What is the general requirement for labeling a panel with circuit designations?

• A. Circuits must be identified only in the main panel labeling.
• B. Labels are optional if breakers are adjacent.
• C. Each circuit must be clearly identified by its load in the panel directory or on the breakers.
• D. Circuit labels should be color-coded by phase only.

Answer: (C)

Each circuit in a panel must be clearly identified by the load it serves, and that label should be placed where it’s easy to see—either in the panel directory inside the panel cover or on the breakers themselves. This makes it quick and safe to know what each breaker controls, and you should keep the labels up to date if circuits change. Descriptions like “Kitchen outlets,” “Living room outlets,” or “Water heater” are typical and helpful. Color-coding by phase or relying on breakers’ adjacency doesn’t tell you what the circuit powers, so those approaches don’t meet the requirement for clear circuit identification.