ELECTRICAL PANEL LABELING GUIDE

A Quick Guide to creating safe, consistent electrical panel signs and labels.

In many ways, electrical panels are the nervous system of our facilities. From these ports flow the energy that lets our production lines
cruise through their phases without interruption. Since these panels control the power that allows us to do our jobs, the need for proper
electric panel labeling is key to any successful safety program. Proper labeling means that workers have a clear understanding of which
breakers control what part of the facility, and that both workers and visitors alike will be able to find panels quickly and easily. Industrial
facilities are notoriously difficult to navigate. Labeling helps resolve confusion for all parties involved.
Electric panel labeling ensures that workers stay safe and facilities stay compliant with OSHA, NFPA, ANSI/ASME standards. This quick
guide offers tips for labeling so that your facility stays safe, easy to navigate, and free from OSHA violations.

Electrical panel labeling best practices

Labeling panels allows workers to find power sources quickly—a lifesaver in the
case of an energy-related accident like an electrocution—so that they can power
down accordingly. Finding panels is additionally important when workers need to
shut down energy sources to perform repairs or maintenance on big equipment.

Tip: Have visual communication that does two things: informs and instructs.

Blocking electrical panels that house circuit breakers is a violation of both

OSHA regulations and the NFPA codes. Marking electrical panels clearly with
easy to read, large labels and signs visually communicates to workers and
visitors where panels and instructs them to keep the area clear.

NFPA 70 mandates that electric panels have dead fronts, which basically means these switchboards are constructed so that
switches, circuit breakers, and other components of these panels don’t expose their live parts. This is ultimately a good thing, for
it reduces the risk of electrocution for users, but it also means that it’s impossible to tell which switches control which part of the
power grid. For this reason, labeling is absolutely crucial.

A few pointers to keep in mind when marking electrical panels for compliance and safety:

Use the right materials.
If you open the electrical
panel to any house or
apartment, you’ll probably
see the powered areas
marked in faded pencil or
bleeding ink. Businesses
are required to label panels
in a manner that is both
professional and geared
toward longevity. Using
industrial-strength labels
is a must. That way, you
can guarantee consistency,
readability, and that the
label will stay in its place
for years to come.
Be thorough. Don’t stop Be specific. When labeling areas on the panel
labeling at your electrical controlled by each breaker, it is helpful to include a
panels. Label cord- subheading. Here’s an example:
heavy areas like cable For someone not familiar
trays, outlets, and other with the facility, these
power stations increase details help pinpoint exactly
organization and energy- which area of the facility
related management. they’re trying to control.
Mark panels with
reflective tape. Include electrical panels on your
What happens when facility map. Facilities often
the power’s out? post maps with fire exits and
Marking electrical evacuation routes. Including
panels with reflective electrical panels and other
tape ensures workers energy-related sites in these
and first responders same areas increase worker
will find panels quickly awareness of where electrical
and easily. panels are located.

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Labeling Equipment Panels Make Sure Your Panel Labels Are Compliant

NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial To ensure compliance, facilities must design labels with the headings, signal
Machinery, was created to make machine words, and symbols that align with the criteria outlined in either ANSI Z35 (also
tools safer to operate, more productive, known as ANSI 1967) or ANSI Z535 (ANSI 2011). The styles of these standards
and less costly to maintain, and to improve vary slightly, but both align with OSHA’s requirements for safety labels.
the quality and performance of their
electrical components. Since electrical panels come with electrocution, burn, and other energy-related
hazards that can result in serious or fatal injury, ANSI 1967 and ANSI 2011 require
NFPA 79 was established once safety that panel labels include the following:
experts realized that NFPA’s Article 670
didn’t sufficiently cover the specifics of ANSI 1967: Black/red header, white text that states DANGER
machine tools safety. Consequently, the ANSI 2011: Red header, white text that states DANGER
NFPA 79 was established. This standard This means that if hazard is not prevented, it will result in critical or fatal injury.
covers the fire safety practices necessary
to stay safe when working with machine
tools in industrial settings. Since industrial
machinery varies so greatly, the NFPA 79
was written to cover the vast range of tools
in use throughout industry.

When it comes to visual communication,

NFPA 79 abides by the same sign
standards as ANSI Z535.4.

Industrial Label Printers

When you’re creating a new labeling system, the most cost-effective way to do that
is to create the labels themselves. Having your own label printer means created new
labels is easy, and having a label printer on hand means you can create visual systems
to improve organization across all departments of your business.

LabelTac® Industrial Label Printers are built to last. These label makers are built with
tough, industrial-strength materials. Their easy-to-use interface allow for quick and easy
use. Powered by the intuitive and robust label-making software LabelSuite™, you’ll be
able to design electrical panel labels without any headaches or hassle, or you can build
labels using the software’s comprehensive template library.

Electrical panel labeling will increase safety and compliance in your facility, and will ensure that when it counts, your
team will be able to find power sources quickly.

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