Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

[jryan]

IS there a specific NEC or NFPA 70E requirement for each and every panel in a facility to be labeled 120V-200A or 480V-400A?

The 480 Panels already have a tag id with that information but you have to get real close to read the metal tag. In the case of 120V panels, some have them some don't.

I was told that I have to label all the panels (100+) with a visible voltage and current ID that can be seen from 5 foot away.

I find this hard to believe because most qualified folks will recognize the panel in whether it is a 120V or a 480V.

If there are any labeling requirements, could someone point me to the OSHA, NEC, or NFPA regulations that specifically address this issue?

Thanks in Advance

 

[rbalex]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

Section 408.13

the 5' statement is stretch though.

 

[jryan]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

Thanks.

I have found that in the 99 and also the 02 code. The distance requirement sounded a stretch for sure. Thing is, I am trying to figure out if CalOSHA might be driving some of this also. Some of the panels that are being referenced here were installed in the 40's, the 480 stuff is all labeled, but some if not most of the 120 panels are not at this point. A qualified person should easily recognize a 120/240V panel but would not know the current rating. I guess I will be busy for 80 hours labeling panels

 

[rbalex]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

CalOSHA has no additional requirements. These marking requirements go back before 1968.

When the line is being drawn between "safe" and "safer" I'm usually on the other side of the issue; i.e., I believe those who argue for "safer" should be required to rigorously justify additional costs before something becomes Code . In this case though, labeling and signage are just about the most cost effective safety enhancements available. You simply can't over inform - even qualified people - especially qualified people.

 

[jryan]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

True, but to go and label 100+ panels to say 120/240V is overkill I think. The 480V panels are labeled as such and if it is not 480 then it must be 120/240. Thing is some of these panels are 20 years older than I am and getting info on them can be a challenge. I even have one that is a 177A panel. You cant get a label for that and so you have to make one.

I want to do what is right and safe, but there are only 4-5 folks here who would be getting in the panel and they all know what the panel is. I am going to have a person spend 40-60 hours labeling panels and hopefully that will satisfy the requirements.

 

[steve66]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

408.13 refers to the manufacturer's label. I don't think anyone can claim you have to improve and modify a panel to make it comply.. We all know how tiny and hard to read they are, but if they didn't satisfy the code requirments, the manufacturers would be putting bigger labels on.

Steve

 

[rbalex]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

Originally posted by jryan:
True, but to go and label 100+ panels to say 120/240V is overkill I think. The 480V panels are labeled as such and if it is not 480 then it must be 120/240. Thing is some of these panels are 20 years older than I am and getting info on them can be a challenge. I even have one that is a 177A panel. You cant get a label for that and so you have to make one.

I want to do what is right and safe, but there are only 4-5 folks here who would be getting in the panel and they all know what the panel is. I am going to have a person spend 40-60 hours labeling panels and hopefully that will satisfy the requirements.

Believe me - you have my sympathy.

I doubt CalOSHA is the immediate driving force behind this requirement at your facility. They usually only enforce on a per incident basis.

As I said, I'm a big fan of informing people - but I still understand your position. With 110.16 requirements already retroactively enforceable on existing equipment you may want to do it all at once.

 

[jryan]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

Well a corporate person from back east is driving it. I have asked for clarification on just what he wants. I have no monies for this project but I will find a way to get it done if needed. I just feel it is a bit overkill to label all panels 120/240V if all the 480V are labeled 480V. You know that Murphy will kick in here right?

 

[rbalex]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

Originally posted by jryan:
... All 13.8KV equipment is behind fences so that is not an issue.
...

You may want to review the various nameplate requirements in Article 490 (Art 710 in older versions of the Code).

You may also want to review various signage requirements in 110.27 and 110.33.

Signage and labeling are things that FedOSHA can and does enforce retroactively if they believe it's lack was contributory to an accident. (And if its missing - it did. Period.)

 

[jryan]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

Thanks , I ahve just purchased a NFPA 70E and will purchase new copies of the 05 code and handbook.

Thanks for your help.

 

[bajan]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

I live in the Caribbean and we have been doing that with all panels . Any panel above 220v must have at least a 3" label in contrasting colours i.e. black and white yellow on black etc. A sign must be posted on the door if enclosed in a panel room. A schedule must also be placed on the inside of the panel/board indicating which circuits are high voltage/current. It may seem tough now but its really safety oriented ! Good Luck

 

[pierre]

Re: Question on Panel Labels and Panel ID's

ANSI has requirements for signs and labels. I am not sure if it has to be enforced in your situation, but they do have guidelines as to sizes and colors of the labels.

Pierre