Disconnect Labels Matter More Than You Think

[jar546]

Too many inspectors and electricians overlook a basic but critical NEC requirement:

110.22 – Identification of Disconnecting Means.
(A) General.
Each disconnecting means shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. In other than one- or two-family dwellings, the marking shall include the identification and location of the circuit source that supplies the disconnecting means unless located and arranged so the identification and location of the circuit source is evident. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

This isn't just about compliance — it's about safety and efficiency. The NEC says disconnects must be clearly marked to show what they control — and in multifamily or commercial, it must also show where they’re fed from, unless that’s obvious.

“Motor” isn't good enough. Say what motor — like “Motor – Pool Pump.”
“Lights” doesn’t cut it. Say which lights — like “Lights – Front Lobby.”

Labels should be durable, legible, and permanent, not some faded Sharpie or peeling sticker. When a panel or disconnect is properly marked, everyone from first responders to maintenance crews saves time and avoids costly mistakes.

Don’t make someone guess in a crisis.
Label it right, enforce it consistently.
Also see 408.4 for panelboard directory requirements.

How often do you write this up? Or… how often should you?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

This is the number 1 reason for why a final electrical inspection fails for me.

 

[BN4537]

and in multifamily or commercial, it must also show where they’re fed from, unless that’s obvious.

That was such a good change. Not to mention the time wasted hunting through a multi-story building to find the right panel that feeds the other panel, but in 50-100 years, they will at least have a prayer of finding the thing. There are places near me where everything is 100 years old and you just work stuff hot because you will never find the panel it's fed from - it might be fed from a separate building or a panel buried in a wall or in a room that has been walled off for decades or all three.

 

[jar546]

That was such a good change. Not to mention the time wasted hunting through a multi-story building to find the right panel that feeds the other panel, but in 50-100 years, they will at least have a prayer of finding the thing. There are places near me where everything is 100 years old and you just work stuff hot because you will never find the panel it's fed from - it might be fed from a separate building or a panel buried in a wall or in a room that has been walled off for decades or all three.

There is a lot of wasted time, which costs people a lot of money because things aren't labeled correctly or labeled at all. At least if the circuit is live you can short it out and listen for the trip.....................................

 

[steveray]

. At least if the circuit is live you can short it out and listen for the trip.....................................

Unless it is Federal Pacific....