Anyone who has seen electrical wiring knows how complex it can be. That's why every set of circuit breakers needs a panel index inside the door or on a faceplate. The panel should indicate which parts of your house are powered by the individual breakers. Organizing your electrical system increases safety and peace of mind, which is why you should know how to label a new or outdated index.

3 Steps to Label an Electrical Panel 

1. Make a List 

Walk through each room in your home and list each item and outlet that uses electricity. Not everything in one room is powered by the same electrical wiring, so this will ensure you don't forget anything while going through the breakers.

Additionally, consider whether any of your bulbs are burned out and need to be replaced. Otherwise, your panel won't be accurate because you'll be unable to tell which breaker controls the area with the dead bulb. 

2. Assign Numbers 

Write numbers on small colored stickers and place them in order next to each circuit breaker in the panel. Then, using a sheet of paper, draw a simple diagram of the board, complete with numbers corresponding to the breakers that the spaces represent. Make sure you leave enough room to write labels for each breaker.  

3. Test the Breakers 

You can do this part on your own, but it’s easier if a friend or family member helps so that you don’t have to continuously walk back and forth between the panel and the rest of your home. One of you should stand by the panel with all the breakers turned off.  

After that person switches a breaker on, the other person must announce verbally or by text what parts of your home are lit up or working. Write down these parts in your diagram next to the spaces representing the breakers you’re testing. 

Test the single breakers first. The electrical wiring for double breakers typically controls large devices, like ovens, stoves, and laundry machines, with each pair connected to one appliance. It’s easiest to save them for last. 

For professional help labeling your panel or figuring out other aspects of your electrical wiring, contact Piedmont Electric Repair Company in High Point, NC. With nearly 80 years maintaining a reputation as a dependable and high-quality electric company, they boast more than 10,000 products and materials guaranteed to keep your system in excellent condition for its entire life span. To schedule a visit from an expert electrician today, call them at (336) 889-0222. Learn more about the team online.