Code Change Summary: Rewording of this section places more responsibility in the hands of the inspector when looking at the panel circuit directory for accuracy.

Throughout the NEC^®, the words “adequate”, “inadequate” and “sufficient” are gradually being phased out and replaced with words like “approved”. In Article 100, the word “approved” is defined as acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (the inspector).

The code change below is an example of that. In the 2014 NEC^®, the circuit directory in the panelboard must now have an “approved” degree of detail that allows each circuit to be distinguished from all others. This places more responsibility in the hands of the inspector when looking at the panel circuit directory for accuracy and deciding whether or not to give up a green tag or a red tag.

The main point is that all circuit breakers should be clearly labeled to their purpose, leaving nobody wondering what they do or do not control. As well, the identification cannot be dependent on transient conditions of occupancy. In other words, labeling a circuit breaker “Bobbies room” is great for now but not so great after Bobbie grows up and moves out or the house is sold to someone with a name other than Bobbie.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®.  See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).