Field Evaluation Bodies
SDAB gives certification to handle assessment bodies (FEB) in view of prerequisites in the SDAB Authorization Rules for Field Assessment of Unlisted Electrical Hardware , ISO/IEC 17020 and NFPA Guidelines. SDAB certify FEBs are able to assess unlisted electrical gear in the field. The SDAB Authorization helps the Authority Having Locale (AHJ) to assess and support unlisted electrical hardware in the field. Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs) are third-party organizations that assess unlisted or modified electrical equipment on-site to verify compliance with safety standards, primarily following NFPA 790 and NFPA 791 guidelines. These bodies emerged to standardize field evaluations previously handled informally by inspectors, ensuring competency in procedures, training, and reporting.
Key Standards
FEBs adhere to NFPA 790 for organizational competency and NFPA 791 for evaluation procedures of unlabeled equipment. Accreditation from bodies like ANAB, A2LA, or IAS confirms their proficiency, often including ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection operations.
Role in Compliance
FEBs fill gaps left by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), which focus on factory certifications rather than one-time field approvals. Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) rely on accredited FEB reports to approve installations without full lab testing.
Differences from NRTLs
What is Required Field Evaluation Bodies
Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs) require accreditation to specific standards to demonstrate competency in evaluating unlisted electrical equipment on-site. Core requirements include compliance with NFPA 790 for organizational and personnel competency, NFPA 791 for evaluation procedures, and often ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection body operations.
Accreditation Process
Accreditation bodies like A2LA, ANAB, IAS, or SCC assess FEBs through on-site audits of quality systems, technical procedures, and witnessed field evaluations. Programs combine ISO/IEC 17020 with NFPA standards, covering scopes like power distribution, industrial controls, and hazardous location equipment.
Key Competency Areas
- Personnel: Qualified evaluators with training in relevant standards, equipment calibration, and reporting.
- Procedures: Documented methods for risk assessment, testing, labeling, and AHJ coordination per ILAC P15 guidelines.
- Quality System: Management reviews, impartiality controls, and complaint handling aligned with ISO/IEC 17020.
Scope Categories
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Power Distribution <600V | Panels, switchgear |
| Power Distribution >600V | High-voltage equipment |
| Industrial Control | Motors, drives |
| Hazardous Locations | Explosion-proof gear |
Who is Required Field Evaluation Bodies
Accrediting bodies for Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs) include ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation), International Accreditation Service (IAS), and Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
Primary Accreditors
These organizations conduct audits to verify FEB compliance with NFPA 790, NFPA 791, and ISO/IEC 17020. ANAB’s SR 2441 program supplements ISO standards for robust field evaluations.
Roles and Coverage
- ANAB and A2LA offer ILAC MRA-recognized scopes for global acceptance.
- IAS assesses quality systems and field performance per AC354 criteria.
- SCC handles Canadian special inspections.
Selection Factors
Accredited FEBs provide AHJs with evidence of technical competence across scopes like power distribution and hazardous locations. NRTLs may offer FEB services but require separate NFPA accreditation.
When is Required Field Evaluation Bodies
Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs) are required when unlisted, modified, refurbished, or custom electrical equipment cannot receive standard NRTL certification and needs on-site safety verification.
Triggering Scenarios
AHJs mandate FEB involvement for field installations lacking appropriate labeling, such as one-off prototypes, repairs, or alterations to listed gear. Evaluations occur post-installation but before energization, ensuring compliance with NEC or local codes.
Process Timeline
- Request: AHJ directs owner to accredited FEB.
- Evaluation: On-site testing and documentation within days to weeks.
- Reporting: FEB issues label and report for AHJ approval, typically immediate to 48 hours.
Where is Required Field Evaluation Bodies
Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs) are primarily required in the United States, where state and local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) enforce their use under the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Primary Jurisdictions
All 50 US states recognize accredited FEBs for on-site approvals, with listings maintained by bodies like Ohio BBS, Washington LNI, and California localities. Services extend to Canada via SCC-accredited FEBs.
Operational Locations
FEBs like UL, Intertek, TÜV SÜD, CSA, and QAI operate nationwide from hubs including:
- Northeast: Northbrook IL (UL), Peabody MA (TÜV SÜD), York PA (Intertek).
- West: Rancho Cucamonga CA (QAI), Las Vegas NV (LabTest), Vancouver WA (UL).
- Field teams provide mobile evaluations anywhere in North America.
How is Required Field Evaluation Bodies
Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs) are accredited through a structured process involving audits against NFPA 790, NFPA 791, and ISO/IEC 17020 standards.
Accreditation Steps
Applicants submit documentation on quality systems, personnel qualifications, and procedures to accreditors like A2LA, ANAB, or IAS. This leads to office audits, followed by witnessed field evaluations to verify competency.
Evaluation Process
On request from AHJs, FEBs inspect unlisted equipment on-site: assess risks, perform tests (visual, electrical, thermal), document findings, and apply labels if compliant. Reports go to AHJs for final approval.
Ongoing Requirements
Annual surveillance audits and scope expansions ensure continued proficiency; recertification every 2-5 years.
Case Study on Field Evaluation Bodies
Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs) feature in case studies involving custom electrical installations, such as large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems where non-listed equipment requires on-site approval.
PV Power Facility Example
In solar projects under NEC Section 690.5 (noted as 691.5 in some contexts), AHJs require FEBs for custom inverters or combiners lacking NRTL listings. Lewis Bass, an FEB, evaluates shock/fire risks, applies field labels post-modifications, enabling AHJ sign-off and energization.
Custom Equipment Approval
Intertek case studies highlight FEBs assessing prototypes: engineers review construction, perform non-destructive tests, verify markings/interlocks, and issue reports for one-of-a-kind gear like industrial controls. This avoids full lab recertification delays.
White paper on Field Evaluation Bodies
NFPA 790 and NFPA 791 serve as foundational documents outlining Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs), akin to white papers on competency standards for third-party evaluations.
Core Guidelines
NFPA 790 details organizational qualifications, personnel training, and quality management for FEBs, while NFPA 791 covers procedures for unlabeled equipment assessments like testing and labeling. These extracted NEC Article 100 references emphasize impartiality and technical scopes such as power distribution and hazardous locations.
Key Insights
Documents stress FEBs’ role in bridging NRTL gaps for custom gear, with accreditation ensuring AHJ acceptance. In Compliance Magazine’s overview highlights eight equipment categories requiring evaluations.
Industrial Application of Field Evaluation Bodies
Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs) apply in industrial settings for verifying safety of unlisted or custom equipment like control panels, motor drives, and power distribution systems in manufacturing, energy, and automation.
Manufacturing Sector
FEBs assess factory automation gear, industrial control panels, machine tools, and robotics for compliance with UL standards and NEC codes during on-site installations. This ensures safe operation of production lines without factory recertification delays.
Energy and Utilities
In renewables, oil/gas, and power generation, FEBs evaluate standby generators, switchgear, solar inverters, wind turbines, and energy storage systems (ESS) for hazards like arcing or overheating. Evaluations cover low/medium-voltage distribution in facilities like data centers or substations.
