Explore NFPA 70B 2026 updates: Continuous monitoring, cybersecurity and transfer switch maintenance

3 key changes to 2026 NFPA 70B

1. Continuous thermal monitoring as a recognized alternative

Section 7.4.5 (Infrared Thermography) was revised to clarify that permanently installed temperature measurement devices may be used to satisfy thermal inspection requirements historically met through field-performed 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 while reducing the need for interaction by electrical workers with energized equipment.

While infrared thermography has long been an effective diagnostic tool, it is inherently exposure-based. The inspection requires physical access to energized equipment, manual removal of covers and the presence of qualified electrical workers—activities that expose them to arc flash and shock hazards. From a risk‑management perspective, this approach relies heavily on administrative controls and PPE, which occupy the lower tiers of the hierarchy of risk controls. Additionally, because infrared thermography is typically performed at scheduled intervals and under limited load conditions, they may fail to identify intermittent, load‑dependent or rapidly evolving fault conditions.

Continuous thermal monitoring (CTM) addresses these limitations by fundamentally changing how thermal inspections are performed—from a task that exposes electrical workers to hazards to an engineered control that removes the exposure altogether. Permanently installed sensors provide real-time, around-the-clock thermal data, enabling early detection of evolving or developing transient conditions that periodic inspections may miss. By eliminating the routine need to open energized equipment, CTM mitigates risk at the highest practical levels of the hierarchy of controls—favoring hazard elimination and engineering controls over procedural safeguards. At the same time, CTM supports modern predictive maintenance strategies by enabling condition‑based, data‑driven decision‑making, allowing maintenance to be scheduled proactively when degradation is detected rather than relying solely on time‑based inspection intervals.

2. New guidance for the maintenance of transfer switches

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 and reliably transfer electrical loads between two power sources—often under abnormal or emergency operating conditions.

As a result, they are designed and evaluated to specialized performance and safety standards that reflect their importance in applications where reliability, life safety and business continuity are essential. This addition ensures that maintenance practices are aligned with the unique operational and risk characteristics of transfer switch equipment, supporting safer operation and more dependable system performance. 

3. New focus on cybersecurity

As operational technology (OT) systems become increasingly integrated with enterprise networks and cloud platforms, the importance of OT cybersecurity continues to grow. Section 4.2.4.2 (11) of NFPA 70B 2026 introduces a dedicated OT cybersecurity risk assessment as a required element of the electrical maintenance program in environments where industrial control or OT systems extend beyond isolated, non-networked interfaces. Without proper commissioning and hardening, these systems can present exploitable entry points for cyber threats that directly impact electrical system reliability and safety.

Many of today’s most exploited vulnerabilities originate from assets that fall outside traditional IT security oversight. Securing these often-overlooked "soft targets" is essential to protecting both operational continuity and employee safety. A single unmitigated 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.

Eaton strongly advocates for a proactive, risk-based approach to OT cybersecurity, including secure commissioning and hardening of new industrial control systems, comprehensive cybersecurity assessments of existing OT assets and the integration of OT cybersecurity risk evaluations into the ongoing electrical maintenance program. As OT environments become more interconnected and exposed, prioritizing their security is no longer optional; it is essential and mandated by NFPA 70B.

Why the shift toward continuous monitoring matters

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 electrical workers to arc flash and shock hazards.

Continuous monitoring technologies can help address these challenges by delivering:

• Constant intelligence on equipment health and overall system performance
• Improved safety by reducing or eliminating personnel exposure to energized systems
• Increased productivity through extremely targeted, predictive and condition-based maintenance

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 builds on that momentum.

Safer electrical maintenance programs start with continuous monitoring

With the latest updates to the standard, 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:

• Exertherm by Eaton CTM sensors provide real‑time temperature visibility at critical electrical connections, enabling early identification of abnormal heating conditions before they escalate into safety hazards, equipment damage or unplanned downtime.
• Eaton’s GearGard™ environmental monitoring for low-voltage switchgear provides continuous monitoring of critical environmental conditions—including temperature, humidity, dew point, smoke and dust—to help maintain optimal operating environments and protect equipment reliability. With both local and remote monitoring, GearGard enables early awareness of adverse conditions before they impact equipment performance.
• Eaton Motor Analytics for Asset Performance Management can help maintenance teams improve productivity and make better decisions by providing early detection of the most common motor and pump failure modes – without installing condition monitoring sensors directly on the motor.
• Intelligent automatic transfer switch controllers now support inspection schedules, generate alerts and guide maintenance tasks in alignment with NFPA 70B requirements.

The future of NFPA 70B and continuous monitoring

With the recent release of the 2026 edition of NFPA 70B, now is the perfect time to evaluate 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 safety risks and costs associated with routine maintenance.

Continuous monitoring is quickly setting a new standard for electrical reliability and electrical worker protection. The 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.

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