How to Label Your Electrical Panel

It is important to know which areas of your home is controlled by each circuit breaker so you can react quickly to an electrical issue. Unfortunately, many people continue to use unlabeled control panels, leaving themselves vulnerable in an emergency. At Mr. Electric of Atlanta, we offer premium commercial and residential electrical services for metro area property owners. Are you ready to get organized by labeling your electrical panel? Here are some helpful tips that can make the process go smoothly. 

Gather Your Supplies

First, make sure you have the appropriate materials needed to label your electrical panel. This may include a label maker, blank label stickers or markers. 

Get a Friend or Family Member to Help 

Next, you will want to encourage a friend or member of the household to help out by flipping switches around the house while you remain at the panel to turn breaker switches off and on. You can shout across the house if the breaker box is indoors or use a phone to speak to one another if the panel is located in the basement, garage or out of the way area of the property.

Shut Off Every Circuit Breaker One at a Time

Then, you will need to shut off the power to each of the electrical circuits one breaker at a time. Avoid shutting off the master switch. 

Slowly Restore Power to Each Circuit 

Once you are sure all of the breaker switches are in the “off” position, you will send your buddy to the appropriate area of the house, flip one switch to the “on” position and wait for confirmation. Label that switches with the area of the home it corresponds to. Some circuits may not have lights or other obvious electronics attached to it, such as the washer and dryer, HVAC system or water heater unit. So, make sure these larger appliances are also included in your list. 

Test Outlets If Necessary, with a Lamp or Similar Electronic 

You may run into an issue along the way, perhaps finding outlets that don’t have any devices plugged into it. Test various outlets with a lamp or other device. Use caution when testing, and make sure that the electronic is turned off when plugging or unplugging the item. 

Did You Notice a Problem with Your Circuit Breaker? Call Mr. Electric Today 

Were there circuits that didn’t seem to work correctly when you were labeling your electrical panel? Did you notice signs of damage or deterioration while performing this task? Then there is no reason to hesitate. Get the help you need by calling the experts at Mr. Electric of Atlanta. Our certified and insured electricians can help ensure the safety and longevity of your electrical system. Contact our office for more information about our wide range of high-quality services or to schedule an appointment with a licensed electrician in Atlanta, Cumming, Buckhead, Canton, Doraville, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, Tucker, Smyrna, Woodstock, Kennesaw, Johns Creek, Duluth, Georgia or a surrounding neighborhood.