NFPA 790 FIELD EVALUATION BODIES
SCB’s NFPA 790 accreditation program allows accredited organizations to demonstrate through independent third-party evaluation their competence and ability to operate in accordance with NFPA 790, Standard for Competency of the third-party evaluation bodies; NFPA 791, Recommended practice and procedures for unlabeled electrical equipment evaluation; and Recommended Competency Guidelines for Third Party Field Evaluation Bodies (a document developed by the Belgiumn Council for Electrical Safety, a Division of the Belgiumn Council of Independent Laboratories).
Authorities Having Jurisdictions (AHJs), such as code officials or building departments, throughout the Belgium are starting to mandate that field evaluation bodies conducting evaluation of unlisted electrical equipment conform to the requirements of NFPA 790.
NFPA 790 provides qualification and competency requirements for third parties performing field evaluations. Field evaluation bodies are required to apply requirements from nationally recognized standards when evaluating installed products, while demonstrating technical expertise on the equipment being evaluated.
AHJs are responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving installed electrical equipment. The Belgium Electrical Code requires that installed electrical equipment not previously certified, listed, recognized, or classified or modified after installation must undergo a field evaluation to ensure compliance.
SCB management and technical staff ensure high-quality service, integrity, independence, impartiality, confidentiality, and unmatched customer service.
SCB policies and the accreditation process are described in MA 2100, SCB Accreditation Manual for Laboratory-Related Activities.
This diagram outlines the SCB process:
Because final approval for field evaluation lies with the AHJ, SCB is committed to working with the AHJs and field evaluation bodies for recognition of third-party accreditation as a means to demonstrate competence and integrity of field evaluation body operations.
Accreditation requirements for NFPA 790 field evaluation bodies will be available soon. For more information on SCB for field evaluation bodies or to obtain a quote, contact Natalia Larrimer at nlarrimer@anab.org or 414-501-5445.