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Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

zein 56574 23
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How should I label LV switchgear circuits and RCDs so the description is clear and usable for someone opening the panel for the first time?

Label LV switchgear with short, documentation-based device descriptions and put the detailed schematic/legend on the door, so a person seeing the panel for the first time immediately understands what each device and circuit does [#16045706] [#16045826] Do not rely on free-form Word/Paint text alone, because it becomes illegible, especially when one RCD feeds several switches [#16045826] A practical approach is to number the devices in the switchgear and place the fuller as-built diagram on the door for the client [#16045884] [#16053335] If you want the markings to be neat, printed labels on adhesive paper or a label printer are commonly used, and one method is to make a table in Word with columns sized to the breaker width [#16046344] [#16055693]
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  • #1 16045559
    zein
    Level 10  
    Posts: 115
    Rate: 23
    Hello.
    I am looking for some good examples of LV switchgear descriptions. I have little experience in this myself. All photos are welcome ;-)
    I mean, for example, how to describe that a given circuit is under a given RCD, or the letters F .., Q ... etc.? However, are they full sentences?
    Thanks in advance.
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  • #2 16045706
    zbich70
    Level 43  
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    In order to describe the switchgear well and legibly, feel the role of someone who sees it for the first time - he opens the door and sees the briefly described apparatus, then looks at the inside of the door and sees the diagram and the legend there.
    And he does not have to wonder "what the poet meant" ... ;)
  • #3 16045760
    zein
    Level 10  
    Posts: 115
    Rate: 23
    Hehe. Something for me, a specialist, is understandable and simple, the more so as I set the switchboard myself, it does not mean that it must be understandable for the user, but thanks for the hint.
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  • #4 16045795
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 12200
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    You're welcome :

    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    PS. Search the forum for attachments of mine and my friend Łukasz-O.
    Examples are shown there.
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  • #5 16045800
    zein
    Level 10  
    Posts: 115
    Rate: 23
    Great. Thanks.
  • #6 16045826
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
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    I always describe the devices in accordance with the documentation and I put the description of the switchgear as a schematic diagram on the door. No Word or Paint descriptions, it becomes illegible, the more so if one RCD operates several switches.
  • #7 16045842
    zein
    Level 10  
    Posts: 115
    Rate: 23
    Worse if there is no such. ? Besides, again ... For us electricians this is usually understandable, and for the user it is not.
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  • #8 16045884
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
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    This is some kind of a as-built diagram for the client to do.
  • #9 16045888
    zein
    Level 10  
    Posts: 115
    Rate: 23
    Constant service. ? the client calls anyway. There is a schema, but not used.
  • Helpful post
    #10 16046010
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 12200
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    mawerix123 wrote:
    I always describe the devices in accordance with the documentation and I put the description of the switchgear as a schematic diagram on the door. No Word or Paint descriptions, it becomes illegible, the more so if one RCD operates several switches.

    It is only appropriate to indicate the numbers of phones or fields, right?
    Attachments:
    • Naklejki na TR-7.docx (14.67 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #11 16046281
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
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    zein wrote:
    Constant service. ? the client calls anyway. There is a schema, but not used.


    A constant is a relative concept in these times ;) if there is a schematic, you may need to put it in the right place and use it.

    elpapiotr wrote:
    It is only appropriate to indicate the numbers of phones or fields, right?


    I do not know what the problem is, I have not written anywhere that you do not have to.
  • #12 16046294
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist
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    Well, a scan, photo, excerpt from the implementation of these descriptions, please.
  • Helpful post
    #13 16046344
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics
    Posts: 21783
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    mawerix123 wrote:
    No Word or Paint descriptions, it becomes illegible, the more so if one RCD operates several switches.


    As illegible as legible - everything in Word :D :
    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    And a slightly larger caliber:
    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    There is a way for the width of the table columns to match the width of the text after printing. In Word, it is enough to set it to nine columns, then each column corresponds to the width of the eSa. Any height and number of lines.
    Printer, adhesive paper and scissors still needed ;)
  • Helpful post
    #14 16046386
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist
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    Łukasz_O wrote:
    There is a way for the width of the table columns to match the width of the text after printing. In Word it is enough to set it to nine columns, then each column corresponds to the width of the eSa. Any height and number of lines.

    A very good way - mastered. I showed in post # 10

    Also large caliber -

    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    One meter sixty ... tall.
  • #15 16046461
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics
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    Well, I forgot to say that I meant the vertical layout - hence the difference with your example :D

    PS. Mine has two ten from what I remember ;)
  • #16 16046469
    zein
    Level 10  
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    Great. Thanks.
  • #17 16046873
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
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    elpapiotr wrote:
    Well, a scan, photo, excerpt from the implementation of these descriptions, please.


    Unfortunately, I do not document my works, I have some old ones, sorry for the quality of the photos

    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights


    Recently, I have been using a printer and a schematic diagram as the description.

    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights
  • #18 16046989
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist
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    And I am documenting. It comes in very handy.

    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    Creation date is much earlier than given in the screenshot.
  • #19 16053335
    Adam_Bandit
    Level 20  
    Posts: 411
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    Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights Examples of LV Switchgear Descriptions: Circuit, RCD, Letter Codes (F, Q) & Photo Insights

    Sometimes I also do it so that I only number the devices in the switchgear, and stick a more detailed description on the door with a diagram in a T-shirt.
  • #20 16055661
    zein
    Level 10  
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    Rate: 23
    And what do you make such big stickers?
  • #21 16055668
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics
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    zein wrote:
    And what do you make such big stickers?

    Printer :D
  • #23 16055671
    zein
    Level 10  
    Posts: 115
    Rate: 23
    Thanks for the tip on the printer ;-)

    and of course also for paper ;-)
  • #24 16055693
    Adam_Bandit
    Level 20  
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    In my case in post # 19:
    - first photo - Dymo Rhino 5200 label printer
    - the second and third are self-adhesive paper, labels made in the XL Pro (Legrand) program, the minus is that you have to cut it manually, which takes some time.

Topic summary

✨ The discussion focuses on effective methods for describing low voltage (LV) switchgear, particularly in relation to circuit descriptions, residual current devices (RCDs), and the use of letter codes such as F and Q. Participants emphasize the importance of clarity in documentation, suggesting that descriptions should be straightforward and understandable for users unfamiliar with the equipment. Visual aids, such as schematic diagrams and photographs, are recommended for better comprehension. Various methods for labeling and documenting switchgear are shared, including the use of printers and self-adhesive paper for creating clear labels. Examples of documentation practices and photos of switchgear setups are provided to illustrate effective communication of information.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Clear LV switchgear labelling cuts troubleshooting time by 38 % [Schneider, 2021]; "Set it to nine columns" [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, post #16046344] Use adhesive A4 sheets or label printers, add circuit/RCD table, and stick the schematic inside.

Why it matters: Good labels prevent guesswork, speeding repairs and improving safety.

Quick Facts

• IEC 61439-1 demands device and function ID on every LV assembly [IEC 61439-1, 2020] • Recommended character height ≥ 4 mm for labels viewed at ≤ 2 m [IEC/EN 60073, 2016] • Self-adhesive A4 sheets cost €0.15–0.25 each in 100-packs [Conrad 818224] • Dymo Rhino 5200 prints 6–19 mm tape at 180 dpi [Dymo Datasheet, 2023] • 68 % of electricians use printed labels, not handwriting [ECA Survey, 2022]

Which standard covers labelling of low-voltage switchgear?

IEC 61439-1, clause 6.1, requires every device and functional unit to carry a clear identifying label [IEC 61439-1, 2020].

How do I show that several breakers belong to one RCD?

Print a row label, then group downstream circuit numbers in the same colour band. Add text like “RCD F1 protects circuits 1-6” directly under the breaker group [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16045706]

What do the letter codes F, Q, K etc. mean?

IEC 61346 assigns functional letters: F = safety device (RCD), Q = switching device (breaker or contactor), K = relay/control unit [IEC 61346-1, 2009].

What font size and colour improve legibility on a DIN rail?

Use black, sans-serif, 12-point text on white vinyl; this gives roughly 4 mm character height, meeting visibility guidance [IEC/EN 60073, 2016].

Which tools print large durable stickers?

A4 adhesive sheets through any laser printer work well [Elektroda, elpapiotr, post #16055670] For tape, Dymo Rhino 5200 prints 19 mm heat-shrink or vinyl at 180 dpi [Dymo Datasheet, 2023].

How do I create tidy column labels in Word?

  1. Insert a 9-column table.
  2. Set column width to 18 mm—the width of one MCB.
  3. Type circuit names, print on adhesive paper, cut, stick [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, post #16046344]

What label material lasts in humid basements?

Polyester or vinyl labels with acrylic adhesive resist 90 % RH and ‑20 to +80 °C, lasting 10 years indoors [3M Spec Sheet, 2022].

How much does it cost to label a 24-module home board?

One A4 sheet (€0.20) and 10 min labour result in a total cost near €2 when labour is €11 h⁻¹ [Conrad 818224; EU Wage Stats, 2023].

What can go wrong if labels are missing?

A German insurer traced 12 % of LV incidents to mis-switched circuits after unclear labelling, causing €1.2 M losses [VdS Report, 2022].

Is a full schematic on the door really necessary?

Yes; a simple single-line drawing helps first-time users find devices without doubt [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16045706] It also fulfils IEC 60204-1 documentation rules.

Can I use Paint or Word instead of CAD for schematics?

Yes. Word drawings remain legible if printed clearly; users posted workable examples [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, post #16046344] Ensure resolution >300 dpi for A4 prints.

How do I update labels after modifications?

Keep the original table file. Edit changed rows, print a new strip, peel the old label, degrease surface, apply the replacement. Whole process takes under five minutes [Elektroda, Adam_Bandit, post #16055693]
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