Nameplate Color Code Scheme for Panels/Breakers

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bhsrnd

bhsrnd

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Location
Fort Worth, TX
Is anyone aware of an industry standard color code scheme that should be used when choosing ID nameplate colors to identify panels and breakers? I've seen namplates with blue background/white lettering to identify panels fed from a UPS and others with red background/white lettering to identify panels fed from a generator. What is/is not correct? Is it up to the customer to choose the color scheme?

I haven't been able to find anything published by ANSI, NFPA or others but that doesn't mean the info I seek doesn't exist.
 
Labeling

Labeling

I would assume that it depends on the State that your working in.
Here in NC, the State electrical board has a clause that states that:

[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]NC GS 87-43.1. Exceptions.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif](5) To the installation, construction, maintenance or repair of electrical wiring, devices, appliances or equipment by persons, firms or corporations, upon their own property when such property is not intended at the time for rent, lease, sale or gift, who regularly employ one or more electricians or mechanics for the purpose of installing, maintaining, altering or repairing of electrical wiring, devices or equipment used for the conducting of the business of said persons, firms or corporations;[/FONT]

In answer to your Question, no the NFPA-70 does not say how to label plastic labels, it's left up to the individual company and there happy crew. But it might be stated in "how to" in the IBC, or in the specifications of the Building codes via new constrcution that others have to work under, talk to there engineer or PM on site they'll give you there desired low-down ... :rolleyes:

Thanks goodness NC Uses the IBC w/exceptions, the main one to NFPA-70.
 
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The engineer will often time be the one that specifies the nameplate. This may include plate color, letter color, size, how it is attached, and in general, information that it must contain.

Safety labels are different, as they are dictated by standards.

The usual that I specify is white background with black letters. This is so when the plate gets dirty the dirt in the letters doesn't impede reading the information. The wihte plate also stands out on the equipment. Attach with self tapping stainless steel screws, i.e. no self adhesive (they can fall off)
 
cadpoint said:
I would assume that it depends on the State that your working in.

In answer to your Question, no the NFPA-70 does not say how to label plastic labels, it's left up to the individual company and there happy crew. But it might be stated in "how to" in the IBC, or in the specifications of the Building codes via new constrcution that others have to work under, talk to there engineer or PM on site they'll give you there desired low-down ... :rolleyes:

Thanks goodness NC Uses the IBC w/exceptions, the main one to NFPA-70.
Click to expand...

Cadpoint, NC State projects, such as Universities do have a mandated color code identification design guideline, see below.

16195 ELECTRICAL IDENTIFICATION

1. Furnish and install engraved laminated phenolic nameplates for all safety switches, panelboards, transformers, switchboards, motor control centers and other electrical equipment supplied for the project for identification of equipment, controlled, served, phase, voltage, etc. Nameplates shall be securely attached to equipment with self-tapping stainless steel screws, and shall identify equipment controlled, attached, etc. Letters shall be approximately 1/2 inch high minimum. Embossed, self-adhesive plastic tape is not acceptable for marking equipment. Nameplate material colors shall be:

...Blue surface with white core for 120/208 volt equipment.


...Black surface with white core for 277/480 volt equipment.

...Bright red surface with white core for all equipment related to fire alarm system.

...Dark red (burgundy) surface with white core for all equipment related to security.

...Green surface with white core for all equipment related to "emergency" systems.

...Orange surface with white core for all equipment related to telephone systems.


...Brown surface with white core for all equipment related to data systems.

...White surface with black core for all equipment related to paging systems.

...Purple surface with white core for all equipment related to TV systems. Electrical Guidelines and Policies - 2005 19

2. All empty conduit runs and conduit with conductors for future use shall be identified for use and shall indicate where they terminate. Identification shall be by tags with string or wire attached to conduit or outlet.

3. All outlet boxes, junction boxes and pull boxes shall have their covers and exterior visible surfaces painted with colors to match the surface color scheme outlined above. This includes covers on boxes above lift-out and other type accessible ceilings.

You can veiw this document HERE

Roger





 
As always, I appreciate the responses received in this forum. Roger shows guidelines for NC but is anyone aware of something similar for Texas? I cannot find anything but want to ensure I'm not missing something.
 
WOW ??0 opener

WOW ??0 opener

I think I sometimes shoot from the hip when posting, first of all I couldn?t remember that cool word, ?phenolic? label. I knew what they meant, I just couldn't remember that word, oh well ...

I sent Bhsrnd a privite message on Google'd
"IBC electric phenolic Label"

Roger, thanks for the great link, I'll read that later. I haven't had to
use all of those in construction yet, I have seen like stuff on some of the other disciplines but didn't give it much thought, and who let them loose
with the crayons ? ?
 
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