Paper tags inside the panel !!?

[gmathias]

I opened a 100 amp distribution panel to find paper tags attached to conductors with string. I've never seen this before, but I don't like the idea. I'm telling the client to have them removed, but am I supported by any documentation?

[nwagner]

You're definately supported by common sense. I'll leave the NEC referencing the regulars...

[gmathias]

Thanks

[Speedy Petey]

That is very common with panels of that era. I think for the small amount of paper present there is no problem with it.
I think a lot of the more "commercial" guys did that back in the day.
Hey, at least the circuits are identified.

Also, that panel is extremely clean. The wiring could be straightened up a bit, but the panel itself is spotelss.

**Edit- Looking back at the pic I think the panel is newer than I originally thought. Must have been an old timer who did it. No one uses those tags any more.

**second edit- typo**

[pdickerson]

Double tapped Neutrals.

[dchew]

The big question is does it pose an electrical or safety problem. Personally, I wouldn't call it out. Normally, what I see is that electricans use scrap pieces of the romex exterioral shealthing to label the individuall cable runs.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by dchew

The big question is does it pose an electrical or safety problem.

You could say that, but I'd disagree.

These paper tags are certainly not "listed components." At the very least, should be reported as such, whether you feel they pose a hazard or not.

[Speedy Petey]

Jeff, we are typically on the same page but I gotta part with you here.

There is no restriction as to how much sheathing we leave on NM cable inside the panel. Only a minimum length.
There is quite a bit of paper in NM cable and I have seen some guys leave 6"+ sheathing so they can write on it.
That is no less of an issue than we have here.

You guys would really put this in a report?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I understand where you're coming from Pete, but this is one of those situations (again) where the electrical "expert" has the latitude to call this "acceptable," where (IMHO) the HI does not.

The paper inside NM is part of a listed component, these tags are not.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Jeff, we are typically on the same page but I gotta part with you here.

There is no restriction as to how much sheathing we leave on NM cable inside the panel. Only a minimum length.
There is quite a bit of paper in NM cable and I have seen some guys leave 6"+ sheathing so they can write on it.
That is no less of an issue than we have here.

You guys would really put this in a report?

I agree I would not even consider calling this .
How many cables have we put on tags and plasic markers .
Most control panels have lots of prints left in them.
Roy Cooke

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

You guys would really put this in a report?

I wouldn't.

[Andrew Shick]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

You guys would really put this in a report?

Nope.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

You guys would really put this in a report?

No, I wouldn't.
Sorry Jeff we just don't see eye to eye on this one.

[gmathias]

Thanks for your "spirited" input. I understand (I think) the black and white of this. I've suggested that they have the paper tags removed as the breakers are labeled on the inside of the panel cover door.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I've been in Vegas and haven't been visiting the board much

Originally Posted by mlarson

No, I wouldn't.
Sorry Jeff we just don't see eye to eye on this one.

That's okay.

This condition would not warrant a "needed" correction necessarily, but I wouldn't consider it a "non-issue."

At the very least, I would have reported the presence of the tags. After that, I'm not sure where I would have gone with it.