Solar Panel Labeling Articles
A Complete Guide to the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)
NESC is the definitive standard for electric utility system safety. Learn about the code structure & more about the National Electrical Safety Code in this guide!…
Solar PV Electrical Safety: Standards, Best Practices, & PPE
Ensure safe solar panel installations with industry standards, rapid shutdown, grounding, & proper PPE. Protect workers with quality labels & safety equipment.…
Improving Workplace Electrical Safety
Choosing to improve worker knowledge and equipment for electrical safety creates a much safer workplace and improves overall productivity.…
National Electrical Code (NEC)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the ANSI/NFPA-approved standard for safe electrical installation. The NEC is revised once every three years, with the most recent changes in 2017.…
Fire Safety in the Workplace
Fire safety is essential in every workplace. These are the principles that will help your facility prepare for fires and prevent them from occurring in the first place.…
Electrical Wire Colors
Electrical wire colors are essential to the safety of anyone working with electricity. Click here and learn more about electrical color standards.…
![NFPA 70E [Workplace Electrical Safety]](https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/content/images/articles/nfpa-70e-th.jpg)
NFPA 70E [Workplace Electrical Safety]
NFPA 70E was created to help prevent injuries to workers in energized environments. If you’re working with live energy, you need to know this safety standard to stay OSHA compliant.…
Solar System Labeling
In 2017, The National Electrical Code (NEC) made some significant changes to solar system labeling standards. Getting familiar with these updates will help your facility stay safe and efficient.…
Solar Panel Labeling Questions and Answers
What are some examples of good Solar Panel Labeling Practices?
As the solar industry continues to grow and become a more common source of power across the globe, labeling is more important than ever. To ensure transparency, the labeling of solar panels should provide consumers with the information they need to know in order to make an informed decision. In this article, we discuss the… …
Why is it Important to Label Solar-Powered Systems?
When you are installing or managing a solar-powered system, you need to remember that this is an electrical system that has the potential to be very dangerous. In fact, since there are some additional components to this type of system, there will be more places that may need to be worked on, which means more… …
What are PV Modules?
PV modules are an important component of a solar panel power generation system. PV stands for photo-voltaic, which is the method that solar power uses to generate the electricity. A PV module is a system of multiple cells that are combined into one frame. These are often called solar panels as well. A PV module… …
What are the Safety Rules for the Installation of a Solar PV System?
Installing a solar PV system takes a lot of work, and it really needs to be done properly in order to avoid problems. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that solar systems, like all electrical systems, have a variety of safety hazards that need to be considered throughout the installation process. If… …
What are Some Electrical Safety Rules for the Installation of a Solar PV System?
If you are installing a solar electrical system at your facility, you need to make sure that you are following all of the different rules that are in place to help ensure safety. Just like any type of electrical system, you need to make sure that everything is done properly to minimize the risk of… …
Every photovoltaic (PV) installation has to pass inspection, and a large share of the labeling requirements an inspector checks come from the National Electrical Code. Solar labeling exists so that firefighters, utility workers, and electricians know that a system is energized even when the grid is down, where to shut it off, and what voltages and currents they are dealing with.
The requirements are concentrated in NEC Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) and Article 705 (Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources), and they change with each three-year code cycle, so the edition your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) has adopted matters. The labels most installations need include:
- Rapid Shutdown: NEC 690.12 requires a rapid shutdown system for PV on buildings, and 690.56(C) requires a permanent plaque or directory at the service disconnect identifying the initiation device, with specific wording and a red background with white lettering.
- DC Circuit Warnings: NEC 690.31 requires PV DC conductors run inside a building to be marked “WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE” at set intervals, on a red background with white capital letters at least 3/8 inch high.
- Disconnects and Ratings: PV system disconnects must be labeled as such (690.13), and DC systems require a label listing maximum voltage, maximum circuit current, and maximum rated output current (690.53).
- Point of Interconnection: NEC 690.54 and 705.10 require a permanent plaque or directory at the service equipment listing all power sources on the premises so utility and emergency personnel can locate every disconnect.
Because these labels live outdoors, the NEC requires them to be suitable for the environment, and most AHJs expect UV-resistant, weatherproof labels that meet UL 969 for adhesion and durability. A missing or faded label is one of the most common reasons a PV inspection fails.
At Creative Safety Supply, we offer NEC-compliant solar label kits and custom solar labels along with the resources installers and inspectors need. Below we have gathered our solar labeling articles, code summaries, and frequently asked questions.
Getting Started
- Want to learn more about electrical hazards? Explore our electrical safety resources.
- Need a code refresher? Check out our list of regulations and industry standards.
- Have a question about solar panel labeling? Browse our solar panel labeling Q&A hub.
- Ready to get started? Shop our selection of NEC solar labels and label kits.
