With the new revision of NFPA 70B, more companies across every industry now want to use digital technologies and services to enhance their operations, meet their business goals, and comply with leading industry standards — higher uptime, increased production rates, decreased energy use, etc. Yet, 77% indicate that the pace of data intelligence digitally collected by their assets is outpacing the skills of those responsible for using the data. Furthermore, many companies don’t have the capacity to manage their own data, let alone use it to improve their outcomes.

During this webcast on Oct. 19, 2023, Alfredo Arriola discussed how data and digitalization can deliver critical business outcomes ranging from safety and compliance to resilience and reliability, from efficiency and optimization to sustainability.

Additional questions were answered by Alfredo Arriola, Regional Sales Manager, Schneider Electric.

Question: What are the key benefits of implementing digital monitoring of electrical assets, and how do they contribute to enhancing safety and achieving critical business outcomes in various industries?

Answer: They increase reliability and decrease downtime events (planned and unplanned).

Question: What practical advantages do digital electrical networks offer, and how do they specifically enhance safety in line with industry standards?

Answer: The KEY benefit is the ability to capture data, analyze it and provide insights based on that data.

Question: How do advancements in technology and digital instrumentation enhance effectiveness of digital monitoring systems in meeting NFPA 70B guidelines for maintenance and safety in electrical installations?

Answer: Overall, advancements in technology and digital instrumentation empower digital monitoring systems to provide real-time data, early fault detection, predictive maintenance capabilities, remote monitoring and historical data analysis. These features enhance the effectiveness of monitoring electrical installations, improving maintenance practices and ensuring safety compliance as per NFPA 70B guidelines.

Question: In what ways does digital monitoring align with NFPA 70B maintenance best practices, and how does this alignment contribute to minimizing downtime and preventing electrical failures?

Answer: It aligns because in order to drive the outcomes and promises of the standard, designing with digital in mind is a MUST. We cannot run away from it anymore.

Question: Can you provide examples of successful integration of digital monitoring in adherence to NFPA 70B within industries with high-risk electrical environments, showcasing its impact on safety and operational efficiency?

Answer: BASF, Nestle Foods, Astra Zeneca, Mercedes Benz, University of Rochester Medical Center, Hyatt Hotels — ALL are public about their results and their achieved outcomes.

Question: Considering the evolving landscape of electrical safety standards, how does the adoption of digital monitoring keep pace with NFPA 70B revisions, ensuring continued compliance and optimal asset management in critical industries?

Answer: By adopting digital monitoring systems, critical industries can leverage the benefits of flexibility, remote updates, customizable alerts, data analytics and integration to keep pace with NFPA 70B revisions. This ensures continued compliance with evolving electrical safety standards while enabling optimal asset management practices.

Question: What code requires NFPA 70B and in which states?

Answer: NFPA 70B covers equipment maintenance and should be used in conjunction with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

Question: Do you have specific SCADA software that you can “certify” to be used with these smart devices? Something that can communicate to them properly?

Answer: Yes, EcoStruxture Power Monitoring Expert and Power SCADA Expert.

Question: What standard communication protocols are used for the digital solution?

Answer: Modbus RTU but preferred is Modbus TCP for most sensors and instrumentation; IEC61850 for relays and meters; some wireless protocols for some sensors (i.e., Zigbee, LoRA).

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