EC&M Tech Talk Video — Changes to the 2024 NFPA 70E

Dec. 1, 2023

Randy Barnett covers the most significant changes to this important standard for electrical safety in Episode 33.

In Episode 33 of “EC&M Tech Talks,” Randy Barnett, a journeyman electrician, inspector, author, trainer, and NFPA-certified electrical safety compliance professional, discusses the recent changes to the NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

Randy first answers if workplaces need to revise your electrical safety program to comply with the 2024 NFPA 70E? One of the most important changes — and one we were probably performing in the field already — is a requirement for the live-dead-live to be performed at the point of work. Other changes includes terminology revisions for clarity, minor changes to the shock protection boundaries, and the addition of a new Informative Annex regarding electrical maintenance.

Some may consider the changes to be minor regarding this new, thirteenth edition of the NFPA 70E. Any ANSI-approved standard governing how we work in the field and what we document in written programs and procedures must be adhered to for not only for compliance, but also for worker safety. So grab your NFPA 70E Standard, a red pen, and prepare to learn.

About the Author

Randy Barnett | CEA

Randy Barnett is an NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Professional, a long-time journeyman electrician, instructor and author with expertise in industrial electrical construction and maintenance. He is Electrical Codes & Safety Manager for NTT Training. Because of his ability to develop and deliver quality programs, Randy has trained more than 10,000 students in all 50 states, including Canada, Singapore, Afghanistan, Dubai, Trinidad, and Saudi Arabi. His articles appear in numerous trade publications and, his book on "Commercial and Industrial Wiring" is used as an entry-level text in many electrician training programs. Randy also appears at various corporate and trade association speaking engagements and consults on training program design and implementation. Randy is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School, served as a nuclear electrician in submarines and holds a B.S. in business.