Why Switchgear Testing Is Essential for NFPA 70E, NEC, and NETA Compliance

In today’s high-risk electrical environments, compliance with NFPA 70E, NEC,
and NETA standards is essential—not only for safety but also for operational reliability and
insurance eligibility. At the core of this compliance is one mission-critical task: routine
switchgear testing and commissioning.

NFPA 70E: Safeguarding Workers from Arc Flash Hazards

NFPA 70E establishes the standards for electrical safety in the workplace, particularly in
preventing arc flash incidents. For compliance, facility owners must:

 Conduct regular arc flash risk assessments
 Implement hazard labeling on all relevant electrical equipment
 Maintain documented test results for switchgear performance

Accurate and timely switchgear testing provides the data required for hazard calculations and
labeling that protects workers and meets regulatory requirements.

NEC: Ensuring Safe and Code-Compliant Installations

The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the benchmark for safe electrical design and
installation. While NEC does not prescribe exact maintenance intervals, it mandates that

electrical systems—including low and medium voltage switchgear—be installed and
maintained in a condition that ensures safe operation.
By proactively testing and commissioning your switchgear, you validate NEC compliance while
avoiding issues tied to improper grounding, insulation failure, or breaker malfunction.

NETA: Industry Best Practices for Testing

NETA ATS (Acceptance Testing Specification) and NETA MTS (Maintenance Testing
Specification) define rigorous standards for verifying switchgear condition and performance.
This includes:
 Insulation resistance testing
 Breaker timing and contact resistance
 CT/PT accuracy and relay function verification

Following these standards ensures your system is ready to perform under both normal and fault
conditions.
How AK&J Electric Helps You Stay Compliant

At AK&J Electric, we specialize in code-compliant testing and commissioning for low and
medium voltage systems. Our services include:

 Full NETA-compliant switchgear testing
 Arc flash data support for NFPA 70E studies
 Maintenance plans tailored to NEC requirements
 Clear, detailed reporting for engineering and safety teams

Don’t wait for an incident to reveal a hidden issue.

Contact AK&J Electric today to schedule your switchgear evaluation and ensure your systems
meet NFPA 70E, NEC, and NETA standards.
Contact us to request a quote to get started.