Circuit/breaker house maps? Ideas?

[Max]

I think that mine will look something like this:


I'll label the panel with functions for dual pole breakers (AC, subs, dryer, etc.) and then use standard numbering for the rest. Both my main and sub panels have tandem breakers, hence the U and L for Upper and Lower. Overall it'll be 4-6 8.5/11 sheets that I'll keep in a clear folder by the panels. I prefer the map vs. a spreadsheet as it makes it 100% clear which room is what. My current panel has things that say "JJ Office" which I know from walking through the house before we bought it, but no one later will.

 

[yatg]

If you're into documenting and going to do a graphic floor plan, use a tool that has layers. Draw your basic floor plan then add an electrical layer, an hvac layer, etc.

 

[Max]

I am using LibreCad and it does have layers - which I use. After many years of photoshop I can’t use a tool without layers.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Wouldn't it be easier to just number the breakers and put a small adhesive number on the outlet/fixture?

Yes, but you are taking the joy out of some old, retired guy's life.
Drawing the map, chasing down wires, keeping maps updated and going over the maps with bored grandkids is what some people may be after to fill their days.

 

[engineer2]

I just used Microsoft Excel to mimic the QO panel label. Cut it out and tape to the inside of the door.
Below is an example, but I deleted out the locations, You can merge sells for 2-pole breakers like your home AC.

 

[Max]

Yes, but you are taking the joy out of some old, retired guy's life.
Drawing the map, chasing down wires, keeping maps updated and going over the maps with bored grandkids is what some people may be after to fill their days.

That’s funny. I labeled the switches and outlets in my shop, but the wife says no way in the house. Hence the map - which will take me all of an hour to draw up.

 

[rharman]

This was going to be one of the first projects when I retired - 9 months ago. Not even started yet - Ooops.

I've had a circuit tracer in my toolbox for YEARS just for this task - used it a couple of times for a specific circuit test but never spent the time to do the whole house.
.

 

[ddurrett896]

I prefer a map since circuits sometimes split rooms. Print a copy, put into a plastic sleeve next to each panel.

 

[Noltz]

Mine was done on the fly a couple years ago before some changes, but it still takes the guesswork out of 90% of the jobs. Next house I'll make better one. Especially for the shop.

 

[lolaetype]

Wouldn't it be easier to just number the breakers and put a small adhesive number on the outlet/fixture?

Remove the switch or outlet cover plate. Use a sharpie to write the breaker number on the backside of the plate.

Edit: I see that's already mentioned.

 

[Max]

Remove the switch or outlet cover plate. Use a sharpie to write the breaker number on the backside of the plate.

Edit: I see that's already mentioned.

That is a very straightforward approach that makes sense. But it has a has a couple of limitations - don‘t mix up the outlet covers when painting. Also it’s kinda hard to mark lights that way. There are a lot of good ideas in this thread - just pick the one that works fir you…

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

When we bought the house I did a pencil drafting of the floorplan and then photocopied it.

I then "layered" the electrical layout onto a copy. I recently scanned that drawing and started updating it electronically . . . I probably should have started from scratch with CAD but it works for me.

Here is where we are at this point. My electricians messed me up when they did the panel swap many years ago - they didn't "Map the breakers" so I had to figure it out myself and update accordingly.



I do label the outlets in the basement and garage with the breaker number, but the WAF is too low to do in the main house areas.

Cheers

Jim

 

[rharman]

Remove the switch or outlet cover plate. Use a sharpie to write the breaker number on the backside of the plate.

Edit: I see that's already mentioned.

What bugs me about this method is that you have no "at a glance" way to determine what breaker is relevant. If you have to pull a cover plate off, that just seems to be a huge time **** to me. And, what a pain for exterior or ceiling mounted outlets.

That's why I'm planning on using both the floorplan/map and a numerical list approach.

 

[Joemctag]

I use a copy of the floor plan and colored pencils. A dot with breaker number at box and corresponding colored dots at each outlet. Not high tech but works for me

Same here. I want to be able to see it. Main panel and sub are in hallway. I put a framed, hinged mirror over them and when I swing it open, the map (floor plan) is there and also drawings of the panels with circuits colors and numbered. For example: the lower left fuse is labeled 5 and colored orange and on the floorplan. All the receptacles, overhead light boxes, etc., are colored also.

 

[sz0k30]

Did mine years ago. It took a while to go thru it originally, but now there's no questions about what controls what.