OHSA Standards for Electric Panel Labeling
Electrical Paneling and the OHSA labeling requirements for them.
In every workplace there is at least 1 type of electrical panel. Most of people think of a circuit breaker when they hear electrical panel, however there are many different purposes for an electric panel. I will briefly discuss what an electrical panel is and the labeling and safety requirements required by OHSA regarding them.
What is an electrical panel?
An electrical panel, also known as a distribution board, is the main hub of an electrical supply system. You can think of it like a railroad system, this would be the yard where all the switching and dispersion happens. An electrical panel typically is made up of switches or breakers that control the power to components. This requires clear and concise labeling to ensure that these components can be connected and disconnected safely.
What labeling is required by OHSA regarding electrical panels and boxes?
Due to the wide variation of how electrical boxes are used and what they do, OHSA has set some very broad guidelines for labeling. I will briefly review some of the OHSA guidelines and discuss why they exist.
“Each disconnecting means required by this subpart for motors and appliances shall be legibly …show more content…
For example, on a panel that controls several motors or on a motor control center, each disconnect must be clearly marked to indicate the motor to which each circuit is connected. In the figure below, the Number 2 circuit breaker in the panel box supplies current only to disconnect Number 2, which in turn controls the current to motor Number 2. This current to motor Number 2 can be shut off by the Number 2 circuit breaker or the Number 2 disconnect.” (OHSA.gov,
Electrical Paneling and the OHSA labeling requirements for them.
In every workplace there is at least 1 type of electrical panel. Most of people think of a circuit breaker when they hear electrical panel, however there are many different purposes for an electric panel. I will briefly discuss what an electrical panel is and the labeling and safety requirements required by OHSA regarding them.
What is an electrical panel?
An electrical panel, also known as a distribution board, is the main hub of an electrical supply system. You can think of it like a railroad system, this would be the yard where all the switching and dispersion happens. An electrical panel typically is made up of switches or breakers that control the power to components. This requires clear and concise labeling to ensure that these components can be connected and disconnected safely.
What labeling is required by OHSA regarding electrical panels and boxes?
Due to the wide variation of how electrical boxes are used and what they do, OHSA has set some very broad guidelines for labeling. I will briefly review some of the OHSA guidelines and discuss why they exist.
“Each disconnecting means required by this subpart for motors and appliances shall be legibly …show more content…
For example, on a panel that controls several motors or on a motor control center, each disconnect must be clearly marked to indicate the motor to which each circuit is connected. In the figure below, the Number 2 circuit breaker in the panel box supplies current only to disconnect Number 2, which in turn controls the current to motor Number 2. This current to motor Number 2 can be shut off by the Number 2 circuit breaker or the Number 2 disconnect.” (OHSA.gov,