Frequently Asked Questions

 With a background in electrical maintenance and automation and formal training supported by industry scholarships, Benjamin has built a well-rounded career across power generation, circuit breaker servicing, and heavy equipment operations. His experience spans roles in electrical, mechanical, and demolition work, as well as mentoring and instruction. Benjamin is proficient in MaintainX, Limble, and leading CMMS platforms. He also brings expertise in diesel mechanics, electromechanical systems, and holds a Class A CDL with multiple endorsements. 

• Visual Inspection: Assess external condition for signs of overheating, corrosion, insulation damage, or misalignment
   
• Mechanical Function Testing: Verify proper operation of opening/closing mechanisms
   
• Condition Assessment: Classify breaker condition (e.g., NFPA 70B Condition 1–3) to guide maintenance planning
   
• Documentation & Reporting: Record all test results, visual observations, and recommendations for repairs or replacement
   
• Root Cause Analysis: Investigate malfunctions such as nuisance tripping, failure to trip, or mechanical binding
   
• Compliance Support: Align evaluations with NFPA 70B, NETA standards, and client-specific reliability programs

   NFPA 70B, originally introduced in 1975 as a recommended practice, became a mandatory standard in January 2023, establishing the foundation for an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP). Under Section 4.2.3, the EMP must address both the current condition of electrical equipment and the potential safety and operational risks to personnel. Maintenance intervals are to follow manufacturer guidelines whenever available (4.1.1), and if absent, industry consensus standards should be used (4.1.3). The standard does not override manufacturer instructions (4.1.2). To ensure ongoing compliance, NFPA 70B requires that the EMP be formally audited at least once every five years to validate adherence to its principles and procedures. 

 We offer comprehensive circuit breaker testing services ranging from 10 volts to 500,000 volts, ensuring compliance across low, medium, and high-voltage applications. While our in-house test facility is being developed, we partner with trusted third-party providers and maintain strong relationships with industry-leading testing professionals. Our extensive network allows us to minimize long lead times and streamline scheduling. As a one-stop solution for circuit breaker compliance, we’re equipped to support your testing needs quickly and reliably with expert coordination and end-to-end service.

Benjamin’s 20-year industry background includes high voltage, medium voltage, and low voltage maintenance, where he performed installation, adjustment, and documentation of critical electrical equipment. He has supervised and performed breaker inspections, diagnostics, re-conditioning and repairs using advanced testing equipment such as Doble testers, SF6 gas analyzers, sniffers, TTR machines, timing equipment, millivolt drop testers, multimeters, Meggers, Hipots, DLROs, and high current primary injection / secondary injection test sets. With extensive experience as a Substation Electrician and Shop Foreman, Benjamin brings over a decade of hands-on expertise in circuit breaker maintenance, repair, and reconditioning across a wide range of breaker types, including molded case, insulated case, airframe, vacuum frame, and SF6 breakers up to 500kV. He has also led decommissioning projects; managing the full removal of switchgear, transformers, and motor control centers. Benjamin is well-versed in both domestic and international power systems and committed to safety, precision, and compliance in every aspect of electrical maintenance.

Implementing a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) requires a structured, collaborative approach aligned with organizational guidelines and goals. The process begins by defining the intent of the system—covering work orders, inventory, metering, asset health, employee performance, and downtime tracking. Key roles are assigned, including administrators, managers, engineers, shop forepersons, and maintenance staff, with tailored permissions and responsibilities. SDS works closely with stakeholders to identify mission-critical assets, define associated parts and quantities, and build a reliable vendor and inventory framework. Through on-site surveys and guided collaboration, we document real-world maintenance needs and write processes based on manufacturer recommendations. Together, we establish clear implementation timelines, build strategic planning teams, and lay the foundation for a sustainable, efficient CMMS tailored to your operation.

 Specialty Diagnostic Services is committed to equipping your team with the knowledge and skills needed to master circuit breaker maintenance, CMMS software usage, and NFPA 70B compliance. Our hands-on, on-site training programs are designed to integrate your staff directly into proven maintenance processes, ensuring they can confidently support and sustain compliance efforts. By focusing on practical application and collaborative learning, we help your personnel stay aligned with evolving maintenance standards and system requirements. Our goal is to create a knowledgeable, self-reliant team that can drive operational efficiency and uphold long-term compliance.

  Specialty Diagnostic Services is fully equipped to operate on-site, wherever your facility is located. Whether it requires traveling by air, road, or sea, our team is prepared to mobilize quickly and efficiently to meet your operational needs. We prioritize rapid response and flexibility to ensure your maintenance and compliance goals are supported without delay.

  Specialty Diagnostic Services conducts comprehensive on-site evaluations to identify corrective actions that align equipment with NFPA 70 standards and operational best practices. Each assessment includes reviewing out-of-service equipment to determine whether it should be tested, restored, or used for spare parts. We prioritize identifying mission-critical assets and developing tailored action plans in collaboration with all stakeholders. Our evaluations incorporate historical and current testing data to establish trending analysis and performance baselines. By coordinating closely with both field and management teams, we strengthen internal communication, streamline maintenance processes, and reduce downtime through improved equipment forecasting and spare part utilization. Re-evaluations are conducted as needed, and each site visit is carefully paced based on equipment volume and operational demands.

  There are four primary types of maintenance strategies used in modern asset management. Reactive maintenance involves addressing equipment only after it fails, which can lead to costly repairs, extended downtime, and limited part availability. Preventive maintenance focuses on performing routine tasks on equipment regardless of condition, which can drive up labor and inventory costs due to unnecessary replacements. Predictive maintenance uses condition-based monitoring to service equipment only when needed—optimizing timing and minimizing costs and downtime. Lastly, Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) aims to identify potential failure modes in advance and proactively implement corrective actions, helping teams prioritize risk and ensure long-term asset reliability.

  Compliance with NFPA 70B becomes mandatory when it is adopted by an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), such as a city, county, state, or other governing body responsible for enforcing electrical safety regulations. Once adopted, the standard carries legal weight, and organizations—particularly those in commercial and industrial sectors—must adhere to its requirements for electrical equipment maintenance and safety. AHJs may incorporate NFPA 70B into local codes, permitting processes, or inspection protocols, making it essential for electricians, facility managers, and maintenance personnel to stay informed and compliant to avoid penalties, ensure operational safety, and support system reliability.

  At Specialty Diagnostic Services, our mission is to deliver top-tier support for businesses of all sizes—with a special commitment to empowering small businesses. We understand the unique challenges smaller operations face when it comes to managing maintenance, compliance, and equipment reliability. That’s why we focus on providing affordable, scalable, and timely electrical assessments and solutions designed to minimize downtime and prevent costly shutdowns. By offering hands-on support, clear guidance on standards like NFPA 70B, and user-friendly tools like CMMS implementation, we help small businesses build resilient maintenance programs without the overhead of large-scale operations. Our goal is to level the playing field—giving every organization, regardless of size, access to the expertise they need to thrive.

  Any existing maintenance system can be successfully integrated to align with NFPA 70B standards. The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your electrical equipment to determine its current condition, operational viability, and compliance readiness. Assets are then categorized based on their condition and brought into conformity with the standard’s specifications through tailored corrective actions and structured maintenance planning. Integration becomes straightforward and effective when you partner with Specialty Diagnostic Services. We provide the expertise, tools, and guidance needed to seamlessly align your operations with NFPA 70B, improving safety, reliability, and long-term compliance.

 Tara Price is an experienced operations and project management professional specializing in process improvement, vendor management, and quality assurance. She has successfully led nationwide efficiency projects collaborating with stakeholders to implement standardized workflows and enhance departmental consistency. Tara has demonstrated strengths in analyzing productivity trends, developing reporting tools, and designing custom tracking systems to support performance monitoring and compliance. Tara is skilled in training teams, managing third-party vendors, and driving operational excellence through data-driven strategies and cross-functional collaboration.