Our homes are supposed to be the safest place at all times but with the electrical hazards that are potentially present, it pays to be meticulous in dealing with electrical-related problems and entrust the job to a licensed electrician nearby. But did you know that labeling your electrical panel is also a form of safety precaution?

Also referred to as the fuse box, fuse panel, or circuit breaker panel, an electrical panel is a device that is tasked to ensure a regulated and safe distribution of electricity throughout your home’s electrical system. At the same time, the device can detect whenever there is an irregularity of power supply or a potential electrical issue. Although there are panels installed indoors, most homeowners opt to have them installed in the basement or garage.

The electrical codes in the United States, including in Colorado, mandate that homeowners must have their electrical layouts printed and panels labeled, especially before putting them on sale. The purpose of this is to warn future homeowners or family members about the potential risks that can arise in touching them. At the same time, this will help electrical technicians easily locate the circuit breaker in case electrical installations and repairs have to be done in the future.

Labeling Your Electric Panel the Safe Way

As anything electrical-related has to be dealt with properly, the same thing applies in labeling your electric panel. However, at times, this can be hard especially if you lack the proper background and skills required to do it right. For instance, the process begins with identifying which outlets and fixtures are currently connected to your circuit breaker and these should be detached one by one before you start the labeling. If you feel like this is a threat, do not hesitate to seek help from a local electrician. On the other hand, if you want to give the task a try, below is a brief guide to follow:

Step #1: Turn off your circuit breaker and test the outlets one by one to take note of an accurate layout.

This is to totally eliminate the probability of electrocution or other electrical related accidents. Once this is done, check your fixture or appliance one by one and take note appropriately; an appliance that can still be powered on is an indication that it is probably connected to another breaker.

If you are hesitant to plug the appliances as this can end up damaging them, another way to check your power outlets is by plugging in a lamp, an alarm clock, or a voltage tester.

The entire process will be time-consuming but for you and your family’s safety, this will be worth it.

Step #2: Start labeling.

Here, you have two main things to label: your appliances and your breaker box.

·          In labeling your appliances note that the purpose of this is to indicate which circuit breaker the particular appliance connects. At the same time, also include the amperage rating in the label. This will help you recognize defects in case it gets a disrupted power supply.

Electricians advise that large and heavy appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, washing machines and dryers, and smart home systems be provided with their dedicated electrical panels as they tend to eat up a lot of electricity.

·          In labeling your breaker box, you can make use of already-numbered slots or a diagram that you can refer to as an electrical layout guide for future electrical repairs.

If electric panel labeling is giving you trouble, you should not think twice about calling a licensed electrician’s help. Labeling may sound simple but the truth is, it comes with a lot of safety issues that a professional electrical service company like ElectriCall is versed in handling. Entrust the job to the experts; give us a call. We will be glad to help.