Add Line
Labels for Safety, Visuals and Facility ID Desktop Printers
Labels for Product, Wire and Lab ID Benchtop Printers
Ex: M210, 99048, SDPL-RED-38ST-KD6
This product is in your cart. We'll update the quantity.
Safety and Facility ID Desktop Printers
Product, Wire and Lab ID Benchtop Printers
Barcode Scanners and RFID Readers
PaintStripe Floor Marking Stencils
Valve Lockouts & Hose Lockouts
Group Lock Boxes & Permit Control
- Confined Space Signs
- Construction Site Signs
- Electrical and Arc Flash Signs
- First Aid Signs
- Forklift and Warehouse Safety Signs
- Lockout Tagout Signs
- Machine Operation Signs
- Maintenance Signs
- Marine and IMO Signs
- Personal Protection (PPE) Signs
- Radiation and Laser Signs
- Safety Awareness and Compliance Signs
- Slip, Trip and Floor Obstacle Hazard Signs
- Blank Pipe Markers
- IIAR Ammonia Pipe Markers and Components
- Pipe Markers for Acids and Bases
- Pipe Markers for Air and Ducts
- Pipe Markers for Fire Systems
- Pipe Markers for Gases
- Pipe Markers for Maintenance and Operation
- Pipe Markers for Oil
- Pipe Markers for Other Liquids
- Pipe Markers for Steam
- Pipe Markers for Water
Pipe Marker Accessories & Mounting Brackets
Maintenance and Production Tags
Calculators and Assessment Tools
Product Finders and Data Sheets
- Confined Space Compliance
- NFPA 704 Diamond Guide
- GHS Hazard Statements
- GHS Label Requirements
- GHS Precautionary Statements
- GHS Signal Words
- Proposition 65 FAQ
- What is OSHA Compliance?
- Top 10 OSHA Violations
- GHS Secondary Container Labeling
- Lockout Tagout Procedures Audit
- OSHA vs. ANSI
- DOT Reflective Tape Requirements
- View All
Electrical Panel Labeling Standards:
A practical guide
In a world that heavily depends on electrical power, the safety of electrical equipment is critical. It's not only about maintaining power supply but also about safeguarding the well-being of those who operate these systems.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), the majority of electrical fatalities occur in electrician and construction occupations, followed by installation, maintenance and repair occupations. The private industry is responsible for the majority of these fatalities.
One essential aspect of electrical safety is the proper labeling of industrial electrical and control panels. Proper labeling not only helps prevent accidents but also ensures compliance with different safety standards. This guide will give you practical steps to meet electrical panel labeling standards to create a safer and more efficient work environment.
The importance of industrial electrical panel labeling
Electrical panels and electrical control panels provide electricity to buildings, equipment and machinery through an organized circuit system. But as the scope and complexity of electrical systems increases, so does the risk of safety incidents due to improper or lack of labeling. Effective industrial electrical panel identification helps workers identify critical circuit information, understand safety risks and quickly find components and locations for servicing and safe operations.
Enhancing safety
The primary purpose of industrial electrical control panel labeling is safety. Safety labels on breaker panels are imperative for warning workers, preventing accidents and responding to emergencies. In the midst of a malfunction, a well-labeled electrical panel becomes a lifesaver. For example, compliant arc flash labeling warns workers of dangers and instructs them on key considerations when servicing, such as approach restrictions and proper PPE.
Optimizing operations
Precise identification of breakers and circuit information is essential for the efficient service and function of industrial electrical panels systems. When an electrician conducts maintenance work, accurate labeling guides them to the correct breaker, and keeps maintenance efficient and downtime minimal. It also minimizes the risk errors that pose a threat to those in the immediate vicinity and the areas power is supplied to.
What are the regulations for electrical panel labels?
Electrical panel labeling is regulated by several entities, with no one universally applicable set of standards for electrical labeling. The key players in this arena are:
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- The National Fire Protection Association's National Electric Code (NEC)
Each offers standards and best practices to follow.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA is a government agency that enforces workplace safety regulations, including for electrical work, and ensures employers are compliant with safety standards. As part of the United States Department of Labor, OSHA’s purpose is to “ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.”
OSHA's regulations for electrical installations and equipment aim to ensure that employees are protected against hazards, ranging from small electric shocks to explosions, associated with their work that could be physically harmful. Many of these regulations are derived from ANSI standards.
Some applicable sections of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 related to electrical panel safety and identification labeling include:
- OSHA 1910.145(e)(2): “The wording of any sign should be easily read and concise. The sign should contain sufficient information to be easily understood. The wording should make a positive, rather than a negative suggestion and should be accurate in fact.”
- OSHA 1910.335(b)(1): “Safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags shall be used where necessary to warn employees about electrical hazards which may endanger them, as required by 1910.145.”
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, is a nonprofit organization that handles the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Although ANSI doesn't have the power to enforce rules, it sets guidelines that many companies willingly follow.
In relation to electrical panel labeling, certain sections of ANSI Z535 provide guidelines on how to label for clarity and safety. Some of these include:
- ANSI Z535.4 4.11: “A symbol that indicates a hazard. It is comprised of an equilateral triangle surrounding an exclamation mark. The safety alert symbol is only used on hazard alerting signs. It is not used on safety notice or safety instruction signs.”
- ANSI Z535.4 7.3: “The message panel should have either black lettering on a white background or white lettering on a black background.”
- ANSI Z535.4 8.1.2: “The message panel lettering should be a combination of upper and lower case letters. Upper case only lettering may be used for short message or emphasis on individual words.”
National Fire Protection Association's National Electric Code (NEC)
The NFPA, a global nonprofit organization established in 1896, is all about preventing “death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards.” One key contribution is the National Electric Code (NEC), which sets safety standards for electrical wiring and equipment installation in the United States.
The NEC, although not a law, is often referred to in state-level regulations and offers guidance for labeling electrical panels. Relevant sections of NEC for industrial electrical panel labeling include:
- NEC 110.21(b): “The markings shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.”
- NEC 210.5(C)(1)(b): “The method utilized for conductors originating within each branch circuit panelboard or similar branch circuit distribution equipment shall be permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard or similar branch circuit equipment.”
- NEC 408.4(A): Every circuit and circuit modification shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose of use.”
What goes on an electrical panel label?
The information needed on an electrical panel label can vary depending on the workplace and equipment used. However, there are a few key elements that are usually required for safety and compliance. These include:
- Circuit identification: Each breaker should be marked to indicate which area or equipment it controls. This allows for quick and accurate identification in case of emergencies or maintenance.
- Voltage ratings: The voltage rating of the circuit should be indicated. This helps prevent the use of incompatible devices, which could lead to electrical faults.
- Current ratings: The current rating of the circuit (in amperes) should be displayed. This information is necessary to avoid overloading the circuit, which could cause a fire.
- Fault current information: The label should show the maximum fault current at the service equipment, along with the date of calculation. This information is crucial for selecting the right protective devices.
- Safety warnings: Labels should include any necessary safety warnings, such as "Danger: High Voltage" or "Warning: Authorized Personnel Only." These warnings help ensure that only trained individuals operate the equipment.
- Emergency contact information: It's also advisable to include emergency contact information on the panel. This provides a quick reference in case of an incident.
These general guidelines can be adjusted based on local regulations and equipment specifications. Make sure to check relevant codes and standards for specific requirements.
How to label your electrical equipment
You should consider several factors when labeling electrical equipment.
Label for compliance
Labeling your electrical equipment is not only a best practice but also a requirement under various regulations. To determine what specific regulations apply in your state and industry, refer to resources such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology's guide to United States Electrical and Electronic Equipment Compliance Requirements, or OSHA regulations.
Roughly half of the states in the U.S. run their own OSHA programs, while federal OSHA enforces its regulations in the rest of the states. You can find out which states have their own plans. If you're in a “state-plan state,” you can find the state OSHA's website for more information. Most state OSHA programs have their regulations available online.
If you're in a federal OSHA state, you can hop over to osha.gov and check out their Regulations page. They've got plenty of online resources to help you out. Consider your company's industry — they've got specific regulations that might apply to you. Once you've identified the relevant standards, you can follow these best practices for labeling your electrical equipment.
Choose labels that are built for the application and environment
Selecting the right materials for your labels is crucial to ensure that the materials stay legible and intact over time. It's important to consider durability and visibility requirements. Consider factors like heat resistance, especially for equipment that operates at high temperatures, and longevity, particularly for outdoor equipment exposed to different weather conditions. Here are a few label ideas to get you started.
When designing your labels, ensure the labels identify the circuit or equipment they correspond to, including voltage and current ratings, as well as any safety warnings. You can use specialized label printers to create customized labels that meet your specific needs. And don't forget to use contrasting colors and large, clear fonts to make the labels more visible and easy to read.
Know where to place labels on equipment
The placement of labels on equipment is equally important. Labels should be placed where they can be easily seen and read by workers. Avoid placing labels on areas that might be subject to wear and tear or obscured by other objects. For electrical panels, labels should ideally be placed next to the corresponding circuit breaker.
Use panel identification labels that indicate which panel the label corresponds to. This helps prevent confusion and ensures workers can quickly locate the correct circuit for maintenance or emergencies.
Other requirements for safety with electrical equipment
While proper labeling is a critical component of electrical equipment safety, it's important to remember that labeling alone is not sufficient. There are other aspects of electrical safety that companies must also consider:
- Inspection and maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. This involves checking for damage and ensuring all components function correctly.
- Lockout tagout: Lockout tagout (LOTO) procedures are vital for worker safety during servicing or maintenance of machines and equipment. To ensure machinery doesn't accidentally start up during maintenance, you can use a wide variety of electrical lockout devices, including those specifically designed for:
- Circuit breakers
- Push buttons
- Wall switches and plugs
- Employee training and safety culture: A strong safety culture is critical to preventing accidents. This includes training employees on safety procedures, promoting hazard reporting and fostering a culture of shared safety responsibility.
Labeling electrical panels is crucial for workplace safety, but it's just one part of the puzzle. By following these best practices and taking other safety measures into account, you can make your workplace safer for your employees and satisfy the necessary regulations.
