An electrical panel schedule provides key data for commercial service businesses performing electrical inspections, repair, or new construction projects.
A panel schedule organizes electrical information, such as circuit numbers and breaker amperage, with corresponding equipment or locations in a building. Electrical engineers typically create the document during the electrical design process to record electrical system information.
A panel schedule also serves as an important reference for future electrical system projects, ensuring electricians maintain a balanced electrical load. The National Fire Protection Association’s National Electrical Code® (NEC) also requires clear circuit identification on panelboards, circuit breakers, and switchboards.
In this guide, we’ll break down what an electrical panel schedule should include, why you need them in your commercial projects, which mistakes to avoid, and the best tools to create accurate electrical panel schedules.
What Is a Panel Schedule in Electrical Work?
A panel schedule in electrical work is an organized chart that details electrical system data, including breaker amperage, circuit descriptions, and load calculations. The panel schedule also includes system voltage, type of electrical phase, and wiring information.
A panel schedule may also be referred to as a circuit directory, but it’s much more than simply a label for a power system. It’s a detailed document showing all the information related to the electrical panel, such as load measurements, to ensure the system operates efficiently and safely with a balanced load.
A panel schedule improves safety and planning by:
Ensuring proper load distribution to balance circuits and prevent overloading.
Identifying the power source and electrical capacity of equipment in the event of maintenance, repair, or replacement.
Providing connected load measurements for safe and efficient electrical additions.
Mapping out any spare circuits for future electrical projects.
The NEC requires circuit identification on distribution panels. This means electricians performing new construction or an electrical panel retrofit must follow NEC standards based on the rules of the local jurisdiction.
A panel schedule also helps businesses conduct electrical inspections more efficiently as they work to ensure client safety and electrical code compliance.
>> Want to streamline inspections? Download ServiceTitan’s free electrical panel inspection checklist.
What Information Is Included in an Electrical Panel Schedule?
The information in an electrical panel schedule varies depending on the complexity of the system. It’s best to include as much detail as possible for your clients and electricians who will work on the system in the future.
A panel schedule typically includes the following information:
Panel identification: Identify the panel or subpanel with its name or alphanumeric characters, such as A1.
Phase: Identify the phase of how power is delivered. Commercial buildings typically use a three-phase power system.
Voltage: Commercial three-phase systems typically operate at 120/208 volts or 277/480 volts.
Number of wires
Type of wire
Circuit sizes
Circuit identification numbers
Circuit calculations: Determine the circuit’s kilovolt-amperes (kVA) and amps (A) for Phase A, B, and C.
Breaker rating: The circuit breaker’s capacity.
Load classification: Identifies the type of load, such as HVAC or lighting.
Demand factor: A ratio of the system’s maximum demand to the total connected load.
Demand load: The amount used for the load calculation.
Total connected load: The total of all the connected loads.
Total demand load: The total amount of demand load.
Any other specific factors that should be noted.
In addition to a panel schedule, a single-line diagram can be a helpful tool to map a system’s electrical components and connections, such as conductors, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and motors.
>> Looking for more tools? Check out our electrician load list template.
Why Panel Schedules Matter in Commercial Electrical Jobs
Electrical panel schedules list important data to keep your clients safe and ensure electrical systems work efficiently. It’s especially important in commercial or industrial projects, as these systems are complex and require more amps to run large or specialized equipment.
Accurate panel schedules provide:
Compliance with NEC and local building codes: Complying with NEC and local codes ensure safe design, installation and inspections standards. The NEC, specifically Article 408.4(A), lays out the requirements for proper panel labeling. This includes labels placed at each switch or circuit breaker for a switchboard or switchgear, and a circuit directory for a panelboard.
Proper load balancing: A balanced load prevents damaged equipment and safety hazards such as short circuits, outages, overheating, or electrical fires. When a system evenly distributes power, it functions efficiently and improves equipment function and lifespan.
Effective troubleshooting and maintenance: Guesswork in electrical maintenance or repair can lead to disastrous results. Accurate system data tells electricians what they need to know when equipment isn’t working properly or needs an upgrade. A panel schedule identifies the equipment’s power sources and wiring information.
Asset tracking and safety verification: A panel schedule enables comprehensive electrical inspections. The information helps electricians verify capacity, test circuit breakers, examine wiring, and check for damage. Identifying and fixing potential issues keeps clients safe and equipment functioning properly.
An electrical panel schedule organizes electrical system data in one document to ensure proper system design and efficient operation.
Tools for Creating Accurate Panel Schedules
Commercial service businesses often rely on manual tools to create panel schedules. While programs like Microsoft Excel or Adobe Acrobat get the job done, it takes a lot of time to create charts from scratch.
Electrical engineers may use panel schedule templates in AutoCAD MEP or Revit. But these programs don’t provide the tools to connect electrical jobs with your business.
ServiceTitan electrical contractor software gives electricians digital tools to work more efficiently in the field and streamline service to your clients. This includes:
Complete job data: Using a technician app, techs see client data, all electrical service history, current job tasks, and any outstanding invoices.
Mobile data capture: With the app, techs can record job data in the field. To increase the accuracy of electrical inspections, create and upload customized forms and assign them to specific jobs, customers, locations, or equipment. Digital checklists ensure consistency and eliminates lost paperwork in the field.
Photo uploads: Techs can take and upload photos of electrical panels or equipment, documenting key job information and protecting the integrity of your work.
Electrical templates: Use customizable electrical templates to save time and improve service.
Cloud storage: Gain access to job data from anywhere with ServiceTitan’s centralized, secure cloud storage. Techs can work offline and data automatically syncs once they’re back in service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Panel Scheduling
Avoid common panel scheduling mistakes to ensure systems and equipment operate safely. Doing it right the first time eliminates potential problems during future building expansions or equipment upgrades. Follow proper procedures and create accurate panel schedules to deliver quality service to your clients.
Common mistakes to avoid in panel scheduling include:
Incorrect sizing: An incorrectly sized breaker or the wrong wire size can lead to the breaker frequently tripping, and safety hazards such as overheating or fires. Use load calculations to determine the correct breaker size and NEC charts to determine the correct ampacity rating of wire sizes.
Imbalanced phase load: An imbalanced load occurs when voltages are not evenly distributed among the system’s phases. It can cause equipment to work inefficiently and damage the system. Calculate and test potential voltage imbalances to ensure even load distribution.
Omitting critical loads: Overlooking key loads results in circuit sizing mistakes, system inefficiency, and hazards. To prevent this, organize and clearly label circuits.
Double labeling: Avoid double labeling to increase precision and clarity. The NEC requires clear labeling defining the purpose of a circuit. In commercial settings, best practices include labeling wires and components like junction boxes and receptacles.
Failing to size for future capacity: While it’s important not to oversize circuit breakers, consider your client’s future electrical needs in the event of equipment additions or expansion.
Following electrical code and carefully organizing circuits, cables, conduits, and wires reduces mistakes and enables electricians to locate the right components quickly.
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How ServiceTitan Supports Commercial Electrical Teams
ServiceTitan empowers electrical contractors to work more efficiently, improve customer service, and grow revenue.
ServiceTitan’s all-in-one electrical contractor software provides a full array of tools to create profitable proposals, streamline service in the field, and track real-time job data.
Create profitable proposals every time
Using ServiceTitan’s proposal templates and real-time estimating tools, electrical contractors can easily build profitable and professional-looking proposals. ServiceTitan electrical proposal software enables contractors to build proposals with multiple price points and client financing options, increasing conversion rates. It also provides the tools to follow-up on unsold estimates, ensuring potential jobs don’t fall through the cracks.
Accurately record job data and improve service
With ServiceTitan’s mobile app, electricians possess all customer data and job details, so they’re prepared for the job before they arrive. To facilitate consistent, accurate inspections, electrical businesses can upload customized recurring inspection templates. They can also automatically trigger the form at a particular point in the job cycle, ensuring electricians complete inspections before closing out the job.
Keep tabs on electrical inventory
Centralize inventory management to keep track of electrical inventory like panels, circuits, transformers, and wiring. ServiceTitan’s barcode scanning feature keeps real-time inventory data at your fingertips. You can even automatically trigger materials replenishment based on stock levels, streamlining purchasing and improving inventory cost management.
Know the numbers to grow and scale faster
Get a real-time snapshot of your budgeted versus actual numbers to ensure your jobs stay on budget and on time. ServiceTitan electrical job costing software breaks down job costs based on equipment, materials, purchase orders, commissions, and labor units. This improves project management and profitability of each job. Reporting dashboards show the big picture, enabling electrical contractors to understand which jobs are the most profitable and where to make improvements.
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Related Glossary Terms to Know
Breaker Panel: A breaker panel is an electrical component that distributes power to buildings and equipment. Panels include the main breaker, which is the central point of distribution, and a subpanel, which supplies power to additional circuits.
Phase: A phase describes how power is delivered. Typically, residential panels use a single-phase system, while commercial panels use a three-phase system.
Load Calculation: A load calculation is the measurement of power needed for service. It involves calculating the amount of electricity needed for a building and equipment and using formulas to determine the proper size panel and electrical components.
Ground Fault: A ground fault occurs when a hot wire bypasses a circuit and flows into the ground. It is caused by many reasons, including loose wiring, worn insulation, or faulty appliances.
