Buying Guide on Labels for Electrical Panel

The electrical panels are used to direct electricity across different equipment within a facility.
More than 1,500 electrical workplace injuries are reported in the US in a year. The best way
to prevent these injuries is to implement a proactive safety management program. The
program includes three major topics. They are design considerations, regulatory standards
and labelling processes. Here, the labelling processes are discussed. The electric panel labels
are the most important information tools to notify employees, visitors and contractors.
What is it?
There are two major types. They are safety labels and identification labels. The safety labels
are used to warn about potential hazards. It holds symbols, safety messages and warnings.
Usually, bright colours are used in these labels. They are yellow, red and orange. On the other
hand, the identification labels are used to clarify connections. They are attached to electrical
distribution network. Such network consists of inverters, feeders, breaker panels, transfer
switches and other equipment. Each of these equipment requires panel labels. It should hold
the label to read work related information, safety information, power ratings and name of the
component.
Why is it essential to label electrical panels?
The labelling of electric panels is influenced by industrial regulations and local laws in the
US. The laws and regulations are governed by American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). They make it mandatory to
label the electrical panels. They often conduct inspections. Violators face serious
consequences of fine and imprisonment. Therefore, it is essential to label the electrical
panels.
What are the legal and regulatory requirements of labels for electrical panels?
The wording sign should be easily read. The sign should hold information that are understood
easily. The wording should not make negative suggestions. The signal words should be
readable from a distance of 1.52 metres. The label should carry the name of the manufacturer,
current, voltage, wattage, safety signs, accident prevention tags and safety symbols.
The symbol indicating a hazard should have an equilateral triangle. An exclamation
mark should be placed inside the triangle. The symbol should be used only as hazard alerts
and not as safety instruction signs.
Colour requirements
The labelling of the electrical panel has special colour requirements. They are as follows:
 DANGER should be written in white colour on a red background.
 WARNING should be written in black colour on an orange background.
 CAUTION should be written in black colour on a yellow background.
 NOTICE should be written in white colour on a blue background. Also, the letters
should be italicized.
 SAFETY should be written in white colour on a green background.
The messaging panels used should either have black writings on a white background or white
writings on a black background. The panel shall have a combination of lower- and upper-case
letters. The upper-case lettering is used for short messages.
How to choose the right labels?
Decide on selecting a metal or plastic label. Both vinyl and polyester labels are good choices
while selecting a plastic label. They have good durability and better readability. Go for metal
labels for panels that require robust durability. Metal photo sensitive anodized aluminium is
the best material for a metal label. They have longer life as compared to plastic labels. Also,
consider the thickness, size and type of adhesive while selecting the label.
Tips to install the label
Before installing the label, verify the identity of the equipment. Put the labels where they are
viewed easily. Be cautious on the interference from other operational equipment. Review
after installation. Consider the hardware layout, environment of the panel, and regulations
before installing the label. Proper planning is highly essential.