Wire/Circuit Labeling?

[karoc]

Guys at my 1000sq ft retirement home, I started pulling wire back to panel. Pull a circuit to each bedroom(2) then branch off to plugs for that particular bedroom. Back at panel I wrote on outer jacket of romex where it went. But once I go to terminate at panel I will be removing that label. To help me remember say year from now I like some kind labeling to help me both at panel on wire and on panel front. But also where that circuit lands in that particular plug box. Say on plate of that plug, here’s idea. While at hospital I notice that each plug outlet had circuit #’s and panel #’s. Since I only have one panel so that eliminates that info so be just circuit #
Guess what I’m looking for is a good labeling gun that maybe does different size print? Also won’t fade away over time. Open for suggestions,ideas, links to what type gun that work for you?

 

[mike93lx]

You can just write it on the romex jacket and clip that section off to slide back on the hot. Free and easy.

For a panel label, I did mine in excel

 

[dogdog]

I used a label maker just label the wires A-Z etc then on excel with columns for circuit A-Z , CB # , descriptions and ground wire # .

Print with boarders on the cells, clear packing tape to protect it and tape it to the panel. Or you can go as fancy as laminate it.

 

[Hooked]

I used a label maker to do some at my daughters house due to the previous owner doing a crappy job wiring an enclosed porch/extension.

 

[Stuart in MN]

There are a number of label makers out there that will print directly on a piece of shrink tubing.
Also, it's a good idea to use your computer to generate a panel schedule to put on the door of the panel board. If you dig around on the panel board manufacturer's website, it's likely they have a template you can download.

 

[jkuro]

Can't you just label the panel?

 

[karoc]

Can't you just label the panel?

I was wanting to labels wires as I install them on breakers. Once I put the front over breakers then I would put a breaker schedule on inside of panel door. Which this will take me over few weeks to do as I run wire. I do know how to just put #’s on each wire as it’s label on each side. Odd #’s on left and even #’s on right. But I was just trying to see if there’s any good methods out there that any homeowner would understand. Thanks guys for all suggestions

 

[Yankeefarmer]

I’ll second Stuart in MN‘s comment. I use a Brother P-touch and have some shrink tubing ”labels” for it. Looks very professional and clean.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

You can just write it on the romex jacket and clip that section off to slide back on the hot. Free and easy.

Agreed. That is what I have seen in most homes I have owned and it is what I do when I install a circuit. You are only dealing with a few circuits, should be very simple.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Brady label makers have cartridges for printable heat shrink tubing in multiple sizes. I use these on all of my wiring projects.

 

[no704]

 

[P0234]

Label tape comes off. Paint marker for me. Bonus for writing circuit number on the back of the wall plates.

 

[sparky 1971]

For romex I just write it on the end of the jacket, cut off the piece with the writing and slide it back on the hot wire (and neutral if the dreaded AFCI breaker is required). I've been into plenty of panels wired by others and found the same thing. There is no sense in getting too fancy because once the cover goes on, they all look the same.

 

[alien]

Label tape comes off. Paint marker for me. Bonus for writing circuit number on the back of the wall plates.

That plate idea, works until a painter or somebody comes and takes them all off and puts them back on wherever they want. The flat spot where the plate screws into on the receptacle is a great place to mark the circuit number. I also write the circuit number inside the plastic or metal box before the receptacle is installed. I did commercial and industrial electric for 40 years.