print a circuit directory
 

how do I create a custom circuit breaker directory for my breaker box to print

I have a bunch of Excel format directories you can print out on letter paper. I use full page display pouches with sticky backs stuck inside panel doors. This way you can slip the directory in the pouch and remove it later to make changes.

I can e-mail the files to you if you like.

For each room, e.g., upstairs NW room, I go clockwise around the room for each outlet, plus the overhead lamp.
It's a lot of outlets.

You can also find out, by measurement, which outlet is downstream of which.

Like SP said, Excel makes it very easy to create a panel directory. Instead of a drop-in sleeve I print mine on full sheet sticker material.

Use descriptive names like Front bedroom, master bedroom etc. Just labeling things Lights and Plugs does not meet the code requirement.

I actually use a table in word. Print it out, cut out the page border and stuff to make it smaller, and tack it on the plywood the panel is on. That way if I change something I just reprint a new copy and put it up.

I use descriptions like "plug near window in spare bedroom" if there's more then one breaker for same room.

If I really wanted to get fancy I could just number the plugs and label them all, like I did with the network jacks.

Red, at leat here in the US usage of the spare bedroom label would not fly. When someone uses that bedroom the label is no longer descriptive as there is no spare bedroom. This is similar to labeling Marys bedroom and Mary moves out and the house is sold.

Please! I need some help.

See attached .zip file. :thumbsup:

I'm guessing descriptors like 2F SW bedroom would be the kind of stuff that would meet code, but where in code should I read to understand panel labelling requirements?

Will, 225.37 would be the requirement for the directory. I would think your 2nd flr SW bedroom would be descriptive enough.

Jim, I think this is more applicable:

408.4 Field Identification Required.

(A) Circuit Directory or Circuit Identification. Every circuit and circuit modification shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use. The identification shall include sufficient detail to allow each circuit to be distinguished from all others. Spare positions that contain unused overcurrent devices or switches shall be described accordingly. The identification shall be included in a circuit directory that is located on the face or inside of the panel door in the case of a panelboard, and located at each switch or circuit breaker in a switchboard. No circuit shall be described in a manner that depends on transient conditions of occupancy.


Here is the handbook commentary on this:

You are correct Petey, I only searched the PDF for "directory". It was't the one that you posted and I was still on the first cup of coffee. Good call :thumbsup: and thanks.

I guess here we don't have any codes on panel labeling. Most houses I've been to hardly label anything. When I moved into mine there was not a single label on the panel. It was fun doing it from scratch. I turned everything in the house on, then would go downstairs to turn off one breaker, then test empty outlets and see what turned off and mark it down, then move on to the next breaker.

Wow, thanks for the great forms. I realize it has been a while since the post but I just found this, downloaded and am using on my jobs. I appreciate the effort to make them and share them in the forum. :thumbsup:

Good trick, how is that done?