-a-licensed-electrician-texas) shows how to verify a license. Safety also matters. Electricians isolate and lock out equipment before they work on it. OSHA says proper lockout/tagout practices safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases. Never ask staff to do this work. ## What should you ask before signing a maintenance agreement? Ask what is included, how often, and what you get in writing. A maintenance agreement should name the equipment covered, the tasks at each visit, the report format, and how urgent findings are handled. Compare offers on scope, not on length. Two agreements with the same name can cover very different work. Questions worth asking: 1. Which buildings, panels and systems are covered, and which are not? 2. What happens at each visit, and how long does it take? 3. Will you work around business hours to limit disruption? 4. How are urgent findings reported, and how fast? 5. Will we get a written report with photos or scan images? 6. Who schedules the repairs that come out of an inspection? 7. What is the warranty on repair work? See the warranty page for Daniel Electric’s published terms. A good partner will also tell you what is outside the agreement, such as work that needs a permit or a utility shutdown. ## How should you start a program? Start simple, and build from what you learn. 1. List the electrical equipment in each building: service, panels, transfer switches, lighting and emergency systems. 2. Ask a licensed commercial electrician to walk the site and recommend a scope and schedule. 3. Fix urgent items first, such as damaged equipment and failed life-safety lighting. 4. Set recurring visits and write them on the calendar. 5. Start the log and keep it up to date. 6. Review the plan once a year and after any major change. For a lighting-specific plan, see our [parking lot lighting repair guide](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/parking-lot-lighting-repair-guide). For a wider look at business electrical work, read the pillar guide on [commercial electrical services](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/commercial-electrical-services). We also have a post on [quarterly electrical checks for facility managers](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/blog/facility-manager-quarterly-electrical-checks). We do not publish prices. The scope, the number of buildings and the age of the equipment drive the quote. Daniel Electric describes itself as family owned and operated, serving the area since 1988, and lists commercial facility maintenance as a service. ## Next step See our [commercial electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/commercial-electrician) page, then call Daniel Electric at (817) 481-8606 or use the quote form at [/contact](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact) to talk about a maintenance plan for your building. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is electrical preventive maintenance? It is a planned program of inspecting, testing, cleaning and repairing electrical equipment on a schedule, before it fails. The goal is fewer outages and lower fire and shock risk. NFPA 70B is the national standard that guides how facilities build such a program. ### What is NFPA 70B? NFPA 70B is the Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. NFPA says it gives requirements and guidance for the preventive maintenance of electrical, electronic and communications systems. It covers program development, maintenance intervals, testing methods and documentation. It applies to industrial plants, institutional and commercial buildings and large multifamily complexes. ### What is a thermal scan of electrical equipment? A thermal scan uses an infrared camera to find hot spots in panels, switchgear and connections while they are under load. Loose or failing connections often run hotter than normal. The scan helps an electrician decide what to tighten, repair or replace, without taking the system down. ### Who is responsible for electrical maintenance, the owner or the tenant? The lease decides. Owners often keep the building systems, such as the main service and common areas. Tenants often keep equipment inside their space. Read the lease and write down who maintains which panels, lights and circuits. Vague wording is where maintenance gets missed. ### How often should commercial electrical equipment be inspected? NFPA 70B uses maintenance intervals based on equipment type, condition and how critical it is. No single schedule fits every site. A licensed commercial electrician can build a plan around your equipment, your hours and your risk. Review it whenever the building changes. ### What records should I keep? Keep an equipment list, the date and result of each inspection, what was found, what was repaired and when, and any test or scan reports. NFPA says documentation practices are part of a maintenance program. Good records help you see repeat failures and support insurance and code questions. ## Terms on this page - [Emergency lighting](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/emergency-lighting) - [Flickering lights](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/flickering-lights) - [Load calculation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/load-calculation) - [Thermal imaging](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/thermal-imaging) - [Transfer switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/transfer-switch) - [Switchgear](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/switchgear) - [Grounding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding) - [Photocell](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/photocell) - [NFPA 70B](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70b) - [Bonding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/bonding) ## Sources 1. [NFPA: NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance](https://www.nfpa.org/product/nfpa-70b-standard-for-electrical-equipment-maintenance/p0070bcode) 2. [NFPA: NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance (purpose)](https://www.nfpa.org/product/nfpa-70b-standard-for-electrical-equipment-maintenance/p0070bcode) 3. [NFPA: Beyond the NEC, NFPA 70B is a Critical Tool for Reliability and Electrical Safety](https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2023/03/08/nfpa-70b-is-a-critical-tool-for-reliability-and-safety) 4. [OSHA: Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)](https://www.osha.gov/control-hazardous-energy) Written by Daniel Electric and checked against the sources above on October 21, 2026. City rules and product guidance change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Five Electrical Items a Facility Manager Should Check QuarterlyEach quarter, look at five things you can see without opening equipment: panel areas, lighting, cords and strips, labels, and your maintenance records. Do not open panels or touch live parts. Send anything that looks hot, damaged, or unexplained to a licensed commercial electrician.](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/blog/facility-manager-quarterly-electrical-checks) - [Commercial electrical services for DFW facilities: maintenance, lighting, finish‑outs and new constructionCommercial electrical work keeps a building safe, lit and running. It covers facility maintenance, repairs, lighting and parking lot lighting, tenant finish-outs and new construction. Plan maintenance before things fail, give your electrician clear drawings and access, and ask for a written scope and schedule.](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/commercial-electrical-services) - [Commercial Parking Lot Lighting: Repair, Replace or Retrofit to LEDWhen parking lot lights go dark, find the failed part first: photocell, driver or ballast, fixture, wiring or breaker. Repair a single fault. Replace fixtures that keep failing. Consider an LED retrofit when many aging fixtures need work. Have a licensed electrician handle poles, circuits and any live power.](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/parking-lot-lighting-repair-guide) - [How to Hire a Licensed Electrician in Texas, and How to Check a License on TDLRTexas requires anyone doing non-exempt electrical work to be licensed and to work through a licensed electrical contractor. Ask for the contractor's license number, look it up on the TDLR license search, and get a written estimate with the company name, address, phone and license number.](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/hire-a-licensed-electrician-texas) - [Home Electrical Safety Checklist for North Texas Homes: Room by RoomWalk your home room by room and look for damaged cords, warm plates, overloaded outlets, missing GFCI protection, and alarms that are old or untested. Fix simple habits yourself. Call a licensed electrician for anything inside a panel, outlet box or wall, or for warning signs such as burning smells.](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/home-electrical-safety-checklist) - [Electrical panels and service upgrades: what they are, when to act, and who does whatAn electrical panel splits the power that enters your home into separate circuits and protects each one with a breaker. Repair fits a failed part. Replacement fits an old, damaged, recalled or overloaded panel. A service upgrade raises the power your home can draw. A licensed electrician must do all three.](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/electrical-panels-and-service-upgrades) TECL #21005 · Family owned since 1988 ## Need an electrician in Southlake? Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free. [Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact) ![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)