Code Change Summary: New code section requires proper identification of power sources.

Accurate identification of all power sources at a building or structure is critical. When the first responder arrives during a fire or other kind of emergency that requires all premises power to be disconnected, they should be able to ascertain the situation and quickly locate all means required to disconnect the premises from all sources of electricity.

In the 2020 NEC^®, new Section 480.7(G)(1) requires plaques or directories to be installed in accordance with 705.10 and 712.10 unless the exception applies (stationary battery systems with a voltage not over 60 volts dc).

Section 705.10 is about identifying all interconnected power production sources at a premises and requires the following:

• A permanent plaque or directory installed at each service equipment location, or at an approved readily visible location.
• The plaque or directory shall denote the location of each power source disconnecting means for the building or structure and be grouped with other plaques or directories for other on-site sources.
• The plaque or directory shall be marked with the wording “CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER.”
• Any posted diagrams shall be correctly oriented with respect to the diagram's location.
• The marking shall comply with 110.21(B).

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.