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May. 13, 2024

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Everything You Need to Know About Electrical Panel Labels

Industrial electrical panels are used across numerous industries to direct electric currents among the many pieces of equipment within a facility. Communicating safety and work-related information effectively can mean the difference between a low incident rate and violations or injuries. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has reported that there were over 1,500 electrical workplace injuries in 2018. The best way to prevent workplace injuries is to have a proactive and thorough safety and facilities management program.

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This guide will give you a thorough overview of the important considerations for labeling electrical panels and nearby equipment. Labels and tags remain important tools for communicating important information and keeping employees, contractors, and visitors informed. Key topics in the guide include regulatory standards, design considerations, and labeling processes that should be reviewed to identify the optimal way to label and tag your electrical assets.

Included in this guide:

What is an Electrical Panel Label?

The electrical infrastructure of the average industrial facility is typically complex and runs the span of the entire building. An important function of facilities management is to maintain a high level of awareness for safety and work management at all times. To accomplish this, labels are used in a variety of locations, including electrical panels and associated hardware.

Safety labels are used on electrical panels, connected equipment, and the surrounding areas to warn of potential hazards. These labels typically include a word of warning, symbol, and safety message with a more detailed description. Most of the time, these types of labels are also brightly colored and use red, yellow, and orange colors to attract attention.

Identification labels are also used on electrical panels and wiring to clarify the connections and types of electrical signals that are being used. The components that can be attached to an electrical distribution network may include feeders, disconnects, breaker panels, transfer switches, inverters, and other equipment. Each of these may require labels to identify components, power ratings, and other safety or work-related information.

Do Electrical Panels Have to be Labeled?

The labeling and documentation requirements for commercial locations are influenced by local laws, industry regulations, and standardized business procedures. Electrical panels and components in a building must be marked with a number of different labels that highlight both safety and identifying information. Two of the largest regulatory bodies that oversee facilities management in the United States including electrical systems are the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Within these guidelines and others, you will find detailed requirements for labeling and documentation that include all aspects of electrical safety and the proper usage of labeling, tags, and signage within facilities. In recent years, OSHA has become more active in conducting inspections and issuing citations for any violations related to electrical labeling and other areas. It is therefore important for all industries to maintain awareness of the requirements and take proactive steps to ensure compliance across their entire electrical infrastructure.

When considering your electrical panels, also remember that there are a number of other electrical components that should also be labeled as part of your plan. These may include:

Terminal blocks
Emergency system boxes and enclosures
Disconnect switches
Enclosed circuit breakers
Push-button stations
Battery racks
Power transfer equipment
Contractors (relays)

The best way to remain compliant is to conduct a thorough and frequent review of the relevant regulations and compare them to your local practices.

What are the Regulatory Requirements for Electrical Panel Labels?

There are four sets of standards used within the United States that directly address electrical panel labeling in some way. These regulations are monitored and communicated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Electrical Code (NEC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The following list will highlight some of the important sections within these regulations that are directly related to electrical labels within your facility. This is only an overview, and it is best to consult the regulations in detail to find all the relevant information required for your facility.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910. The Occupational Safety and Health Standards govern every aspect of work environments in the U.S. Within these regulations, a couple of sections are directly relevant to the safety and informational labeling of electrical panels and equipment:

OSHA 1910.145(e)(2): “The wording of any sign should be easily read and concise. The sign should contain sufficient information to be easily understood. The wording should make a positive, rather than a negative suggestion and should be accurate in fact.”
OSHA 1910.145(f)(4)(ii): “Signal word must be readable from a distance of 5 feet (1.52m).”
OSHA 1910.303(e): “Electrical equipment may not be used unless the following markings have been placed on the equipment. The manufacturer’s name and trademark, other marking giving voltage, current, wattage or other ratings as necessary.”
OSHA 1910.335(b)(1): “Safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags shall be used where necessary to warn employees about electrical hazards which may endanger them, as required by 1910.145.”

ANSI Z535. While the scope of ISO regulations covers an internationally recognized standard, the ANSI standards have been adopted to specify standards within the U.S. There are thousands of ANSI standards, but the one most important for electrical panel labeling is ANSI Z535 and specifically ANSI Z535.4 American National Standard for Product Safety Signs and Labels.

ANSI Z535.4 4.11: “A symbol that indicates a hazard. It is comprised of an equilateral triangle surrounding an exclamation mark. The safety alert symbol is only used on hazard alerting signs. It is not used on safety notice or safety instruction signs.”
ANSI Z535.4 7.2: “Detail color requirements for signal word panel (header) colors, as follows: DANGER must be white letters on a red background, WARNING must be black letters on an orange background, CAUTION must be black letters on a yellow background, NOTICE must be italicized white letters on a blue background, SAFETY must be white letters on a green background.”
ANSI Z535.4 7.3: “The message panel should have either black lettering on a white background or white lettering on a black background.”
ANSI Z535.4 8.1.2: “The message panel lettering should be a combination of upper and lower case letters. Upper case only lettering may be used for short message or emphasis on individual words.”
ANSI Z535.4 8.2.3: “Signal word letter height to be at least 50% greater than the height of the capital H in the message.”
ANSI Z535-4 10.2.2: “Product safety signs or labels should be replaced by the product user when they no longer meet the legibility requirements as described in section 8.2. In cases where products have an extensive expected life or were exposed to extreme conditions, the product user should contact either the product manufacturer or another source to determine a means for obtaining replacement signs or labels”

NFPA 70 / NEC 2020. The NFPA oversees the development of the National Electric Code, and it was recently updated in 2020. These codes serve as the benchmark for electrical hazard management and the design, installation, and inspection of electrical equipment. Since the scope of these guidelines is entirely electrical, it should be a point of focus for review with regard to electrical panel labeling.

NEC 110.21(b): “The markings shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.”
NEC 110.24(A): “Service equipment other than dwelling units shall be legibly marked in the field with the maximum fault current. The field marking(s) shall include the date the fault-current calculation was performed.”
NEC 110.27(C): “Entrance to rooms and other guarded locations that contain exposed live parts shall be marked with conspicuous warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter.”
NEC 205.11: “Warning signs, where required, shall be visible, securely attached, and maintained in a legible condition.”
NEC 205.12: “Circuit and voltage identification shall be securely affixed and maintained in updated and legible condition.”
NEC 210.5(C)(1)(b): “The method utilized for conductors originating within each branch circuit panelboard or similar branch circuit distribution equipment shall be permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard or similar branch circuit equipment.”
NEC 230.2(E): “Where a building or structure is supplied by more than one service, or any combination of branch circuits, feeders, and services, a permanent plaque or directory shall be installed at each service disconnect location denoting the other services, feeders and branch circuits supplying that building or structure and the area served by each.”
NEC 408.4(A): Every circuit and circuit modification shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose of use.”
NEC 408.4(B) “All switchboards and panelboards supplied by a feeder in other than one or two-family dwellings shall be marked to indicate the device or equipment where the power supply originates.”
NEC 409.110(3): “Industrial Control Panels supplied by more than one power source such that more than one disconnecting means is required to disconnect all power within the control panel shall be marked to indicate that more than one disconnecting means is required to deenergize the equipment.”

NFPA 77 / NFPA 79. In addition to NFPA 70 above that specifically outlines the National Electric Code, these additional resources may be helpful for reviewing your labeling practices as well. This is especially true when reviewing equipment and wiring that will be connected to any electrical panels you are managing.

NFPA 77. Recommended Practice on Static Electricity
NFPA 79. Electrical Standard For Industrial Machinery

Electrical Panel Label Materials and Design Considerations

The design of specific electrical panel labels will depend primarily on regulatory requirements, equipment specifications, durability needs, and materials of construction. Labels must be easy to read from an appropriate distance and be able to withstand the environment.

Regulatory requirements. As we covered above, the regulations set specific guidelines for the sizing, color, and information for your labels. Working within these limits, you should select appropriate specifications for your label design.
Equipment specifications. Electrical panels come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is important to consider the surface area and any contours that may be present in the desired location for labeling. The overall form factor could impact the type of adhesive or material used for the label.
Durability. Your labels must have able to survive the environment in which they will be used. In some applications, there may be potential exposure to sources of corrosion, harsh temperatures, or outdoor weather. For these situations, a more durable solution, such as an anodized aluminum metal label or Metalphoto® photosensitive anodized aluminum rating plate label, might be the best choice. In other general locations, such as sub-basements, a standard plastic label may be a perfect choice.
Materials. For some electrical applications, adhesive-backed vinyl or polyester labels will provide the best balance of durability and cost. These materials are pliable enough to fit the surface or curve of a surface and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

How to Choose Electrical Panel Labels

When it comes to choosing a specific label, your first decision will be selecting from plastic or metal substrates. As mentioned above, both vinyl labels and polyester labels are good choices when it comes to marking electrical panels and related equipment. They are suitable for most electrical applications and have great durability and readability. Metal labels should be selected for applications requiring robust durability. One of the strongest materials available is Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum, which is used for labels and tags that require a shelf life of over 20 years even in the harshest conditions.

Additional choices to fully customize your label include selecting the size, thickness, and type of adhesive. These should be matched with the needs of your electrical application and any additional requirements. The graphics, colors, and finish can also be customized with a production run to meet the quantity needs of your operation.

Best Practices for Placing Labels on Electrical Equipment

Placing your labels on electrical panels, walls, wires, and equipment should be a carefully planned process. It can be easy to miss a required label and be susceptible to a violation during a later inspection. When organizing electrical engineers and facilities maintenance personnel to complete the work, the following label installation best practices may be helpful:

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Verify the identity of equipment before installing labels
Place labels in a location that is easily viewable from a convenient angle
Be aware of viewing interference from any operational or maintenance equipment
Clean the surface with suitable materials prior to applying the label
Carefully review all equipment after installation to ensure nothing was missed

Selecting a proper label for electrical panels in an industrial facility requires a careful look at regulations, your hardware layout, and the environment in which your employees work. Proper planning can support an effective and thorough safety program for your entire operation. In addition to selecting electrical panel labels, your facilities management program should also involve proper maintenance and inspection for your equipment and your labels. Over time labels, may become worn or outdated and require replacement to maintain the integrity of your electrical system.

Further Reading on Electrical Panel Labels:

The Ultimate Guide to UL Labels and Marks

Equipment safety is a broad and diverse topic, with individual requirements that pertain to specific product types, regions, and applications. In order to demonstrate compliance, many commercial equipment manufacturers will mark their products with certification logos that indicate that their products have been certified by a governing or standards-issuing entity as safe and ready for their intended use. These markings are important for inspectors, end-users, and the general public as a standardized way to display this information.

In the United States, a number of different organizations exist to protect workers and end consumers by ensuring that manufacturers and operators uphold the standards. Some examples are safety code developers such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and federal agencies including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Another organization that plays a significant role in equipment manufacturing is the Underwriters Laboratory (UL), which develops safety, quality, and sustainability standards.

For end-users and operators, such as workers who use equipment in the food service industry, understanding what these markings stand for is an essential component of workplace safety. These businesses should not only purchase compliant equipment but must also maintain compliant operations. In fact, data from a UL field evaluation study showed that 63% of the equipment pieces inspected had deficiencies, some of them posing serious hazards.

We’ve created this guide to help you navigate the meaning and proper use of UL markings. We’ll explore how UL testing may differ from the other major safety agencies, what the UL standards cover, and how the different labels and marks should be interpreted and reviewed. UL labels and marks have been created as an easy way to quickly identify compliant equipment and provide a reference for their upkeep and ongoing maintenance needs. Since a safety program should not be a static process, taking time to fully understand UL markings can help ensure that your products are properly labeled and that you can maintain compliance throughout the life of your equipment.

We’ll discuss:

The Basics of Commercial Equipment Certification Marks

Equipment may carry a number of different markings to designate compliance with certain standards. There can also be variations among country, region, product type, and certifying organization, which can add some complexity. Generally speaking, the markings on a product can indicate which regions the product can be sold in or the energy and safety benchmarks it was tested against. In addition to UL, here are a few of the other most common commercial equipment certification markings.

National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). The NSF is a major governing body in the food service industry. NSF certification indicates a product that has been certified to a high standard of quality and safety. Sanitation requirements can vary widely depending upon the specific region, but the NSF marking signifies that the manufacturer undergoes regular auditing and is compliant with local regulations.
European Union (CE). The European Union has created several laws, called directives, that dictate the standards according to which products should be manufactured within the EU region. The CE marking indicates compliance with these directives.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The CSA marking is specific to local Canadian standards, and there is often overlap with NSF and UL requirements. In some situations, a product marked only with a CSA label may be compliant with NSF or UL standards. It’s always a good practice to check with a local regulatory professional to confirm whether a product meets certain certification criteria.
Edison Testing Laboratories (ETL). ETL is a global team of laboratories, a part of the Intertek organization, that performs testing services in accordance with various safety, gas, and electrical standards. This is an alternative to the UL, NSF, and CSA markings that are nationally recognized throughout North America.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is best known for regulating radio, TV, cable, and satellite communications through the U.S. Products marked with an FCC compliant label demonstrate that the product is able to operate using approved radio frequencies. Some household devices, such as microwave ovens, may have FCC certification.

An Introduction to the Underwriters Laboratory

The Underwriters Laboratory has been providing certifications for equipment since 1988 and has increased its scope and influence significantly over the past 30 years. Today, over 22 billion products are marked with UL labels each year. They maintain a catalog of over 100 different standards and provide testing, inspection, and certification services to manufacturers and businesses throughout the U.S.

The UL plays a major role in industries of all kinds and is especially active in the food and beverage industry. These are a few of the many solutions they provide to businesses operating in food services:

Second-party auditing
Online allergen training
Brand auditing
Shelf life and stability testing
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) training and support
Vendor and supplier auditing and qualification
Retail level food safety audits and inspections
Pest sanitation inspection

UL is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) which means that it is capable of upholding the highest standards expected by OSHA. Other organizations we have discussed, such as ETL, are also considered to be an NRTL, and their markings are often used interchangeably with UL by manufacturers. A company may choose one particular NRTL marking for their equipment due to the testing schedule available, certification costs, or because one certification mark is more widely recognized by consumers in a particular market.

The UL Catalog of Standards

UL maintains support for over 100 different standards that can be used to certify products or operations. Customers can also purchase standards from UL and access their extensive catalog for reference. These are a few of the most popular UL standards, which will give you a good idea of the wide range of products that may be certified and bear a UL logo.

UL 508A – Standard for Industrial Control Panels
UL 9560 – ANSI/CAN/UL Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment
UL 969 – Standard for Marking and Labeling
UL 142 – Standard for Steel Above Ground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids
UL 1703 – Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels

As is the case with UL 9560, some standards are also in direct alignment with U.S. standards maintained by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Given the frequent overlap, there is a process of continuous review and updating to ensure that all of the standards include the most recent requirements.

Types of UL Labels and Marks

The exact labels and markings will differ according to the particular region that products are manufactured. You can find details for the Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America regions on their website. In the list below, we’ll explain the major UL marks used for products manufactured in North America.

UL categorizes products as Type L or Type R, and there’s a handy Product iQ database on their website for confirming which one is applicable. Type L products use a UL Mark with an issue, lot, or serial number, while Type R products contain a marking with a control number or fixed 4-character number associated with a UL file number.

UL Listing Service. A product that carries this mark has demonstrated UL-compliance based on a representative number of samples. Common products using this mark include smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and computer equipment. The standard logo for this mark is the letters UL closed in a circle with the word “Listed” below the circle.
UL Combined Mark. If a product is in compliance with UL listing and follow-up services for the United States, Canada, and Europe, it may bear a combined mark. This logo appears as the letters UL surrounded by a circle and the letters C, EU, and US on opposite sides of the circle.
UL Classification Service. This type of mark is specific to a certain sampling of products that have been designated as compliant based on either a particular use under special conditions, a limited range of hazards, or with respect to specific properties. This logo has the letters UL surrounded by a circle with the word “classified” above the circle.
UL Recognized Component. This is an “R” style of label that is placed on compliant components used to manufacture products. For this reason, many consumers and equipment owners do not see them. The logo has a backward-facing letter R combined with a U, and there are three variations of this marking: US only, Canada only, and Canada and the US combined.
UL Functional Safety Certification Service. This marking is placed on equipment that has been designated as safe based on a particular use or application. It is usually tied to a particular functional safety standard that takes environmental factors and other concerns into account. This label comes with the same options as the UL Listed marking but includes the words “functional safety” above the circle.
UL Functional Safety Recognized Component. Very similar to the previous marking, this label is used for components that have been certified for use in particular applications. The variations of the logo are the same as a standard recognized component marking with the additional words “functional safety” above the circle.
UL Enhanced and Smart Marks. UL now offers companies the ability to design a customer smart mark for their product that includes increased traceability. These markings can include an integrated QR code for quick access to product certification information. Smart Marks are available for all the variations listed above, with some additional options available to combine multiple designations into a single label.

In addition to these common markings, there are many additional options available for North America. A few examples are environmental and public health, water quality, and marine certifications. As you can see, the individual mark that is placed on each product will likely be unique based on various factors.

UL Authorized Suppliers Program

In order to design, print, and fabricate labels which include a UL Mark, a manufacturer must be part of the UL authorized supplier program. This program ensures that there is an adequate amount of oversight to the labeling process. In addition, it gives manufacturers and end-users confidence that the labels are accurate and true representations of compliance with the relevant standards.

In order to become a UL approved supplier, a company must demonstrate adherence to standards related to the major steps in label manufacturing. The detailed categories for these label and mark requirements are contained within UL 969, and we’ve summarized them below:

PGDQ2 – Marking and Labeling Systems. This certification is the most comprehensive and high-level manufacturing standard. It applies to all aspects of label manufacturing including the adhesive, base material, printing system, and laminating or coating processes.
PGJI2 – Printing Materials. For blank labels that are printed using thermal imaging, this certification requires routine inspection of the printing ribbons and label materials. The goal of this standard is to make sure that the entire printing process is safe and that all materials will be compatible with the environmental conditions.
PGIM2 – In-Mold. Some labels can be mounted to a plastic substrate after printing. This molding process has unique concerns that are reviewed as part of this certification. There are also additional warnings that should be placed on these labels, including information about their environmental use and impact.
PGGU2 – Materials. This certification pertains to materials used for manufacturing labels that do not require any additional testing. Often, these are labels that provide some information but are not used for safety or regulatory purposes.
PGIS2 – Limited Use. Electrical equipment such as enclosures may not have regulatory requirements that are as strict as those covered in the overall UL 969 standard. This certification allows those labeling products, like cord tags or placards, to be created by the manufacturer for these limited-use situations.

UL labels and marks are vital for equipment in a range of industries to signify that a piece of equipment complies with essential safety standards. While there are other certification options for many industries, UL certification is one of the most widely used. Importantly, products that carry UL marks are subject to UL’s ongoing Follow-Up Services, which confirm that the manufacturing process continues to meet applicable safety standards and requirements for those products.

When choosing certification labels, work with an authorized UL label supplier like MPC for durable metal labels. Metalphoto® photosensitive anodized aluminum labels, for instance, are a UL-approved material that offers the durability needed to withstand typical equipment operating conditions across many industries. Metalphoto provides superior resistance to chemicals, abrasion, solvents, extreme temperatures, and UV, with an expected exterior lifespan of more than 20 years. Metalphoto labels can be customized to the precise size, shape, thickness, and information you need, with a silver-colored face stock that’s high-contrast and easy to read, making them an ideal choice for UL labels. Thanks to their exceptional durability and suitability for harsh environmental conditions, Metalphoto® photosensitive anodized aluminum labels remain readable throughout the lifespan of your equipment.