SECTION 26 05 53

IDENTIFICATION FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

PART 1 GENERAL
1.1 SECTION INCLUDES
A. This section includes:
1. Identification for raceways
2. Identification of power and control cables.
3. Identification for conductors.
4. Underground-line warning tape.
5. Warning labels and signs.
6. Instruction signs.
7. Equipment identification labels.
8. Miscellaneous identification products.

1.2 RELATED SECTIONS

A. Division 00 – Procurement and Contracting Requirements
B. Section 01 00 00 – General Requirement
C. Section 26 05 00 – Common Work Results for Electrical.
D. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary
Conditions
1.3 REFERENCES STANDARDS
A. Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
1. 29 CFR 1910.144, Standard for Safety color code for marking physical hazards.
2. 29 CFR 1910.145, Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags
B. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):
1. A13.1, Standard for Identification of Pipes.
2. Z535.4, Standard for Safety Signs and Identification Labels
C. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
1. 70, National Electrical Code (NEC).
2. 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
D. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL):
1. 969, Standard for Marking and Labeling Systems.
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Submittals shall be in accordance with the Contract Documents and with applicable
requirements of Specification Section 01 00 00 - General Requirements in addition to those
listed below.
B. Product Data: For each electrical identification product indicated.

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1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. All work performed and all materials used shall be in accordance with the National Electrical
Code, and with applicable local regulations and ordinances. Equipment assemblies,
materials, and equipment shall be listed and labeled by Underwriter’s Laboratories or by a
testing agency acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction and marked for intended use.
B. Manufacturer’s Qualifications: Adhesive-attached labeling materials, including label stocks,
laminating adhesives, and inks used by label printers, shall comply with UL 969.
1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Delivery Requirements: Deliver materials to site in manufacturer’s original, unopened
containers and packaging, with labels clearly identifying product name and manufacturer.
B. Storage and Handling Requirements:
1. Store and handle materials in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Keep materials in manufacturer’s original, unopened containers and packaging until
installation.
3. Store materials in clean, dry area indoors.
4. Protect materials during storage, handling, and installation to prevent damage.
1.7 PROJECT CONDITIONS
A. Maintain environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and ventilation) within limits
recommended by manufacturer for optimum results. Do not install products under
environmental conditions outside manufacturer's recommended limits.

PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1 POWER RACEWAY IDENTIFICATION MATERIALS
A. Comply with ANSI A13.1 for minimum size of letters for legend and for minimum length of
color field for each raceway size.
B. Colors for Raceways Carrying Circuits at more than 600 V:
1. Black letters on a yellow field.
2. Legend: "DANGER CONCEALED HIGH VOLTAGE WIRING" with 3-inch-(75-mm-)
high letters.
C. Colors for Raceways Carrying Circuits at 277 V up to 600V: and conduits larger than two
inches:
1. Black letters on an orange field.
2. Legend: Indicate voltage and system or service type.
D. Colors for Raceways Carrying Circuits at 120 V up to 240V: and conduits larger than two
inches:
1. Black letters on a white field.

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 2. Legend: Indicate voltage and system or service type.
E. Self-Adhesive Vinyl Labels: Preprinted, flexible label laminated with a clear, weather- and
chemical-resistant coating and matching wraparound adhesive tape for securing ends of
legend label.
F. Snap-Around Labels for Raceways Carrying Circuits at 600 V or Less and conduits larger
than two inches: Slit, pre-tensioned, flexible, preprinted, color-coded acrylic sleeve, with
diameter sized to suit diameter of raceway or cable it identifies and to stay in place by
gripping action.
G. Colors for Raceways Carrying Circuits at 600 V or Less and conduits two inches and less:
1. Comply with Section 26 0533.
2.2 POWER AND CONTROL CABLE IDENTIFICATION MATERIALS
A. Comply with ANSI A13.1 for minimum size of letters for legend and for minimum length of
color field for each raceway and cable size.
B. Self-Adhesive Vinyl Labels: Preprinted, flexible label laminated with a clear, weather- and
chemical-resistant coating and matching wraparound adhesive tape for securing ends of
legend label.
2.3 CONDUCTOR IDENTIFICATION MATERIALS
A. Color-Coding Conductor Tape: Colored, self-adhesive vinyl tapes not less than 3 mils (0.08
mm) thick by 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50 mm) wide.
B. Self-Adhesive Vinyl Labels: Preprinted, flexible label laminated with a clear, weather- and
chemical-resistant coating and matching wraparound adhesive tape for securing ends of
legend label.
C. Marker Tapes: Vinyl or vinyl-cloth, self-adhesive wraparound type, with circuit identification
legend machine printed by thermal transfer or equivalent process.
D. Write-On Tags: Polyester tag, 0.015 inch (0.38 mm) thick, with corrosion-resistant grommet
and cable tie for attachment to conductor or cable.
1. Marker for Tags: Machine-printed, permanent, waterproof, black ink marker
recommended by printer manufacturer.
2.4 FLOOR MARKING TAPE
A. 2-inch- (50-mm-) wide, 5-mil (0.125-mm) pressure-sensitive vinyl tape, with black and white
stripes and clear vinyl overlay.
2.5 UNDERGROUND-LINE WARNING TAPE
A. Tape:
1. Recommended by manufacturer for the method of installation and suitable to identify
and locate underground electrical and communications utility lines.
2. Printing on tape shall be permanent and shall not be damaged by burial operations.
3. Tape material and ink shall be chemically inert, and not subject to degrading when
exposed to acids, alkalis, and other destructive substances commonly found in soils,
consisting of a printed pigmented polyolefin film, bright-colored, continuous-printed on
one side with the inscription of the utility, compounded for direct-burial service.
4. Overall Thickness: 5 mils (0.125 mm).

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 5. Foil Core Thickness: 0.35 mils (0.00889 mm).
6. Weight: 28 lb/1000 sq. ft. (13.7 kg/100 sq. m).
7. 3-Inch (75-mm) Tensile According to ASTM D 882: 70 lbf (311.3 N), and 4600 psi
(31.7 MPa).
B. Color and Printing:
1. Comply with ANSI Z535.1 through ANSI Z535.5.
2. Inscriptions for Red-Colored Tapes: ELECTRIC LINE, HIGH VOLTAGE.
3. Inscriptions for Orange-Colored Tapes: TELEPHONE CABLE, CATV CABLE,
COMMUNICATIONS CABLE, OPTICAL FIBER CABLE.
2.6 WARNING LABELS AND SIGNS
A. Comply with NFPA 70, 70E, and 29 CFR 1910.145.
B. Baked-Enamel Warning Signs:
1. Preprinted aluminum signs punched or drilled for fasteners, with colors, legend, and
size required for application.
2. 1/4-inch (6.4-mm) grommets in corners for mounting.
3. Nominal size, 7 by 10 inches (180 by 250 mm).

C. Metal-Backed, Butyrate Warning Signs:

1. Weather-resistant, non-fading, preprinted, cellulose-acetate butyrate signs with
0.0396- inch (1-mm) galvanized-steel backing; and with colors, legend, and size
required for application.
2. 1/4-inch (6.4-mm) grommets in corners for mounting.
3. Nominal size, 10 by 14 inches (250 by 360 mm).

D. Warning label and sign shall include, but are not limited to, the following legends:
1. Multiple Power Source Warning: "DANGER - ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD -
EQUIPMENT HAS MULTIPLE POWER SOURCES."
2. Workspace Clearance Warning: "WARNING - OSHA REGULATION - AREA IN
FRONT OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT MUST BE KEPT CLEAR FOR 48 INCHES
(1220 MM)."
3. Arc Flash Protection Field Marking: All panelboards, switchgear, switchboards,
panelboards motor control centers, motor control panels and electrical control panels
shall be provided with a black on yellow warning sign per ANSI Z535.4 and ISO 3864.
The sign shall read: “WARNING! ARC FLASH and SHOCK HAZARD.
APPROPRIATE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.” The sign
shall be prominently mounted on the front of the equipment, readily visible and
indicate all relevant class information. If the equipment has multiple removable front
covers, a sign shall be mounted on each cover. For flush mounted panelboards in
finished spaces, the sign shall be mounted on the inside of the door or inside cover.
Manufacturers’ standard labels are not acceptable.
2.7 INSTRUCTION SIGNS

A. Engraved, laminated acrylic or melamine plastic, minimum 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick for signs
up to 20 sq. inches (129 sq. cm) and 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) thick for larger sizes.
1. Engraved legend with black letters on white face.
2. Punched or drilled for mechanical fasteners.
3. Framed with mitered acrylic molding and arranged for attachment at applicable
equipment.

B. Adhesive Film Label with Clear Protective Overlay: Machine printed, in black, by thermal
transfer or equivalent process. Minimum letter height shall be 3/8 inch (10 mm). Overlay
shall provide a weatherproof and UV-resistant seal for label.
2.8 EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION NAMEPLATES

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 A. Engraved, Laminated Acrylic or Melamine Nameplate: Minimum letter height shall be ½ inch
(13 mm). Refer to Drawings for Nameplate Detail.
B. Fasteners for nameplates: stainless steel screws that do not change the NEMA or NRTL
rating of the enclosure, adhesive labels shall not be used.
2.9 MISCELLANEOUS IDENTIFICATION PRODUCTS
A. Paint: Comply with requirements in painting Sections for paint materials and application
requirements. Select paint system applicable for surface material and location (exterior or
interior).
B. Fasteners for Labels and Signs: Self-tapping, stainless-steel screws or stainless-steel
machine screws with nuts and flat and lock washers.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
A. Location: Install identification materials and devices at locations for most convenient viewing
without interference with operation and maintenance of equipment.
B. Apply identification devices to surfaces that require finish after completing finish work.
C. Self-Adhesive Identification Products: Clean surfaces before application, using materials and
methods recommended by manufacturer of identification device.
D. Attach signs and plastic labels with mechanical fasteners appropriate to the location and
substrate.
E. System Identification Color-Coding Bands for Raceways Larger than Two Inches: Each
colorcoding band shall completely encircle conduit. Locate bands at changes in direction, at
penetrations of walls and floors, at 30-foot maximum intervals in straight runs, in electrical
rooms and vaults color shall be solid, see “Raceways” Section.
F. System Identification Labels for Raceways carrying circuits above 600V: Locate labels at
changes in direction, at penetrations of walls and floors, at 30-foot maximum intervals in
straight runs, at 10-foot maximum intervals in electrical rooms and vaults, and within six
inches of pull or junction boxes.
G. System Identification Labels for Raceways carrying circuits 600V and less: Locate labels at
changes in direction, at penetrations of walls and floors, at 30-foot maximum intervals in
straight runs.
H. Underground-Line Warning Tape: During backfilling of trenches install continuous
underground line warning tape. Use multiple tapes where width of multiple lines installed in a
common trench or concrete envelope exceeds 18 inches overall. Comply with Section 26
0543.
I. Painted Identification: Comply with requirements in painting Sections for surface preparation
and paint application.
3.2 IDENTIFICATION SCHEDULE

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 A. Accessible Raceways and Cables within Buildings: Identify the covers of each junction and
pull box of the following systems with self-adhesive vinyl labels with the wiring system
legend, system voltage, and panel/circuit number. System legends shall comply with Section
26 0533 – 3.5.D.
1. Normal power.
2. Emergency power.
3. UPS.
B. Power-Circuit Conductor Identification, 600 V or Less: For conductors in electric rooms or
vaults pull and junction boxes, manholes, and handholes, use color-coding conductor tape to
identify the phase.
1. Color-Coding for Phase and Voltage Level Identification, 600 V or Less: Use colors
listed below for ungrounded service, feeder, and branch-circuit conductors.
a. Color shall be factory applied.
b. Colors for 208/120-V Circuits:
1) Phase A: Black.
2) Phase B: Red.
3) Phase C: Blue.
4) Neutral: White.
5) Ground: Green.
c. Colors for 480/277-V Circuits:
1) Phase A: Brown.
2) Phase B: Orange.
3) Phase C: Yellow.
4) Neutral: Gray.
5) Ground: Green with Yellow Stripe.
d. Field-Applied, Color-Coding Conductor Tape: Apply in half-lapped turns for a
minimum distance of 6 inches (150 mm) from terminal points and in boxes
where splices or taps are made. Apply last two turns of tape with no tension to
prevent possible unwinding. Locate bands to avoid obscuring factory cable
markings.
e. Switch loops shall retain correct color code with a white tracer.
f. For new work in existing buildings, the existing identification method shall be
used for new conductors provided it meets all requirements of this Section and
the NEC.
C. Install instructional sign including the color code for grounded and ungrounded conductors
using adhesive-film-type labels.
D. Emergency Sources: A sign shall be placed at the service entrance equipment indicating the
type and location of on-site emergency power sources per NEC Art. 700.
E. Elevator Disconnects: Provide “Fed From” signs indicating the location of the supply side
OCPD for each elevator power source.
F. Conductors to Be Extended in the Future: Attach write-on tags to conductors and list source.
G. Auxiliary Electrical Systems Conductor Identification: Identify field-installed alarm, control,
and signal connections.
1. Identify conductors, cables, and terminals in enclosures and at junctions, terminals,
and pull points. Identify by system and circuit designation.
2. Use system of marker tape designations that is uniform and consistent with system
used by manufacturer for factory-installed connections.
3. Coordinate identification with Project Drawings, manufacturer's wiring diagrams, and

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 the Operation and Maintenance Manual.
H. Locations of Underground Lines: Identify with underground-line warning tape for power,
lighting, communication, and control wiring and optical fiber cable.
1. Install underground-line warning tape for both direct-buried cables and cables in
raceway.
I. Workspace Indication: Install floor marking tape to show working clearances in the direction
of access to live parts. Workspace shall be as required by NFPA 70 and 29 CFR 1926.403
unless otherwise indicated. Do not install at flush-mounted panelboards and similar
equipment in finished spaces.
J. Arc Flash warning labels shall be provided on all new electrical equipment and existing
equipment that has been modified a part of a project and conform to Arc Flash report.
K. Warning Labels for Indoor Cabinets, Boxes, and Enclosures for Power and Lighting:
Bakedenamel warning signs or Metal-backed, butyrate warning signs.
1. Comply with 29 CFR 1910.145.
2. Identify system voltage.
3. Apply to exterior of door, cover, or other access.
4. For equipment with multiple power or control sources, apply to door or cover of
equipment including, but not limited to, the following:
a. Power transfer switches.
b. Controls with external control power connections.
c. Other equipment as indicated on the Drawings.
L. Operating Instruction Signs: Install instruction signs to facilitate proper operation and
maintenance of electrical systems and items to which they connect. Install instruction signs
with approved legend where instructions are needed for system or equipment operation.
M. Emergency Operating Instruction Signs: Install instruction signs with white legend on a red
background with minimum 3/8-inch- (10-mm-) high letters for emergency instructions at
equipment used for power transfer and load shedding.
N. Provide permanent nameplates for all pull and junction boxes identifying circuits, voltage,
and source.
O. Wiring device identification: comply with Section 26 2726 – 3.2.B.
P. Equipment Identification Nameplates: On each unit of equipment, install unique designation
nameplate that is consistent with wiring diagrams, schedules, and the Operation and
Maintenance Manual. Apply nameplates to Switchgears, Switchboards, Distribution Panels,
Panelboards, Transformers, Individual Starters, Contactors, Disconnect Switches, Transfer
Switches, Control Panels and Similar Equipment. Systems include power, lighting, and
control systems unless equipment is provided with its own identification.
1. Colors for equipment nameplates:
a. NORMAL power system:
1) 120V – 240V: black letters on white background.
2) 277V – 600V: black letters on orange background.
3) 600V and up: black letters on yellow background.
b. Emergency (EM) & Essential (ES) 480/277V loads as defined by NEC Art. 700
– Red letters w/black outline on Orange background.

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 c. LIFE SAFETY loads as defined by NEC Art. 700: white letters on red
background.
d. Emergency (EM) & Essential (ES) 208/120V as defined by NEC Art. 700 – Red
letters on white background.
e. LEGALLY REQUIRED loads as defined by NEC Art. 701(elevators, smoke
control, HVAC, etc.)
f. OPTIONAL STANDBY loads as defined by NEC Art. 702 (Labs, HVAC, etc.):
Red letters on white background.
2. Labeling Instructions:
a. Identify the piece of equipment, the source, voltage characteristics, and the
load served
b. Indoor Equipment: Engraved, laminated acrylic or melamine nameplate. Unless
otherwise indicated, provide a single line of text with 1/2-inch- (13-mm-) high
letters on 1-1/2-inch- (38-mm-) high label; where two lines of text are required,
use labels 2 inches (50 mm) high.
c. Outdoor Equipment: Engraved, laminated acrylic or melamine nameplate.
Unless otherwise indicated, provide a single line of text with one-inch- (26-mm-)
high letters on 3-inch- (76-mm-) high label; where two lines of text are required,
use labels 4 inches (100 mm) high.
d. Elevated Components: Increase sizes of nameplates and letters to those
appropriate for viewing from the floor.
e. Fasten nameplates with appropriate stainless-steel screws that do not change
the NEMA or NRTL rating of the enclosure. Stick-on or adhesives are not
acceptable unless the NEMA enclosure rating is compromised, then only epoxy
adhesive shall be used to attach nameplates.

END OF SECTION 26 05 53

IDENTIFICATION FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 26 0553-8