First of all, labels on your circuit breaker are required by the National Electrical Code: “Each disconnecting means shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.” You are even required to label the spare switches that don’t go to anything! However, if for some reason your circuit breaker doesn’t have a circuit directory, here are a few tips in making sure you get it done easily and in an understandable way.
Permanent Marker
When labeling a circuit breaker, tape can lose its adhesive or get moist or crack and come off. Take a permanent marker or something that will stay on the circuit breaker. Of course, only scrawl down the information after you’re absolutely sure it’s correct!
Use General Terms
“Bobby’s room” may mean something to you, but future residents of your house won’t know which room that is. Stick to general terms like “NE Bedroom” or “Kitchen outlets”. If you want to make it really clear, number the circuits and then draw a map as a key.
Example
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1. Bedroom 1 N.E.
3. Bedroom 2 S.E.
5. Kitchen Outlets
7. Dishwasher
9. Refrigerator
11. Freezer
13. North Lighting
15. South Lighting
17. Spare
19. Spare
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2. Garbage Disposer
4. Microwave/Range
6. Dining Room
8. Living Room
10. Bathroom
12. Basement Outlets
14. Basement Lighting
16. Garage
18. Spare
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