Change Summary

• Every circuit and circuit modification is still required to be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use. This identification is now required to be included in a circuit directory that is located on the face, inside of, or in an approved location adjacent to the panel door in the case of a panelboard.

Expert Analysis

All panelboard circuits and any circuit modifications are required to be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use. The circuit identification must have an approved degree of detail to distinguish each circuit from all others. Spare positions that contain unused overcurrent devices need to be indicated as well. Circuits should not be described with descriptions of transient conditions of occupancy. In other words, a circuit can’t be identified as “Bill’s room” or “Mary’s office.” This identification has historically been required to be located on a circuit directory on the face or inside the panelboard doors [see 408.4(A)].

For the 2020 NEC, the location of this required circuit directory has been expanded to include “an approved location adjacent to the panel door in the case of a panelboard.” This adjacent location would have to be “approved” by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). This adjacent location could include a prominently labeled notebook of circuit directories for adjacent panelboards that might even include graphics.

There is only so much “real estate” inside of a panelboard cover or door. The existing text may frustrate some installers and inspectors due to a lack of adequate space. A lot of information is required to be addressed at this inside cover location. This required information could include schematics, specifications and instructions, inspection stickers for many different permits and trades, arc fault ratings of the equipment, and lists of circuits controlled by energy management systems. Often, the installer will rely on a preprinted circuit directory template to satisfy 408.4(A). These preprinted circuit directories rarely have enough space on them to clearly indicate everything a particular branch circuit supplies.

Leviton Solution
The Leviton Load Center makes labeling circuits clean, easy and professional.
By downloading the FREE My Leviton App you can access the Leviton Load Center utility template where you can name all your circuits and easily print out on label sheets. The label sheets are available at office supply stores and many other retailers. Simply peel the label and place on the appropriate spot on the Load Center.

With optional Internet connectivity, an all plug-on design for easy installation and safety features that exceed the UL standard, the Leviton Load Center offers unparalleled energy management of your home’s electrical system.

As the leader in home electrical safety, Leviton delivers the only residential circuit breaker on the market today that exceeds UL requirements for ground-fault protection, preventing the circuit breaker from being reset if ground-fault protection is lost. This important safety feature helps protect against electric shock and electrocution for a safer living environment.

The most advanced load center on the market is also the easiest to install. Only Leviton circuit breakers feature an all plug-on design, saving time and increasing productivity.

The all-white indoor enclosure with optional observation window is just the beginning. Leviton circuit breakers incorporate user-friendly diagnostics, such as color indicators in each rocker handle that indicate operating status, and easy-to-read LED’s that display fault type (AF/GF) when tripped.

     1. Install the Hub.  2. Add Smart Circuit Breakers  3. Connect with My Leviton App