Panel Circuit Directories - don't want to hand write anymore

[bjp_ne_elec]

Like to know if anyone can recommend a good program for printing Panel Circuit Directories. I've seen some, and I've always been hand writing, and there has to be a better way. Also, can you get special heavy duty paper to print them on, or does the program allow the use of the ones that come with the various manufacturers. Also, any special consideration on printers?

THanks

Brett

 

[77401]

With the new Code wanting more detail, than just lights plugs & appliances
I have created a spreadsheet on Excell.
I just fill in the blanks & print it out on a label type of paper.
It has my company name & logo on it.
I also put the customers name & date on it too.

Its easy to customize & change for each job.

 

[infinity]

We also use an Excel program with the company name, license number, etc. After the directory is complete we print it on a sticky backed label. The label is then affixed directly to the inside of the panel door.

 

[LarryFine]

We use a self-adhesive labeling printer paper and print a simple table we make with WordPerfect. Then we simply cut the strips and apply them alongside the breakers.

We make the cells either 3/4" tall (for QO and CH) or 1" tall (everyone else). Here's an example:

Note: this is a mix of 3-pole, 2-pole, single-pole, and tandem 1" breaker labels.

 

[bphgravity]

You mean "lites, plugs, dw, dp, w/h, a/c, a/h, kit, micro, frig, and bath are no longer suitable for labeling a directory?

I went to a large trade show several years ago in Orlando where a vendor was handing out pre-printed panel directory labels. I ended up getting about 100 sheets by the end of the weekend. Those lasted for several months!

 

[77401]

You mean "lites, plugs, dw, dp, w/h, a/c, a/h, kit, micro, frig, and bath are no longer suitable for labeling a directory?

I went to a large trade show several years ago in Orlando where a vendor was handing out pre-printed panel directory labels. I ended up getting about 100 sheets by the end of the weekend. Those lasted for several months!

408.4
I thought you are listed as an inspector????

 

[bphgravity]

I was trying to be funny...

 

[77401]

I thought you were being serial
LOL hahahahhaha
ROFLMFAO!!!!

 

[LarryFine]

I thought you were being serial
LOL hahahahhaha
ROFLMFAO!!!!

Someone here obviously thinks you are very funny. Hmmm, I wonder who that could be?

 

[jimport]

Did anyone else catch the interpretation that stickers alongside the breakers do not meet the requirement, only the panel directory filled out will satisfy the Code?

 

[77401]

Very good Jim Port!
408.4 does specifically state where the "Directory" is to be located.

 

[George Stolz]

Someone here obviously thinks you are very funny. Hmmm, I wonder who that could be?

Now, that was funny.

Now that I have a PDA, the next big house I do (should I happen to wire a house in the next two weeks) I can create a panel directory on the spot, and just print it out when I get home.

First I'd heard of sticky-backed paper. Do you just get that at the office supply place?

 

[bjp_ne_elec]

George - do you have a special program for the PDA?

Larry - on the circuits you have labeled - for example #26A/#26B(Range Hood/Tall Freezer) - is that just a two pole breaker sharing a neutral? Not sure why you're not just calling it #26/#28.

Thanks

Brett

 

[George Stolz]

Brett, it came with a program that can create and edit Excel Spreadsheets. I have yet to use it for that purpose, but am comfortable that it can be done conveniently.

What I've done in the past is simply write a number on the romex, and then have a clipboard next to the panel, with a blank panel schedule. As I pulled home runs, I would write a detailed description on the schedule for that space. Then I'd take the clipboard home and type it up.

Essentially, you'd have to leave the PDA by the panel, or be the only one pulling homeruns, but it would save a step or two (transcribing from paper to desktop computer). When the PDA is sync'd with the computer, then a copy of the spreadsheet would be on the computer. It could then be adjusted/printed.

 

[dduffee260]

We also have ours on an Excel spreadsheet. It has several options such as a customized logo, panel name, address, etc. We make each one and actually print it on plain paper, then cut to fit, laminate it or tape it to the door of the panel. Several times people call us and ask what does breaker # so and so go to because someone took out the sheet and lost it. We tell them the answer then reprint a new one and mail it to them. This really impresses alot of people that we have that stuff on record.

We have several templates built up so we can choose a variety of brands and sizes. We also built up alot of other things such as wage rate reports, tax forms, schedule of values and application and certificates for payment from Excel.

 

[LarryFine]

Larry - on the circuits you have labeled - for example #26A/#26B(Range Hood/Tall Freezer) - is that just a two pole breaker sharing a neutral? Not sure why you're not just calling it #26/#28.

Those are the two sections of a tandem breaker; two breakers in a single 1" case. They don't share a neutral, because they are on the same phase.

I probably do have 26A and 28A sharing a neutral, as well as 26B and 28B sharing one.

 

[CBL]

With the new Code wanting more detail, than just lights plugs & appliances
I have created a spreadsheet on Excell.
I just fill in the blanks & print it out on a label type of paper.
It has my company name & logo on it.
I also put the customers name & date on it too.

Its easy to customize & change for each job.

Hello, I'm a EC and have had my c-10 license a little over 3 years, I use Excell for doing quotes, w/o and most all forms that I use...I'm trying to use excell whenever possible because of compatibillity. does anyone want to part with an excell file so I can revise and use.... At the time I don't do alot of panel changes but am trying to get more into this type of work and would be cool to have this when I do or fill out and put up on existing panels when I do a service call and use it for call backs...Thanks, Jerry

P.S. Any suggestions on how or who to market for this would be greatly appreciated also...

 

[Engineer83]

We also use an excel directory at work. We have the standard info (name,main rating, fed from), circuit number, description, breaker number, and the amperage of the circuit. We print them out and trim them to fit a 5"x8" laminated/adhesive backed shop ticket holder.

Another good thing about excel, is that you can make panel schedules with loads for working drawings (import them into AutoCad) and add another worksheet into the excel file to link the circuit data to the final panel directory. It saves a little time from reentering the data.

 

[jeff43222]

Hello, I'm a EC and have had my c-10 license a little over 3 years...

You might want to just refer to it as an EC license since I bet most people don't know that a "C-10" license is a California thing.

At the time I don't do alot of panel changes but am trying to get more into this type of work and would be cool to have this when I do or fill out and put up on existing panels...

I do a fair number of panel/service upgrades, but I don't see how any of these ideas would help me. The main thing I run into on these kinds of jobs is that the labeling in the old panel is almost always vague, illegible and/or woefully incomplete. I did a service upgrade today (old 60A fused system of boxes to new 200A panelboard) that involved a total of 12 existing 120V circuits. Several of them weren't labeled at all. I have no idea what they were connected to. Many of the other ones had one-word ("lites") or were written by someone who failed penmanship class several times. I do what I can, but I don't map out the house. The inspectors don't usually expect it on upgrades because they know how inaccurate the old fuse box labels usually are.

On the other hand, if inspectors insisted on accurate panelboard labels during upgrades, I'd have to add the extra time spent to my bid. If I wire a new circuit/panel myself, I make sure it's 100% accurate with enough detail, but jobs like that don't come my way very often. I mostly deal with trying to bring ancient stuff into the modern world and doing my best to bridge the gap.

 

[LarryFine]

. . . I bet most people don't know that a "C-10" license is a California thing . . .

Doesn't it mean he's qualified to drive a half-ton Chevy pickup?