How to comply with 2023 NEC service equipment labeling requirements?
Overview
Permanent labels such as plaques and directories are commonly installed at service equipment locations to assist maintenance personnel and emergency responders in quickly identifying power system components. Previously, NEC Section 705.10 mandated these labels to indicate power source locations and provide necessary information through nameplates, diagrams, and precautions. However, these labels overlooked the role of off-site service providers in addressing system issues during emergencies. In the 2023 version of the NEC, this section was updated to require labels to include emergency telephone numbers of off-site service providers, aiming to enhance emergency response capabilities.
Applying the 2023 Code
Labels play a crucial role in ensuring electrical equipment’s safe and efficient operation. Permanent plaques and directories, for example, are usually placed at service equipment locations or other visible spots. They help maintenance personnel and emergency responders swiftly identify and trace power system components during maintenance and troubleshooting tasks. These labels may also contain maintenance schedules and inspection procedures, aiding in preventive maintenance efforts and reducing downtime.
Previously, under NEC Section 705.10, labels were only required to indicate the location of each power source disconnecting means and provide necessary circuit information through diagrams and nameplates. In cases of multiple power sources, plaques or directories were also mandated to display precautions such as “CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER” to alert individuals. However, the provided information solely focused on on-site resources, overlooking the importance of off-site service providers that might be essential in certain emergency situations. To address this problem, NEC 2023 updated this section to require these labels to include emergency telephone numbers of any off-site entities servicing the power source systems. This revision enhances the response to emergency situations by providing comprehensive information at the service equipment location.
What’s New for the 2023 NEC?
The table below presents a comparison between the 2020 NEC and the 2023 NEC regarding Section 705.10.
2020 NEC |
2023 NEC |
| 705.10 Identification of Power Sources
A permanent plaque or directory shall be installed at each service equipment location, or at an approved readily visible location. The plaque or directory shall denote the location of each power source disconnecting means for the building or structure and be grouped with other plaques or directories for other on-site sources. The plaque or directory shall be marked with the wording “CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER.” Any posted diagrams shall be correctly oriented with respect to the diagram’s location. The marking shall comply with 110.21(B). Exception: Installations with multiple co-located power production sources shall be permitted to be identified as a group(s). The plaque or directory shall not be required to identify each power source individually. |
705.10 Identification of Power Sources
Permanent plaques, labels, or directories shall be installed at each service equipment location, or at an approved readily visible location in accordance with the following: (1) Denote the location of each power source disconnecting means for the building or structure. Exception: Installations with multiple colocated power production sources shall be permitted to be identified as a group(s). The plaque, label, or directory shall not be required to identify each power source individually. (2) Indicate the emergency telephone numbers of any off-site entities servicing the power source systems. Informational Note: See NFPA 1-2021, Fire Code, 11.12.2.1.5 for installer information. (3) Be marked with the wording “CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER.” The marking shall comply with 110.21(B).
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