A Field Evaluation Body (FEB) is an organization that follows the standardized procedures for field evaluations spelled out by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) in the standards NFPA 790, and NFPA 791 referenced below. These requirements are a beginning step in regulating the previously unregulated approval scheme known as Field Evaluations, 3rd Party Approvals, or sometimes UL Recertifications.
The Origin of Field Evaluation Bodies
Historically, field evaluations of unlisted or unapproved electrical equipment were performed by individuals or organizations known as “third-party inspectors” or “field evaluation labs.”
In 2013, NFPA published NFPA 790, Standard for Competency of Third-Party Field Evaluation Bodies, which essentially defined third-party inspectors or field evaluation labs as Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs).
This standard was the first—and remains the only—nationally recognized document that establishes a set of minimum requirements for entities performing field evaluations. This standard and its sister standard, NFPA 791 Recommended Practice and Procedures for Unlabeled Equipment Evaluation, are the only guidelines available that address who is qualified to perform field evaluations and how they should be performed
FEB Accreditation
FEBs can be accredited to NFPA 790 and 791, which covers not only the competency of the organization, but also the process for conducting field evaluations.
Accreditation demonstrates knowledge, consistency, and proficiency in several different areas of the FEB’s operations. The accreditation process assesses an FEB’s field evaluation procedures, personnel knowledge and training, as well as competency for different product categories.
FEBs that earn accreditation have demonstrated they have the documentation and processes to successfully train evaluators, and they have the internal procedures necessary to deliver consistent, high-quality service. An FEB accreditation signals to clients, local inspectors, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) that they adhere to relevant field evaluation standards and have the right knowledge in-house.
The Importance of FEBs
Before NFPA 790 and 791, there was no oversight of field evaluation bodies other than cursory reviews done by local AHJs. These AHJs would go above and beyond to review field evaluation reports and assess the organizations that produced them.
Some jurisdictions maintained lists of organizations they felt comfortable with, while others would mandate a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) accreditation. (More on that below.)
The introduction of FEB standards and accreditation relieves the AHJ and other requesting parties from establishing their own competency/acceptance programs. It provides assurance that a FEB has been evaluated for competency and scrutinized for the quality of the work that they perform in the field.
What Does NRTL have to do with Field Evaluations?
The short answer is not much. A Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) accreditation is given by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It demonstrates competence to perform factory-level certifications (listings).
For many years, NRTL accreditation was the only type of accreditation available to safety laboratories in the U.S. As a result, it was common for jurisdictions and other regulating entities to require field evaluations be performed by NRTLs. Because this was the only yardstick for years, some still see NRTL accreditation as not only equivalent to FEB accreditation, but preferable to it.
The following points illustrate why this is a misconception:
- The NRTL accreditation process does not cover field evaluations.
- Equipment cannot be relisted in the field by an NRTL. It must be Field Evaluated
- Most NRTLs have separate divisions that perform field evaluations and NRTL certifications. Typically, these groups have little contact with each other.
- Most NRTLs have little experience listing products that are common in the field, such as switchboards and machinery.
Many NRTLs do have competent FEB teams, as a result of their experience in the field. An FEB accreditation is the only credential that provides any oversight of field evaluation programs.
For more information on the differences between FEBs and NRTLs, please see UL Certification vs NRTL vs UL Recertification page and Field Label or NRTL Certification for Laboratory Equipment.
Discuss Field Evaluations with an Accredited FEB
G&M Compliance is an experienced FEB accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), identifier FEB-117. G&M Compliance has a team of seasoned experts with deep knowledge of the relevant safety specifications and how they should be applied to onsite equipment. We respond quickly to field evaluation and labeling requests, and we can help you determine if a field evaluation is the right fit for your equipment and situation.
Contact G&M Compliance to learn more about the field evaluation process.