Electrical Safety Labeling: Equipment, Cables, & Disconnects

One of the most important aspects of any electrical installation is labeling, which does not always receive the attention to detail it should. Safety labeling is vital for employees, supporting them in avoiding danger. Labeling equipment is equally important as it helps workers understand what they are using. Electrical labeling requirements are defined in the project specifications and are also required by OSHA and the NEC. A common error that companies make in passing an OSHA inspection is the lack of electrical labeling, which may lead to fines and more inspections down the road.

Essentially, we label because it's an OSHA, NEC, and requirement per specifications and because it's creating a safer and more productive work environment for all parties involved.

Below you will find a list of some of the labeling requirements for electrical equipment, cables, and disconnects.

Equipment:

• Arc Flash Labels: Shall be present at switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and MCC's and any other equipment that is likely to require inspection, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized.
• Voltage Markers: Shall be displayed Orange in color at all distribution panels, disconnects, switchboards, MCCs, and various other equipment including feeder cables and Raceways.
• Warning Signs: required at the entrance to rooms and other guarded locations that contain exposed live parts. Permanent legible signs shall be installed at isolating equipment, warning people against operation while carrying current unless the equipment is interlocked.

Cables:

• Cables need to have their own alphanumeric number, which is used to identify them.
• Cables that have been run underground will be buried at a standard depth set by the NEC. They should be buried with warning tape closer to the surface to alert personnel during any future excavations that there are power cables below.  

Disconnects:

• Service disconnects and equipment disconnects shall be labeled for identifying means. Main service disconnects shall be labeled clearly stating it as a 'Service Disconnect,' and additional labeling may be required if you have two different supply voltages, i.e., 120/208v and 277/480v.
• A site plan or label posted showing the service locations is essential in case of an emergency where power has to be isolated.

We offer clients a comprehensive labeling package, assisting them in staying OSHA and code compliant, promoting a safer workplace, and helping to save time & costs.