A home is one of the largest investments someone can make. With the cost of new or replacement electrical equipment and remodeling costs, and with new home values escalating, periodic maintenance of an electrical system is one of the best methods to fight inflation and protect that investment. 

In September 2023’s column “Peace of Mind,” I wrote about maintenance requirements for dwellings, and in January’s “Maintenance Is Not Optional,” I covered end-of-life of the electrical system in a residence. Here are some more maintenance and servicing requirements in the National Electrical Code.

Section 110.17 is new in the 2023 NEC, dealing with electrical equipment servicing and maintenance. The addition of servicing and maintenance requirements is unique within the NEC since it is an installation standard. There are other NFPA documents that deal with maintenance requirements, such as NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance.

The “why” behind it all

The purpose of NFPA 70B is to provide for the practical safeguarding of persons, property and processes from the risks associated with failure, breakdown or malfunction and a means to establish a condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems for safety and reliability. The purpose of the NEC is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. 

Section 110.17 states: “Servicing and electrical preventive maintenance must be performed by qualified persons trained in servicing and maintenance of equipment. The servicing and electrical preventive maintenance must be performed in accordance with the original equipment manufacturer’s instructions and information included in the listing information, any applicable industry standards, or as approved by the authority having jurisdiction.” 

Most electrical inspectors would not be involved in preventive maintenance unless pertinent parts are being replaced and a permit is required.

Section 110.17 continues, “The servicing and electrical preventive maintenance must be performed using identified replacement parts that are verified under applicable product standards. The replacement parts must comply with at least one of the following: be provided by the original equipment manufacturer; be designed by an engineer experienced in the design of replacement parts for the type of equipment being serviced or maintained; or be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.” 

Using substandard parts or those not intended for an application could result in fire or electrocution.

Keeping with the times

An informational note at the bottom of 110.17 states, “For equipment that is not listed or field labeled, or for which components are no longer available from the original equipment manufacturer, one way to determine suitability is to review the documentation that accompanies the replacement parts.” 

Qualified electrical contractors and their service personnel can evaluate the electrical equipment parts and make recommendations as to the suitability of the replacement parts when originals are no longer available.

Most homes have ground-fault circuit-­interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and circuit breakers that require manual testing at least once a month. While many homeowners do not pay attention to this, some newer GFCI receptacles are designed to self-test. Self-testing outlets have a green LED light to indicate that the devices are working properly. If no light is showing, that indicates there is no power to the outlet and the GFCI may be in a tripped state. A red light indicates that it’s time to replace the GFCI.

Backstops for safety

Without testing the GFCIs, there is no guarantee they are functioning correctly and providing protection. However, even when testing occurs, it is possible for an undetected failure or malfunction to occur between tests without the circuit’s owner or user knowing. For that reason, UL made changes to UL Standard 943, making it mandatory that every GFCI manufactured after June 29, 2015, feature an internal self-test and a reverse line-load misfire function.

New homes have a warranty period of anywhere from 1–2 years, and there are companies that will provide additional service for the electrical system. As stated in 110.17, make sure anyone providing service for the electrical system is properly qualified.

shutterstock / Jacek Kita