ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues 408.4 2005 NEC

How are we to apply the new language to circuit directory's for panels?

Better yet...how are inspectors going to enforce the new language of 408.4???

For instance I mark some of my branch circuits in panels as Bedroom, Bedroom, Bedroom/smoke detectors, kitchen counter plugs, kitchen counter plugs, etc

Am I now going to have to "include sufficeint detail" and label like this...

Northwest bedroom plugs, Southwest bedroom plugs and lights in da closets of the Northwest and Southwest bedrooms, Kitchen counter plugs near the sink, Kitchen counter plugs by the refridgerator and the one over by the wall oven too,etc...

shortcircuit

I think that is the point for the new wording of the article. I always marked that way anyway. What good are three or four circuits marked "Bedroom"? It makes sense that if you are going to lable that you actually label with enough info to make some sense out of it.

Most residential loadcenters only provide a small 1" x 1" labeling area next to the breaker to identify its purpose...which makes it difficult for sufficeint detailed labeling of branch circuits that feed multiple areas.

Do any of you actually type up a seperate directory?

shortcircuit

Shortcircuit I turn a panel schedule into the office and they make custom panel labels with our company name etc.

That aside I have no idea how we will comply.

We wire large office spaces we will have many circuits that feed office cubicles.

How can I describe them?

East West runs out quickly with so many circuits. In the past we have posted the power prints in the electric room for reference.

As an inspector, what I often see in the field is breaker after breaker marked only 'receptacle' or 'lighting' with no indication as to where the receptacle or lighting circuit is.

I think the intent here is to give some sort of indication as to where the receptacle or lighting circuit is: bedroom rec., kitch. rec., dining....etc. would be much improved.

Ok so we want to improve the system, so we ask for all the connected equipment and outlets to be posted at the directory, so now the homeowner runs to the panel in a panic, finds a schedule with a confusing short story of every outlet and piece of equipment on a circuit, with, north, south east, west locations, at this point, the panic increases, as they try to understand what turns what off.
How about a flow chart posted at the panel.

I think in commercial applications this will be relatively easy, like Bob, I always see typed, company specific panel schedules.

In residential I just see the panel schedule filled in with pen, but then again, given the number of circuits I don't think residential should be a problem either.

The one problem I do see, however: Small appliance branch circuits in a dwelling.