If you’ve heard of Electrical Preventative Maintenance (EPM) but aren’t exactly sure what’s involved or why it matters, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing — EPM isn’t just a checklist item. It’s one of the most important things you can do to keep your facility safe and operational.
This quick-read guide walks through:
What EPM actually includes
Why it’s critical for safety and uptime
What risks you face by skipping it
What EPM Really Involves
Think of EPM as routine checkups for your electrical system — but more thorough and technical than flipping a breaker and calling it a day. It includes:
Infrared Thermography: Scans for hot spots in live panels — a sign of loose or overloaded connections.
Breaker Testing: Ensures circuit breakers will actually trip when needed.
Torque + Clean: Tightens all connections and removes dust/corrosion that could spark failures.
Visual Inspections: Identifies signs of wear, overheating, or potential failure.
Advanced Testing: Arc flash analysis, ultrasonic listening, relay calibration, etc., as needed.
Why It Matters: Safety + Reliability
EPM isn’t just about maintenance — it’s about protecting people, assets, and uptime.
Safety First
Poorly maintained systems = higher risk of arc flashes, fires, and shocks.
Regular maintenance reduces the chances of serious electrical injuries.
Avoid Costly Downtime
Loose connections cause 30%+ of electrical failures.
EPM catches these issues before they shut down operations.
Extend Equipment Life
Dust, heat, and loose parts wear gear out faster.
EPM keeps everything running cool, clean, and efficient.
Stay Compliant
NFPA 70B now makes EPM a required standard, not just a recommendation.
No maintenance records = potential OSHA issues, legal liability, or fines.
 🧾 Bonus Benefit: Insurance Advantages
A documented EPM program shows insurers you’re managing risk — this can mean:
After an electrical fire or outage, insurers often check maintenance history.
Preventative maintenance protects more than your equipment — it protects your coverage.
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What Happens If You Skip It?
Here’s what you risk without a proper EPM program:
Arc Flashes – Breakers that haven’t been serviced might not trip in time.
Fire Hazards – Dust and loose wiring create real ignition risks.
Unplanned Outages – Failed components mean surprise downtime.
Higher Costs – You’ll pay more in emergency service and replacements.
Legal + Safety Liabilities – No maintenance = big trouble if something goes wrong.
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The Bottom Line
If you’re responsible for safety or facility operations, EPM is one of the smartest risk-reduction moves you can make.
It:
Keeps your people safe
Prevents surprise outages
Extends the life of your electrical system
Helps with insurance, compliance, and peace of mind
Safe systems don’t stay that way by accident — they stay that way through preventative maintenance.
Interested in EPM for your facility? Contact Suburban Electric today.
