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Tool

Circuit directory check

Type a panel's directory as the card reads today, one circuit a line. The check lists the circuits to describe better.

Closed panelboard doors

Panel A (example)

Result

11 circuits read · 4 to fix

  • Circuit 4 is in use but has no description.A breaker in use needs a description of what it feeds. Spare breakers are listed as spare.
  • Circuits 6 and 11 read the same.Two circuits that read the same cannot be told apart. Add what distinguishes them.
  • Circuit 7: "Lights" alone does not say which circuit it is.A word alone such as "Lights" or "Misc" does not say which circuit it is. Say what and where: "Lights, sales floor north".
  • Circuit 9: "Mike's office" depends on who uses the room.A description that depends on who uses a room ("Mike's office", "temp") goes out of date. Use the room number or its use.
The rules

What the check looks for

Every circuit described

A breaker in use needs a description of what it feeds. Spare breakers are listed as spare.

Clear and specific

A word alone such as "Lights" or "Misc" does not say which circuit it is. Say what and where: "Lights, sales floor north".

Different from all others

Two circuits that read the same cannot be told apart. Add what distinguishes them.

Not tied to who is there

A description that depends on who uses a room ("Mike's office", "temp") goes out of date. Use the room number or its use.

Positions that fit

A 2-pole breaker takes two positions on one side (1 and 3), a 3-pole three. The positions must not overlap and must fit the panel.

Based on the circuit directory wording of NEC 408.4(A) (2020 edition text): every circuit and circuit modification legibly identified as to its clear, evident and specific purpose or use, in a degree of detail the inspector approves, with spare positions described, and no description that depends on transient conditions of occupancy.

Contact

Have a commercial project coming up?

Call (508) 262-6496 or email sales@coastlinees.com, Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Or put the scope together first with the Scope Planner.