Author name: Jai Nang

What is NFPA 790/791? NFPA 790 – Standard for Competency of 3rd Party Field Evaluation Bodies NFPA 791 – Recommended Practice and Procedures for Unlabeled Electrical Equipment Evaluation were published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2013. Together, NFPA 790 and 791 act as guidance documents for AHJs and offer a recommended framework for managing the evaluation and labeling process for uncertified electrical equipment. Prior to the publication of NFPA 790 and 791, AHJs did not have a formal process for recognizing Field Evaluation Bodies. NFPA 790 and 791 are resources which AHJs can use to manage field evaluation activities and formally recognize third parties performing field evaluations in their jurisdictions. Both standards are significant to the 2017 National Electric Code (NFPA 70) which for the first time references Field Evaluation Bodies (FEB). What is an FEB What do they do and why are they important? FEBs are third-party conformity assessment bodies which evaluate unlisted electrical equipment to determine compliance with national product safety standards. They are referred to as Field Evaluation Bodies because the evaluations take place on-site at points of installation rather than in a laboratory-setting. They fill the gap for equipment that is not subject to a traditional certification or safety listing.

The world of hazardous locations can be challenging to navigate as combustible dusts, flammable gases, mists or vapors can all contribute to potentially explosive atmospheres in the workplace. All equipment manufactured for use in explosive atmospheres must be suitably marked and there are many requirements that electrical equipment must comply with, not only before installation, but also while in use in potentially explosive atmospheres. To provide quick and easy access to this information, our guides to Hazardous Location Certification & Markings gives you simple at-a-glance guidance covering all aspects of  Markings, frequently referenced Standards, industry acronyms, and additional resource sections. The Hazardous Locations Certification & Markings guide posters are a valuable resource for both by people new to the industry as a learning tool, as well as by seasoned engineers.

Helping you understand best practices in designing for compliance & reliability to help you develop, improve and maintain quality products, components and systems. Regulations governing product compliance worldwide, evolve to ensure that products do not represent harm or hazards to users and will perform as intended according to applicable standards. Implementing practices that address compliance considerations throughout the design phase can minimize design errors, reduce time to market and reduce costs prior to product release. In the 2025 Design for Compliance & Reliability Seminar, you’ll learn about planning for compliance throughout the entire design phase of product development. Testing and design experts from different laboratories will present critical insights and best practices into designing for compliance and reliability in a full day of workshops to help you effectively design and deliver mature products to market quickly and cost-effectively.