Ul Panel Label Requirements

[Kena Sugrue]

Industrialelectrical panels are used across numerous industries to direct electric currents among the many pieces of equipment within a facility. Communicating safety and work-related information effectively can mean the difference between a low incident rate and violations or injuries. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has reported that there were over 1,500 electrical workplace injuries in 2018.

This guide to electrical panel labels will give you a thorough overview of the important considerations for labeling electrical panels and nearby equipment. Labels and tags remain important tools for communicating important information and keeping employees, contractors, and visitors informed.

The electrical infrastructure of the average industrial facility is typically complex and runs the span of the entire building. An important function of facilities management is to maintain a high level of awareness for safety and work management at all times. To accomplish this, labels are used in a variety of locations, including electrical panels and associated hardware.

Safety labels are used on electrical panels, connected equipment, and the surrounding areas to warn of potential hazards. These labels typically include a word of warning, symbol, and safety message with a more detailed description. Most of the time, these types of labels are also brightly colored and use red, yellow, and orange colors to attract attention.

Identification labels are also used on electrical panels and wiring to clarify the connections and types of electrical signals that are being used. The components that can be attached to an electrical distribution network may include feeders, disconnects, breaker panels, transfer switches, inverters, and other equipment. Each of these may require labels to identify components, power ratings, and other safety or work-related information.

The labeling and documentation requirements for commercial locations are influenced by local laws, industry regulations, and standardized business procedures. Electrical panels and components in a building must be marked with a number of different labels that highlight both safety and identifying information.

Two of the largest regulatory bodies that oversee facilities management in the United States including electrical systems are the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Within these guidelines and others, you will find detailed requirements for labeling and documentation that include all aspects of electrical safety and the proper usage of labeling, tags, and signage within facilities. In recent years, OSHA has become more active in conducting inspections and issuing citations for any violations related to electrical labeling and other areas. It is therefore important for all industries to maintain awareness of the requirements and take proactive steps to ensure compliance across their entire electrical infrastructure.

There are four sets of standards used within the United States that directly address electrical panel labels in some way. These regulations are monitored and communicated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Electrical Code (NEC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The following list will highlight some of the important sections within these regulations that are directly related to electrical labels within your facility. This is only an overview, and it is best to consult the regulations in detail to find all the relevant information required for your facility.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910. The Occupational Safety and Health Standards govern every aspect of work environments in the U.S. Within these regulations, a couple of sections are directly relevant to the safety and informational labeling of electrical panels and equipment:

ANSI Z535. While the scope of ISO regulations covers an internationally recognized standard, the ANSI standards have been adopted to specify standards within the U.S. There are thousands of ANSI standards, but the one most important for electrical panel labeling is ANSI Z535 and specifically ANSI Z535.4 American National Standard for Product Safety Signs and Labels.

NFPA 70 / NEC 2020. The NFPA oversees the development of the National Electric Code, and it was recently updated in 2020. These codes serve as the benchmark for electrical hazard management and the design, installation, and inspection of electrical equipment. Since the scope of these guidelines is entirely electrical, it should be a point of focus for review with regard to electrical panel labeling.

NFPA 77 / NFPA 79. In addition to NFPA 70 above that specifically outlines the National Electric Code, these additional resources may be helpful for reviewing your labeling practices as well. This is especially true when reviewing equipment and wiring that will be connected to any electrical panels you are managing.

The design of specific electrical panel labels will depend primarily on regulatory requirements, equipment specifications, durability needs, and materials of construction. Labels must be easy to read from an appropriate distance and be able to withstand the environment.

When it comes to choosing specific electrical panel labels, your first decision will be selecting from plastic or metal substrates. As mentioned above, both vinyl labels and polyester labels are good choices when it comes to marking electrical panels and related equipment. They are suitable for most electrical applications and have great durability and readability.

Metal labels should be selected for applications requiring robust durability. One of the strongest materials available is Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum, which is used for labels and tags that require a shelf life of over 20 years even in the harshest conditions.

Additional choices to fully customize your electrical panel labels include selecting the size, thickness, and type of adhesive. These should be matched with the needs of your electrical application and any additional requirements. The graphics, colors, and finish can also be customized with a production run to meet the quantity needs of your operation.

Placing your labels on electrical panels, walls, wires, and equipment should be a carefully planned process. It can be easy to miss a required label and be susceptible to a violation during a later inspection. When organizing electrical engineers and facilities maintenance personnel to complete the work, the following label installation best practices may be helpful:

Selecting proper electrical panel labels in an industrial facility requires a careful look at regulations, your hardware layout, and the environment in which your employees work. Proper planning can support an effective and thorough safety program for your entire operation.

In addition to selecting electrical panel labels, your facilities management program should also involve proper maintenance and inspection for your equipment and your labels. Over time labels, may become worn or outdated and require replacement to maintain the integrity of your electrical system.

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The Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods was updated in 2016 to reflect updated scientific information, including information about the link between diet and chronic diseases, such as obesity and heart disease. The updated label makes it easier for consumers to make better informed food choices. The updated label appears on the majority of food packages. Manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual sales were required to update their labels by January 1, 2020; manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales were required to update their labels by January 1, 2021. Manufacturers of most single-ingredient sugars, such as honey and maple syrup, and certain cranberry products had until July 1, 2021 to make the changes.

Final Rule: Serving Sizes of Foods That Can Reasonably Be Consumed At One Eating Occasion; Dual-Column Labeling; Updating, Modifying, and Establishing Certain Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed; Serving Size for Breath Mints; and Technical Amendments

See submitted comments, supporting documents, and references in Docket No. FDA-2004-N-0258.

The previous label was more than 20 years old when the changes were made. To make sure consumers have access to more recent and accurate nutrition information about the foods they are eating, FDA required changes based on updated scientific information, new nutrition and public health research, more recent dietary recommendations from expert groups, and input from the public.

The changes include modifying the list of required nutrients that must be declared on the label, updating serving size requirements, and providing a refreshed design. The current Nutrition Facts label makes it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about the food they eat.

The scientific evidence underlying the 2010, the 2015-2020, and the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans support reducing caloric intake from added sugars. Consuming too much added sugars can make it difficult to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie limits.

The FDA recognizes that added sugars can be a part of a healthy dietary pattern. But if consumed in excess, it becomes more difficult to also eat foods with enough dietary fiber and essential vitamins and minerals and still stay within calorie limits. The updates to the label will help increase consumer awareness of the quantity of added sugars in foods. Consumers may or may not decide to reduce the consumption of certain foods with added sugars, based on their individual needs or preferences.

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