Electricity can be dangerous, and a well labeled circuit breaker can help you minimize that danger in your life. In an electrical emergency, one can cut off power to a specific room or outlet just by flipping the corresponding switch on their circuit panel. If safety isn't reason enough to label you circuit breaker, then maybe saving money will convince you. Any time you have to hire someone for electrical work they will need to be able to control the flow of power to your building. A well labeled circuit breaker will save them time, and thus save you money. The best part is labeling your circuit breaker is easy to do.
What you will need to label your circuit panel:
- Label Maker
- Label Tape
- A friend
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You can either turn on a light or appliance in every room, then systematically turn off the switches on your panel, being sure to make note of which room loses power.
-or-
You can turn off all of the switches on your breaker at once, and then systematically flip switches on your panel, being sure to make note of which room has power.
With both methods you will need to stand by the breaker and have a friend check room to room to identify what areas are affected by each circuit switch. After identifying the location controlled by a switch, create a label with unique names for each one (ex: Bedroom – Master, Kitchen, Outlets – Garage). Stick the label you created next to the corresponding switch on your circuit panel, and move on to the next one.
Safety Considerations:
If there is any sign that something is going wrong with your circuit breaker (spell, smoke, sparks, buzzing, tripping frequently, or anything else that doesn't seem right) Call an electrician to look into the problem.
