ELECTRICAL TESTING

Buist’s Testing team helps facility owners and operations staff maintain safe, efficient electrical systems. From medium-voltage equipment to everyday infrastructure, we provide testing, inspections, and maintenance that reduce downtime, support scheduled outages, and identify issues before they become problems. We serve industrial and commercial facilities across West Michigan with services including industrial electrical testing, medium-voltage switchgear testing, infrared inspections, and arc-flash hazard analysis.

CONTACT US
Circuit Background Pattern Buist technicians perform electrical testing on site, analyzing power systems to ensure safety, compliance, and reliable performance. Buist field technicians perform medium-voltage electrical testing and inspection on outdoor switchgear to ensure safe, reliable power distribution.

FEATURED SERVICES

Buist provides testing and maintenance support for industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, municipalities, and large campuses across West Michigan.

Infrared Testing

Learn More

Helps in the early detection of potential failures by identifying hot spots and thermal anomalies.

Transformer Testing

Learn More

Oil analysis of your main transformer is crucial for monitoring the health and integrity of the transformer.

Breaker Testing

Learn More

Ensure your electrical system's safety and reliability by identifying any potential malfunctions that could lead to electrical fires or equipment damage.

Acceptance Testing

Learn More

Verify that your building's electrical systems and components meet specified performance criteria and adhere to safety standards, ensuring they are fully operational and safe for use.

A Buist technician wearing safety gear and a high-visibility vest inspects metal framing during electrical work on an active jobsite. A Buist technician wearing safety gear and a high-visibility vest inspects metal framing during electrical work on an active jobsite.

NFPA TRAINING

NFPA 70E Training

Our Services

Our Services

POWER SYSTEM STUDIES

CONSULTING AND TRAINING

PREDICTIVE INSPECTIONS

ACCEPTANCE TESTING

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

SERVICE AND REPAIRS

Power System Studies

Short Circuit and Coordination Studies

Analyze fault current levels and protective device settings to ensure equipment protection and system reliability.

Load Demand Studies 

Evaluate present and future electrical load requirements to prevent overloads and optimize system capacity.

Power Quality Analysis 

Identify and resolve issues such as voltage sags, transients, and imbalances that impact system performance and equipment life.

Harmonics Analysis

Assess and mitigate harmonic distortion from nonlinear loads to maintain compliance and protect electrical infrastructure.

Arc Flash Hazard Analysis

Calculate incident energy levels and define safe work boundaries, PPE, and labeling to meet NFPA 70E requirements.

Energy Rebate Metering

Measure and document energy performance to qualify for utility rebates and incentive programs.

Consulting

Arc Flash Mitigation Consulting

Provides strategies to reduce incident energy and improve worker safety.

Electrical One-Line Development

Advisory work to model and simplify electrical systems for future planning and compliance.

Training

NFPA 70E Arc Flash Training

Complete your NFPA 70E training with Buist.

Predictive Inspection

Infrared and Visual Inspections

Detect hot spots, loose connections, and other hidden issues using thermal imaging and visual checks to prevent failures.

Transformer Fluid Analysis

Evaluate transformer oil condition to identify insulation breakdown, moisture, or gas formation that signal potential problems.

Acceptance Testing

Acceptance Testing of New Electrical Installations

Verify that new electrical systems meet safety standards and perform as designed before going into service.

Energy Audits

Analyze your facility’s energy use to uncover opportunities for efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability improvements.

Preventative Maintenance

Routine Breaker Testing

Perform scheduled checks to keep breakers operating correctly and extend their service life.

Scheduled Transformer Testing

Conduct regular testing to maintain transformer reliability and avoid costly downtime.

Annual Infrared Scanning

Incorporate infrared inspections into maintenance cycles to proactively identify hidden electrical issues.

Maintenance Testing of Existing Electrical Installations

Ensure your electrical systems remain safe, reliable, and compliant through regular performance testing.

Substation Maintenance

Extend the life of your power system and reduce downtime with comprehensive substation care and proactive maintenance programs.

NFPA 70B

NFPA 70B now requires facilities to implement a formal Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) to reduce risk and downtime. Buist provides the expertise to design and carry out a comprehensive maintenance approach that combines preventive care and corrective action to keep your electrical systems compliant and dependable.

Service and Repairs

Breaker Testing & Repairs

Repair or replace breakers that fail testing to restore system protection and reliability.

Transformer Servicing & Repairs

Address issues found during testing with corrective transformer service or repairs.

Medium Voltage Repair

Critical for restoring or extending medium voltage systems, essential in both emergency repair and planned upgrades.

UPCOMING TRAININGS

Level 1 Thermography

DATE 08/04/2026 - 08/07/2026

TIME 8:00AM - 5:00PM

ADDRESS

2 – 84th Street SW, Byron Center, MI 49315

Buist has partnered with the Infrared Training Center to offer Level I Thermography training. In this certification course, you’ll learn how infrared cameras make and capture images, how to take accurate temperature measurements with an infrared camera, and all of the foundational science you’ll need to get the most out of your camera. Plus, you’ll discover how to conduct safe thermographic inspections in a variety of common use cases and create basic reports so you can share your findings with team members, customers, and other stakeholders. In short, a Level I/Category I certification gives you all the tools you need to begin your journey as a safe, capable thermographer, getting the most value out of your investment in infrared cameras and adding tremendous value to your organization or business.

REGISTER HERE

FEATURED WORK

View Our Portfolio

Beacon Light Replacement

VIEW PROJECT

Solar Support

VIEW PROJECT

Preventative Maintenance Shutdown

VIEW PROJECT

FAQ'S

What is electrical testing?

Electrical testing evaluates the condition and performance of electrical systems to identify issues before they lead to failures, downtime, or safety risks.

Why is electrical testing important for facilities?

Electrical testing helps reduce downtime, improve safety, and ensure systems are operating as intended, especially in critical environments like manufacturing and healthcare.

How often should electrical testing and inspections be performed according to electrical safety standards?

Electrical testing and inspections should be performed regularly to maintain safety, reduce downtime, and support system reliability. Most facilities complete electrical testing and infrared inspections annually, while critical equipment such as medium-voltage gear, switchgear, and production systems may require more frequent testing depending on load, age, and operating conditions.

According to NFPA 70B, all electrical equipment should be inspected at least every 12 months. Testing intervals vary based on equipment condition: Condition 1 (like new) every 60 months, Condition 2 (minor issues) every 36 months, and Condition 3 (significant issues) every 12 months or sooner. Infrared thermography is recommended annually for all equipment.

Guidelines from InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA) recommend visual inspections every 12 months, with full testing typically every 24–36 months. This applies to equipment such as switchgear, switchboards, transformers, cables, and circuit breakers, with intervals adjusted based on equipment age, criticality, and operating conditions.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not define specific maintenance intervals but requires facilities to follow recognized standards and manufacturer recommendations to maintain a safe working environment.

As a general industry best practice, preventive maintenance is typically performed every 1–3 years, depending on the environment and system demands. Harsh conditions such as dust, moisture, or chemical exposure, along with critical operations, may require more frequent inspections. Maintenance activities often include visual inspections, infrared scans, electrical testing (such as insulation resistance and contact resistance), as well as cleaning and tightening of connections.

What is an arc flash study?

An arc flash study analyzes your electrical system to determine hazard levels, PPE requirements, and labeling needed to meet NFPA 70E standards.

What types of facilities benefit from electrical testing?

Electrical testing benefits a wide range of facilities where system reliability, safety, and uptime are critical. This includes commercial buildings, industrial operations, healthcare facilities, corporate offices, and educational institutions.

Facilities with critical operations such as manufacturing plants, data centers, and healthcare environments rely on electrical testing to prevent unexpected failures and maintain continuous operation. Testing is also valuable for retail spaces, multi-tenant buildings, and municipal facilities where electrical systems support daily operations and occupant safety.

Any facility with aging infrastructure, high electrical demand, or sensitive equipment can benefit from routine electrical testing and preventative maintenance.

Can inspections be performed during normal operating hours?

In many cases, yes. Infrared inspections and visual assessments can and should be completed while equipment is energized. More involved testing may require scheduled outages, which we coordinate with your team to minimize business disruption.

Where do you provide electrical testing services?

We provide electrical testing services across West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kalamazoo, and surrounding areas.

LET'S GET STARTED

To request a quote or to learn more about our electrical testing capabilities, please fill out this form.

Video Player Close Button