By HFT Staff

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) is a provider of retirement communities and in-home care services. Through a long-standing partnership with Siemens, NLCS enhanced its facilities with cutting-edge design-build/retrofit solutions and data-driven optimization of building automation, fire/life safety, mechanical and security systems—ensuring comfort, safety and operational efficiency. 

After experiencing a pipe burst at one of its assisted living facilities, NLCS took swift action to strengthen its risk management strategy – prioritizing proactive measures to safeguard critical infrastructure—including electrical distribution systems. With the 2023 update to NFPA 70B, which shifts from a recommended practice to a mandatory standard for electrical equipment maintenance, NLCS recognized the need to better understand and comply with new testing and maintenance requirements. This raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities and underscored the importance of partnering with experts to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory alignment. 

Consequently, Siemens and NLCS collaborated to develop and implement a comprehensive electrical services and maintenance solution—addressing these concerns and helping ensure their communities remain safe and operational for employees, residents and their families. 

Electrical Service Solution 

FPA 70B Site Survey (two locations) Siemens conducted an NFPA 70B Site Survey across two NLCS locations. They tested all key electrical distribution equipment and used the resulting data to build a robust Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP)—a critical step toward achieving full NFPA 70B compliance and long-term operational resilience. 

Arc Flash Hazard Analysis This involved a detailed analysis of facility's electrical system to identify potential arc flash hazards of all key equipment, recommending appropriate safe distances, and personal protective equipment (PPE) required to inspect or service equipment. 

Additional projects planned: 

• All locations communicating with Siemens DSC 
• Expanding to three communities and added a new one 
• Turnkey installation of EV Chargers 
• Meter Upgrades for energy management 
• Spare Breakers for additional resiliency / uptime 

Benefits of a comprehensive electrical program: 

• Resident and employee safety 
• Regulatory compliance and demonstration of industry best practices 
• Improved reliability 
• Extended equipment lifecycle 
• Reduced capital replacement costs