How to Properly Label Switchgear, Switchboards, and Panelboards per NEC 2023?
Overview
Switchgears, switchboards, and panelboards are commonly utilized to distribute power supplies to various appliances and equipment using switches and circuit breakers. As a result, they must be appropriately labeled with essential information to prevent inadvertent or accidental operations. NEC 2023 Section 408.4 now outlines guidelines for adding necessary descriptions to circuits, circuit modifications, and power sources in a listed manner, with clarity to avoid any existing confusion.
Applying the 2023 Code
Switchgears, switchboards and panelboards consist of many different switches and circuit breakers that are used to control power supply to different rooms and equipment. It is crucial to ensure that all these switches and circuit breakers are clearly labeled according to their purpose to avoid confusion and maintain safety. Unclear or vague labels can lead to uncertainty about what each switch or breaker controls, posing a risk in emergency situations. Additionally, labels should not be dependent on transient conditions, such as current occupants or temporary room assignments. For example, labeling a circuit breaker as “Sasha’s room” might seem practical initially, but this becomes problematic if Sasha moves out or if the property changes ownership. To prevent such confusion, NEC Section 408.4 explains the descriptions that need to be provided with any switchgear, switchboard or panelboard. These labels should be descriptive and permanent, indicating the specific area or appliance each breaker controls, and must provide clear and unambiguous guidance for anyone interacting with the electrical panel. In the 2023 edition of NEC, these requirements have been listed separately to avoid the existing confusion of general labeling, which was already omitted in previous iterations, but lack of clarity in 2020 edition meant that it would still be added to circuits, circuit modifications and sources of power.
What’s New for the 2023 NEC?
The table below presents a comparison between the 2020 NEC and the 2023 NEC regarding Section 408.4.
2020 NEC |
2023 NEC |
| 408.4 Field Identification Required
(A) Circuit Directory or Circuit Identification Every circuit and circuit modification shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use. The identification shall include an approved degree of detail that allows each circuit to be distinguished from all others. Spare positions that contain unused overcurrent devices or switches shall be described accordingly. The identification shall be included in a circuit directory that is located on the face, inside of, or in an approved location adjacent to the panel door in the case of a panelboard and at each switch or circuit breaker in a switchboard or switchgear. No circuit shall be described in a manner that depends on transient conditions of occupancy. (B) Source of Supply All switchboards, switchgear, and panelboards supplied by a feeder(s) in other than one-or two-family dwellings shall be permanently marked to indicate each device or equipment where the power originates. The label shall be permanently affixed, of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved, and not handwritten. |
408.4 Descriptions Required
(A) Circuit Directory or Circuit Description Every circuit and circuit modification shall be provided with a legible and permanent description that complies with all of the following conditions as applicable: (1) Located at each switch or circuit breaker in a switchboard or switchgear (2) Included in a circuit directory that is located on the face of, inside of, or in an approved location adjacent to the panel door in the case of a panelboard (3) Clear, evident, and specific to the purpose or use of each circuit including spare positions with an unused overcurrent device (4) Described with a degree of detail and clarity that is unlikely to result in confusion between circuits (5) Not dependent on transient conditions of occupancy (6) Clear in explaining abbreviations and symbols when used (B) Source of Supply All switchboards, switchgear, and panelboards supplied by a feeder(s) in other than one- or two-family dwellings shall be permanently marked in accordance with the following: (1) With the identification and physical location of where the power originates (2) With a label that is permanently affixed and of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved (3) Using a method that is not handwritten |
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