We help demonstrate compliance with codes, standards and regulations in fire, life safety and electrical areas. Our Field Evaluation Team partners with you throughout the field evaluation process to navigate code complexities and help reduce non-compliance issues.
NFPA
What Are Field Evaluations?
Field evaluations, also known as “field labeling”, are one-time conformity assessments conducted on-site where installed equipment or products are being operated. Field evaluations are generally performed on products that haven’t gone through the traditional product certification process, are listed or labeled but have been modified in the field, or are unique, limited production products. A field evaluation includes an on-site inspection with visual assessments and testing in accordance with the relevant codes and standards. If all requirements are met, an NFPA Global Solutions field evaluation label is applied.
In addition to field evaluations, NFPA Global Solutions also conducts pre-evaluations, or preliminary reviews, of equipment while still in the country of origin. Our team thoroughly reviews all schematics, drawings, and manuals to the appropriate codes and standards to help reduce the risk of compliance violations when the equipment arrives at its final installation location.
Why NFPA Global Solutions?
NFPA Global Solutions is backed by one of the most trusted brands in the industry. We’re a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and backed by its 125+ year history in the industry and expert knowledge of more than 300 codes and standards.
Our Field Evaluation team has over 50 years of experience in the field conducting on-site evaluations of various types of equipment and installations. Our nimble approach results in quick responses to inquiries, keeping your projects on track and on time. We offer competitive pricing, along with comprehensive, easy-to-understand reports and a certification mark that Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) know they can trust.
What Is the Process for a Field Evaluation?
- Engage a Field Evaluation Body (FEB): The customer engages a field evaluation body, like NFPA Global Solutions, to provide conformity assessment services that are acceptable to the AHJ in their area.
- Discuss Scope & Requirements: NFPA Global Solutions collaborates with both the customer and AHJ to define project scope and requirements.
- FEB Conducts the Evaluation: The field evaluation is performed, and a field evaluation label is issued if all applicable requirements are met. Non-compliances must be addressed and a final evaluation is typically required before a label can be applied.
- Receive a Report: A detailed report is issued to both the customer and the AHJ.
When Are Field Evaluations Needed?
Field evaluations are typically required for custom-built equipment or items that have been modified, as they often lack third-party certification marks. If your equipment falls into these categories, it is likely that a field evaluation will be needed for AHJ approval. Some of the most common types of equipment we evaluate include, but are not limited to:
- Industrial control panels
- Switch gear/deadfront switchboards
- Fire doors and frames
- Transformers
- Industrial automation equipment
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
- Laboratory equipment
- Bottle filling & capping equipment
- Luminaires
- Injection mold machinery
What Are Some of the Key Codes and Standards Related to Field Evaluations?
NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®
NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery
NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
NFPA 86, Standard for Ovens and Furnaces
NFPA 790, Standard for Competency of Third-Party Field Evaluation Bodies
NFPA 791, Recommended Practice and Procedures for Unlabeled Electrical Equipment Evaluation
UL 48, Electric Signs
UL 508A, Industrial Control Panels
UL 1598, Luminaires