OUTLET IDs™

A Proactive Homeowners™ Product

How to install OUTLET IDs™

The Installation Guide from your book, step by step, with photos from a real install of the OUTLET IDs™ Circuit Labeling System.

Installation Guide

Notice

Read the Understanding Your Home’s Electrical System educational information in your book first, so that while installing the OUTLET IDs™ Circuit Labeling System, you can recognize issues and mitigate them.

Helpful to have

Not included, but may be helpful:

  • Another person
  • Cell phones
  • Tweezers
  • Tape
  • Pen/pencil
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Receptacle tester
  • Lamp
  • Circuit finder

  1. Step 1: Read all instructions first & look over materials

    Familiarize yourself with each type of label before applying anything. There are red and yellow Breaker Labels for your breakers, Common Item Panel Labels for dedicated circuits, Clear Labels in both 15A and 20A for your receptacle covers and switch plates, and your NOTICE Label.

    A sheet of OUTLET IDs Clear Labels, numbered with 15A and 20A ratings, laid on the open book
    Clear Labels, numbered in 15A and 20A
    Sample page of OUTLET IDs Breaker Labels and Common Item Panel Labels
    Breaker Labels and Common Item Panel Labels

  2. Step 2: Locate your panel & make a plan

    Locate your service panel. Decide whether you will label your breakers in odd/even or single-row order. Choose your method of determining corresponding breakers. No matter the method, be sure to test both top and bottom halves of each receptacle. Gather supplies.

    An open gray breaker panel before any labels are applied
    Your panel, before labeling

  3. Step 3: Number your breakers

    Apply the red and yellow Breaker Labels next to each breaker. Be consistent and make sure each number is clearly visible.

    A hand pressing a red Breaker Label with a yellow number next to a breaker in the panel
    One number next to each breaker

  4. Step 4: Label common items in your panel

    Apply the Common Item Panel Labels to dedicated circuits on your panel only after you have confirmed which breaker controls each item. Consider placing them on your included cut-out Panel Directory.

    A filled-in Panel Directory with Common Item Panel Labels such as Range, Dishwasher and Microwave beside their breaker numbers
    Common Item Panel Labels on the Panel Directory

  5. Step 5: Match every receptacle & switch to its breaker

    Identify the controlling breaker for every receptacle and light switch in your home by using a circuit finder. An alternative method is to plug a lamp or receptacle tester into each receptacle and turn off the 15A and 20A breakers one at a time until power is cut to the receptacle you are testing.

    For light switch labeling, turn ON the light switch before turning OFF breakers.

    Verify

    BOTH the top and bottom halves of each receptacle should be verified and labeled separately when needed.

    A circuit finder plugged into the top half of a receptacle and a receptacle tester in the bottom half
    Circuit finder on top, tester on the bottom
    A woman at the open panel switching off one breaker at a time
    Turn breakers off one at a time

  6. Step 6: Verify both halves on every duplex receptacle

    Label split receptacles clearly to show both controlling breakers. Check switched receptacles for this as well. Confirm whether the controlling breaker is 15A or 20A.

    Note

    A 20A receptacle, identified by a T-shaped slot, must not correspond with a 15A breaker. If you find this, note it and contact a qualified electrician.

    Once complete:

    Clean the surface and apply the Clear Label with the correct breaker number and amperage onto the receptacle cover or switch plate.

    A woman pressing a Clear Label onto a receptacle cover
    Apply the Clear Label to the cover
    A finished receptacle cover with a Clear Label reading 14 over 20A, its breaker number and amperage
    Breaker number and amperage, right on the cover

  7. Step 7: Tally Sheet · Circuit Diagram · Panel Directories

    Fill out your Tally Sheet and draw your Circuit Diagram room by room as you work through the installation. Once complete, fill out your Panel Directories.

    Sample Tally Sheet page from the OUTLET IDs book
    Sample Tally Sheet
    Sample Circuit Diagram page from the OUTLET IDs book
    Sample Circuit Diagram
    Tidbit

    Receptacles in the same room are not necessarily on the same circuit. Do not assume. Verify the controlling breaker for every receptacle.

  8. Step 8: Apply the NOTICE Label & Panel Directory

    Apply the NOTICE Label inside or on your breaker panel to document that the installation is complete. Tape your Panel Directory inside your panel door, making sure not to permanently cover important panel information.

    Hands adding tape to the back of the Panel Directory before it goes in the panel door
    Tape the back of your Panel Directory
    The filled-in Panel Directory taped inside the open panel door
    Directory inside the panel door
    The OUTLET IDs NOTICE Label inside the panel above numbered breakers
    NOTICE Label: installation complete

  9. Step 9: Place your Limit the Load Magnet

    Place the Limit the Load Magnet on your panel, refrigerator, or any metal surface for easy reference.

    The Limit the Load reference magnet on the outside of a closed breaker panel door
    On the panel door for easy reference
Note

If a breaker fails to work properly, contact a qualified electrician to inspect your panel.

Need help? Email hello@proactivehomeowners.com. This kit is for identifying and labeling your circuits. It is not a substitute for a qualified electrician.